It's important to pursue compensation via the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) if you or a loved one is eligible after suffering from a severe illness as a result of radiation exposure. You need to avoid certain mistakes in pursuit of your claim to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
The following are four mistakes to avoid when pursuing compensation via RECA. Read on for more information.
Failing to do your background research on the RECA
You need to learn as much as you can about RECA if you are going to file a claim. You should learn the details on what compensable illnesses are for filing a claim. A few examples of compensable illnesses include cancers of the larynx, small intestine, ovary, lung, brain, and more.
You should also explore the circumstances that can qualify an individual for a RECA benefit payment. Individuals can be eligible due to employment in uranium mining or in various other industries. They can also be eligible due to having lived near certain nuclear sites before becoming ill with certain conditions.
Assuming you won't be eligible for benefit payments as a surviving dependent
The individual who has suffered the illness in question is not the only person eligible for a benefit payment through RECA. In addition, the dependents of the individual who has fallen ill can also be eligible for a benefit payment.
Surviving spouses and children of an individual who has suffered from an illness may be able to pursue a claim after the affected individual has passed away as the result of his or her illness.
Trying to pursue RECA compensation on your own
It's always best to work with a legal representative before pursuing a RECA claim. Trying to pursue a claim on your own can be confusing and frustrating. If you work with a legal representative with RECA claim experience, your representative can walk you through the process of filing any necessary forms.
You'll have more confidence in your chances of having your claim approved with the help of an experienced representative. You can also focus on your own personal and professional responsibilities rather than having to devote a lot of time to file your claim.
Waiting too long to file a claim
There is a statute of limitations on RECA claims. An individual must file their RECA claim within 20 years of the enactment of RECA. This means that individuals need to file their claims by July 11, 2022. Individuals who file a claim after this date will have their claims rejected.
My name is Shawna Banks and this is a blog that focuses on health issues that affect women. I became interested in women's health when my sister began having medical problems. After her condition worsened, she went to see a doctor. After her diagnosis and successful treatment, I helped her research the different kinds of health conditions that are common in women. By becoming knowledgeable about these types of problems, we can keep ourselves healthier. I hope that when you read this blog, it will help you to identify symptoms that shouldn't be ignored. If necessary, you can schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible.