9/11
COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACKS
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) & WTC Zadroga Act
Did you work in the Lower Manhattan area after September 11, 2001? If you participated in cleanup, demolition, construction, or rescue operations in the vicinity of Ground Zero, you may be entitled to compensation from the federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), regardless of whether you are currently experiencing health symptoms.
The Law Office of Andrew Kaminski, in partnership with Cannata, Hendele & Cannata, LLP, has been representing workers in 9/11-related cases for years. Our attorneys speak Polish, Spanish, and English and understand the unique needs of immigrant communities in the New York and New Jersey area.
What Is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund?
The VCF (Victim Compensation Fund) is a federal compensation program for individuals who suffered physical harm or lost loved ones as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The program also covers individuals who worked or were present in the exposure zone in Lower Manhattan in the months and years following the attacks.
Under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, the program was renewed and expanded. The VCF is currently open for new claims, and compensation covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earnings.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
The VCF program covers a wide range of individuals, including:
- Construction and demolition workers involved in Ground Zero cleanup
- Members of labor unions (Uni Local 85, 78, and others) who worked in the exposure zone
- Volunteers who participated in rescue and cleanup operations
- Residents of Lower Manhattan exposed to toxic dust
- Office workers, restaurant staff, retail employees, and others working in the exposure zone
- Students and staff of schools near Ground Zero
- Commuters who traveled through Lower Manhattan
Important: You do not need to have current health symptoms to file a claim. Many 9/11-related illnesses develop over the course of years. Registering with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is the first step and provides access to free medical monitoring and treatment.
Why This Matters to Polish Workers
Thousands of Polish immigrants worked on the World Trade Center cleanup after 9/11. Many were employed by construction and demolition companies, often without full awareness of the health risks posed by exposure to toxic substances at the site.
Our track record shows that 47 out of 82 injured workers for whom Cannata, Hendele & Cannata, LLP secured a combined $53,000,000 in compensation were Polish. This demonstrates how many members of the Polish community are eligible for compensation — and how important it is to work with attorneys who understand your language and culture.
Illnesses Related to Ground Zero Exposure
Exposure to toxic dust, asbestos, lead, cadmium, and other chemicals in the WTC area can lead to serious health conditions, including:
- Respiratory diseases — asthma, COPD, chronic cough related to WTC dust inhalation
- Cancers — lung cancer, esophageal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and dozens of other cancer types covered by the program
- Digestive disorders — gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease
- Mental health conditions — PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders
- Skin diseases, fertility issues, and other chronic conditions
Our Experience — Proven Results
Attorney Andrew Kaminski, in partnership with Gregory J. Cannata, has successfully represented workers injured in WTC-related work for years. Sample verdicts and settlements obtained by Cannata, Hendele & Cannata, LLP:
AMOUNT / CASE DESCRIPTION
- $58,000,000 - For Uni Local 85 and 78 workers after WTC cleanup following 9/11 — settlement
- $15,800,000 - For a passenger injured in a traffic accident — settlement
- $10,000,000 - For a child victim of domestic abuse — settlement
- $5,250,000 - Fall at a construction site into an unsecured elevator shaft, injuries, severe leg fractures — settlement
- $3,750,000 - Fall from an unsecured ladder, injuries and brain trauma — settlement
- $3,000,000 - Pedestrian struck by a cyclist, injuries and brain trauma — mediation settlement
- $2,475,000 - Fall from a broken scaffold step, injuries and spinal trauma — settlement
- $2,400,000 - Injury caused by a high-pressure water jet, severe hand injuries — final settlement
Sample verdicts and settlements by Cannata, Hendele & Cannata, LLP. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney advertising.
How Does the Compensation Process Work?
- Free Consultation - Contact our firm. We will review your situation, your work history in the WTC area, and your health status. The consultation is completely free and carries no obligation.
- WTC Health Program Registration - We will help you register with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides free medical care and health monitoring.
- Filing a VCF Claim - Our attorneys will prepare and file a complete claim on your behalf with the Victim Compensation Fund, including medical documentation and proof of presence in the exposure zone.
- Compensation - Once your claim is reviewed, you receive compensation. If questions arise or an appeal is needed, we represent you at every stage.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- We speak your language — full service in Polish, Spanish, and English, from initial consultation to final payout
- Proven track record — $53 million in compensation for 82 workers injured at the WTC site
- We know the community — we understand the realities facing Polish and immigrant workers in New York and New Jersey
- Free consultation — no upfront fees; we work on a contingency basis
- Available 24/7 — emergency hotline for accidents, urgent matters, and criminal cases, 7 days a week
