Obtained Over $60,000,000 Through EEOICPA and RECA
EEOICPA & RECA Attorneys
Stephens & Stephens has obtained over $60 million through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and the Energy Employees Occupation Illness Compensation Act for our clients
$60,000,000+
Obtained For Clients
1000+
Happy Clients
No Win
No Fee
EEOICPA Claim Assistance
You Don't Pay Unless We Win
Exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace is unacceptable, as your employer owes you the responsibility of keeping you safe, following the appropriate protocol, and giving you fair payment for your hard work and dedication. So when your employer exposes you to toxic materials that can severely damage your health and well-being, you are likely entitled to compensation for your losses.
If you want to file a claim for your damages, you may qualify for payment through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, also called the EEOICPA. This program is dedicated to supporting victims under certain employers, giving them greater flexibility to focus on recovery. But traversing the legal system can be difficult, so you may want to work with an EEOICPA lawyer at Stephens & Stephens, LLP during this challenging time. Check out the complete list of facilities covered by the energy employees occupational illness compensation program act (EEOICPA) and for more information, we encourage you to get in touch with our team.
Overview of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA)
The EEOICPA was passed on October 30, 2000, effective July 31, 2001. The National Defense Authorization Act later amended it for Fiscal Year 2002 and the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005.
Under Subtitle B of the EEOICPA, “covered employees” can receive compensation ($150,000 and medical benefits from the date a claim is filed) for working at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility or an atomics weapon employer (AWE) facility. Compensation amounts are provided by an entitlement fund in the United States Treasury, which is replenished as necessary. The funding may be limited or removed only by an act of Congress.
In cases of covered employees who are deceased at the time of payment of compensation, payments are made first to the spouse, then (if no spouse) in equal shares to living children, then (if no spouse and no children) in equal shares to living parents, then (if no spouse, children, or parents) in equal shares to living grandchildren, then (if no spouse, children, parents, or grandchildren) in equal shares to living grandparents.
If an eligible covered employee dies before filing a claim, a survivor entitled to payment may file the claim. Such survivors may also file claims on behalf of eligible individuals who have died before filing an EEOICPA claim. The eligible survivor must be alive to receive the payment.
Who Is Eligible To Make a Claim?
There are two programs cover different groups of workers, and many families are eligible under both Part B and Part E. Our attorneys will assess your full entitlement before any claim is filed.
DOE, Atomic Weapons & Contractor Workers
A lump sum of up to $150,000 plus medical benefits for eligible workers, or their surviving family members, who developed cancer or other covered conditions through radiation exposure.
- DOE facility employees
- Atomic weapons employer (AWE) workers
- DOE contractors and subcontractors
DOE Facility Workers: Broader Illness Coverage
Covers illnesses caused by any toxic substance, not just radiation. Benefits include wage-loss compensation and impairment awards in addition to medical coverage.
- Wage loss: $10,000–$15,000 per year
- Impairment: $2,500 per percentage point
- Medical benefits in certain circumstances
What Our Clients Say
See what our previous clients have said about being represented by Stephens & Stephens.
I received good assistance from Stephens & Stephens in submitting the recent claim for increased impairment benefits from the Energy Workers program.
I feel that without their help this would have been a very overwhelming process.
I plan on still using them if any other illnesses occur due to my employment with Honeywell.
How It Works
What happens after you file your claim
Department of Labor Reviews Eligibility
The DOL confirms whether you worked at a covered facility during a covered period, and whether your illness is a qualifying condition under the program.
NIOSH conducts dose reconstruction
For cancer claims, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates your historical radiation exposure using employment records, badge readings, and an optional telephone interview. You receive a tracking number to monitor progress.
DOL calculates probability of causation
Using the NIOSH report and your personal employment and medical history, the DOL determines the likelihood your illness was caused by occupational exposure. A result of 50% or greater qualifies for compensation.
Decision issued and payment made
If approved, compensation is paid directly from the U.S. Treasury to you or your eligible survivor. No court appearances, no lawsuit — this is a federal workers' compensation program.
Already Denied?
A denial is not the end of your claim
You may have already filed an EEOICPA claim, only to be told you don’t qualify for benefits under the act. That can be disheartening, especially when you’re facing a devastating cancer diagnosis or when you’ve lost a loved one to a radiation-related illness.
But you have three chances to file. Your EEOICPA lawyer can help you resubmit your claim with the evidence you need, including clearer exam results and other necessary information. If you’re worried about getting your benefits, your lawyer can represent you during this difficult time.
Why EEOICPA
Benefits Offered Through the EEOICPA
Do You Need Assistance?
Do you need EEOICPA claims assistance?
If you or a family member worked at a facility that manufactured, tested, or processed uranium or other radioactive materials used in atomic weapons and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $150K plus medical benefits.
In 2000, the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was passed by Congress to provide compensation and medical benefits to eligible workers who worked in atomic weapons programs. Certain survivors of these employees are also eligible for benefits.
This is not a lawsuit but a particular type of federal workers’ compensation provided by the government through the Department of Labor.
There is no filing deadline, but the legislation is re-authorized annually and is vulnerable to budget cuts.
Counsel fees are regulated by statute, and the costs associated with an initial claim are limited to 2% of the lump sum compensation received by the worker or surviving family member. No counsel fees are payable except out of the compensation paid to the claimant by the Department of Labor.
For EEOICPA claims assistance, contact our counsel at 716-208-3525 or fill out our free claim evaluation. We can still offer help if you’ve already filed, even if your claim was denied!