Economic Loss Damages Under the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides financial compensation to eligible individuals who have suffered from 9/11-related health conditions. One of the key components of a VCF award is economic loss damages, which may include lost income, diminished earning capacity, lost employment benefits, and other out-of-pocket expenses tied to a certified condition. Calculating these losses can be complex, but working with an experienced 9/11 VCF attorney can make all the difference.

At Weisfuse & Weisfuse LLP, we help 9/11 survivors and responders navigate the claims process and pursue the maximum compensation they deserve. If you believe you may be eligible, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) defines economic losses as measurable financial losses directly related to a certified 9/11-related illness, injury, or death. These losses typically fall into five key categories:

• Out-of-pocket medical or treatment expenses tied to a 9/11-related condition
• Lost wages or income due to the inability to work caused by a qualifying illness
• Loss of fringe benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions, previously provided by an employer
• Costs to replace household services, like childcare or cleaning, that the injured person can no longer perform
• Funeral or memorial expenses in cases involving a deceased claimant

Unlike non-economic losses—such as pain and suffering—economic losses are often easier to quantify, but still require detailed documentation and accurate calculations.

At Weisfuse & Weisfuse LLP, we help clients build strong claims that fully account for every eligible expense. With awards ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, it’s critical to get expert guidance to ensure you’re not leaving compensation on the table. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.

9/11 economic losses refer to both past and future losses. An individual with cancer and unable to work, for instance, can receive a payment that covers lost earnings and benefits in the past as well as lost earnings and benefits in the future.

When a claim is made to the VCF by an individual with a 9/11-related condition, it is essential to substantiate it with detailed and documented proof of losses. It’s easy for claimants to miss benefits that they are entitled to claim, reducing the total amount of compensation awarded.

Sometimes, this amount is reduced by hundreds of thousands of dollars because of an omission or mistake.

A comprehensive claim that is properly prepared identifies the complete value of lost wages, fringe benefits, pensions, and more.

Legal assistance from a 9/11 compensation attorney can help claimants prevent mistakes and omissions and secure the maximum compensation possible.

Non-economic damages are compensation received for intangible losses that are more challenging to assign a dollar figure to. There are no receipts or invoices for such losses but they may have severely impacted the quality of life.

Usually, economic and non-economic damages are awarded together in a claim. However, non-economic damages may be available for victims even if they have not suffered substantial economic damages (such as inability to work) as a result of their 9/11-related condition.

These damages essentially compensate for pain and suffering associated with a physical health condition, including:

• Chronic pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• inability to function normally

Guidelines and limits for financial awards are outlined by the VCF for 9/11 victims who wish to claim non-economic losses. These are as follows:

• Non-economic damages associated with a cancer-related condition are capped at $250,000.
• Non-economic damages associated with a non-cancer-related condition are capped at $90,000.
• For purposes of calculating economic loss, the VCF caps Annual Gross Income at $200,000 for each year of loss.

Claimants can maximize both non-economic awards and economic losses with the assistance of a seasoned 9/11 attorney.

To discuss your situation and learn more about how we may be able to help you, please call Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP at 212-983-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.