Passed into law in 2000 and becoming effective the following year, the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) is a federal workers compensation program for former energy workers, subcontractors, or surviving people impacted by radiation or chemical exposure.
An EEOICPA attorney can help you determine if you are eligible. If you are, the federal government will provide you with compensation, including cash and medical benefits, for the damages you suffered as the result of EEOICPA Part B covered illnesses acquired after working for the Department of Energy (DOE) or the Atomic Energy Commission.
Below, we’ll break down illnesses covered under Part B of the program.
What Illnesses Are Covered under EEOICPA Part B?
If you or a loved one became ill or even died after working for the Department of Energy or Atomic Energy Commission, you may be eligible for compensation under the EEOICPA Part B.
Because exposure to radiation increases your chance of falling ill with certain types of cancer, for example, you can file a claim for compensation alleging illness due to exposure.
Although all cancers that could have developed as the result of exposure to radiation qualify as medical conditions under the EEOICPA, some cancers may also qualify workers for inclusion in the unique Special Exposure Cohort category (more on that below).
The 22 cancers that the government selected for inclusion in the SEC include:
- Bone cancer
- Renal cancers
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Bile duct cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cancer of the pharynx
- Salivary gland cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Urinary bladder cancer
However, these cancers aren’t the only diseases covered under Part B of the EEOICPA. Others include:
- Chronic silicosis
- Beryllium sensitivity
- Chronic beryllium disease
Paid compensation of $150,000 plus qualified medical expenses can be available to successful claimants with the above medical conditions, provided that they were employed with DOE or any of its contractors or subcontractors, or were atomic weapons employees. If you’re unsure whether or not you might be eligible for compensation, reach out to the EEOICPA lawyers at Stephens & Stephens for help.
Special Exposure Cohort
The Special Exposure Cohort, or SEC, is a select category of former energy workers who were employed at one of the designated SEC worksites and developed one of the 22 above-listed cancers.
People who participated in certain nuclear weapons tests may also qualify for the SEC.
The main benefit of being a part of the SEC is that you wouldn’t be subject to the standard dose reconstruction process carried out by NIOSH, which attempts to demonstrate whether it is probable that exposure to radiation at a DOE or other qualifying site was the catalyst for your medical condition.
The Department of Labor, which makes the final determination on EEOICPA claims, generally expedites SEC claims. If you have questions about Part B, the SEC, or just want help putting your claim together, you can contact Stephens & Stephens for a free consultation.
Get Help with Your EEOICPA Part B Claim
No one ever imagines that they’re going to suffer life-altering consequences from their job. However, the impact of radiation on the lives of energy workers and many others has been well documented. If you want to learn more about receiving compensation for EEOICPA Part B covered illnesses, contact Stephens & Stephens for a free claim evaluation.
Call 716-852-7590, or fill out the form on our website.