Claim compensation for 9/11 firefighters may be for injuries, disabilities, and deaths due to serving in the line of duty during rescue and recovery operations related to the 9/11 attacks. However, not every firefighter is eligible to claim compensation. And eligible firefighters may not always have a successful claim.
Ways on How to Claim Compensation for 9/11 Firefighters
Apply for a federal grant
If you served as a firefighter or rescue worker on 9/11, you might be automatically eligible to get federal money. The Zadroga Act allows those who served on 9/11 to receive compensation for their injuries and illnesses. The Act provides $4.2 billion for medical treatment, compensation for lost wages, and death benefits.
Serve at ground zero
Suppose you did not claim federal compensation from the Zadroga Act. In that case, you might be able to receive money from a separate state fund created by New York City’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment for 9/11 relief expenses. This money is for those injured by debris and dust at Ground Zero or in the air during the attacks on 9/11.
File a workers’ compensation claim
If you are an incorrectly certified 9/11 responder, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation coverage is given to all responders who got sick or injured while doing their jobs as the first responder on 9/11. This may include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and others.
File a health or disability claim with your employer
If you were injured by a condition covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy, file a claim with your employer. You may be able to receive medical care, lost wages, and money to pay for future medical care while you are off work. Your employer will investigate whether or not the injury results from 9/11 exposure.
File a claim for a ruined life
If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness caused by 9/11 exposure, you may be able to receive compensation from the World Trade Center Health Program. The World Trade Centers’ Health Program gives $3,000 to those with a mental illness or physical injury related to 9/11.
Remember others
Remembering others who died on 9/11 will help you get compensation for the death of your loved one. If your loved one worked on 9/11 or was killed due to working on that day and you did not apply for federal compensation from the Zadroga Act, you may be able to receive money from a separate fund created by New York City’s board of estimators.
These funds are specifically used to remember those who died during rescue and recovery efforts following the attacks.
Visit this website to learn more about how to claim 9/11 firefighters or rescue workers’ medical and financial compensation from the Zadroga Act or state funds. The site also provides information about 9/11 medical treatment and links to a medical provider finder. Information regarding 9/11 workers’ compensation is also provided.
