Certain lines of work can be inherently dangerous. Between 1942 and 1956 the U.S. conducted almost 200 different nuclear weapons development tests. Many of the individuals who were involved in the development and testing of these atmospheric nuclear weapons later went on to develop severe medical conditions related to their exposure to radiation and toxic substances.
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program is the government’s response to these workers and the illnesses they were diagnosed with. You can learn more about what RECA is, who qualifies, and how much you could be compensated through RECA by reading on.
What Is RECA?
RECA was designed to provide some monetary relief to certain individuals who qualify for benefits under the act. In order to qualify for benefits under RECA, you must have been directly involved in the development and testing of atmospheric nuclear weapons at specific locations as any of the following:
- A uranium miller
- A uranium miner
- A uranium transporter
- An on-site participant
- A downwinder
- A surviving family member of an eligible worker
Working or living in various specific facility or geographic locations allows you to qualify for benefits under RECA. For example, downwinders are individuals who lived downwind of the Nevada test site, specifically. This includes areas in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. As another example, uranium workers employed in New Mexico, South Dakota, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Oregon, North Dakota, and Iowa may qualify for RECA benefits.
In addition, you must also have been diagnosed with a compensable condition caused by your exposure to toxic substances and radiation. Some of the different types of medical conditions that may be compensable under RECA include:
- Lung cancer, in certain cases
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Silicosis
- Pneumoconiosis
- Renal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Colon cancer
- Brain cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Other conditions
If you believe you may qualify for compensation under RECA, or if you aren’t sure whether you are eligible, reach out to a RECA lawyer to find out.
RECA Compensation Amounts
The amount of compensation you can be awarded under RECA can vary widely, depending on how you are entitled to benefits. For instance, qualifying on-site participants are entitled to a one-time lump sum compensation payout of up to $75,000.
Eligible downwinders, on the other hand, are entitled to a one-time lump sum payout of up to $50,000. Uranium workers are entitled to a one-time lump sum payment of up to $100,000.
Certain employees may also be entitled to compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), as well. Find out what you could be awarded if you win your claim when you call a RECA lawyer for help.
Get Help from a RECA Lawyer Now
You have the opportunity to file a Radiation Exposure Compensation Act claim, and the deadline to file is quickly approaching. If you believe you qualify for compensation and are interested in pursuing a claim, contact an experienced RECA attorney at Stephens & Stephens.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation when you fill out the quick contact form below or call our office at 716-852-7590.