Actor Denis Leary, who starred in "Rescue Me," a TV show about New York City firefighters set in the aftermath of 9/11, discussed what life has been for many New Yorkers 19 years after the attacks.
On an episode of "Full Circle with Anderson Cooper, "Leary spoke about the number of firefighters and first responders who continue to die due to illnesses suffered after responding to ground zero.
"This is happening over and over again," Leary said.
Leary also discussed how firefighters are in need of personal protective equipment as the coronavirus pandemic persists.
Some data: From 2001 to 2003, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) processed claims relating to injuries and deaths caused by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
In 2011, the fund was re-opened to compensate first responders and individuals who later experienced health problems related to 9/11.
The WTC Health Registry monitors the health of registrants who were directly exposed to the disaster.
The fund received 7,408 claim submissions from 75 countries. Awards were made in 5,560 of those cases and totaled over $7 billion.
The fund received 2,963 death claims. This accounted for more than 98% of eligible families. Funds were distributed in 2,880 of these cases. The average award was $2,082,128 and went as high as $7.1 million.
The fund received 4,445 personal injury claims. Funds were distributed in 2,680 of these cases. The awards ranged from $500.00 to $8.6 million.
The money was tax-free.
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