Victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have a decision to make regarding how they want to pursue monetary compensation. Even though Congress has established the Victim Compensation Fund, a taxpayer-funded program designed to settle payment issues in lieu of litigation, many attorneys are recommending that victims file lawsuits outside of the government sponsored system. These attorneys believe that conventional litigation may provide greater compensation for victims.

However, victims who pursue conventional litigation will not be eligible for government compensation. This is the gamble that victims are facing. The government fund provides a quick and easy way to obtain compensation. December 21, 2001 is the first day that claims may be submitted to the fund. The fund is required to deliver payments within 120 days from the date a claim is filed.

Opponents of the fund claim that the government's payout formula may be unfair. Many attorneys say the formula system goes against every American's right to trial.