The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was put in place to compensate individuals and their families who were impacted either by their employment in the nuclear and uranium industries or by their exposure to the nuclear radiation that was jettisoned into the environment during atmospheric nuclear tests.
As a RECA law firm, Stephens & Stephens assists individuals or surviving family members with their RECA claims so that they can collect fair compensation from the government.
Even if your original RECA claim was denied, it’s important to know that you may still be able to recover compensation.
RECA and the Claims Process
Certain successful claimants can receive up to $400,000 in total government compensation across all programs. RECA compensation is paid out in the form of a one-time, lump sum payment, and three different types of people may recover varying levels of compensation.
- Uranium Workers – Uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters may be entitled to up to $100,000 in compensation.
- On-Site Participants – People who participated in an atmospheric nuclear test or were present in the official boundaries of test sites during such testing can receive up to $75,000.
- Downwinders – Affected residents of one of the impacted counties in Utah, Nevada, or Arizona during the selected time period can receive up to $50,000.
Filing a claim involves showing a diagnosis of one of the accepted medical conditions and confirmation of residence or employment in one of the covered areas during the applicable time frame.
Although the RECA claims process was created as an alternative to traditional litigation, it still involves a hefty amount of paperwork and an understanding of the process. Because of this, many claimants feel that they can benefit from the help of a representative to help them with their claims.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) manages RECA and also adjudicates claims. If your claim is approved, then you will receive your cash compensation. However, if it’s denied, you still have the opportunity to appeal the decision within sixty days.
Once you file an appeal, an appeal officer within the DOJ has ninety days to either affirm, reverse, or modify the claim. Even if your claim is denied after this stage, it’s still possible to have the decision overturned on judicial review.
If you or a loved one fell ill due to exposure to radioactive or toxic material, you don’t have to accept a denied claim without putting up a fight.
Let Us Help You Appeal Your RECA Determination
The RECA program ends on July 9, 2022. Has your claim been denied? A RECA attorney with Stephens & Stephens can help you file an appeal with no money down and no obligations.
Call 716-852-7590 or enter your details into the form below to request a free consultation.