To continue theme of specialized workers' compensation systems for specific industries, this article will discuss the Energy Employee Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Working in the energy sector is dangerous. You are often exposed to dangerous chemicals, hazards and dangerous conditions. Working in such an environment could make you vulnerable to illnesses or injuries, which could cause you to leave the workforce early. This article will explore this alternative compensation system for energy workers.
In 2000, to alleviate some of these harsh realities, Congress passed the EEOICPA. The EEOICPA was designed to give compensation to federal employees of the Department of Energy and contractors/subcontractors hired by the Department. This is a parallel compensation system for workers in the energy sector.
The EEOICPA was passed to help workers who suffer from a series of debilitating illnesses associated with working in the energy sector including:
Additionally, this Act only protects workers who either work for the DOE or those who were formerly hired by the DOE to do work. You may speak to your manager or employer to inquire if you are protected by the EEOICPA.
If you are an energy worker and are suffering from one of these diseases, then you may want to speak with a workers' compensation attorney. These diseases can be serious and may require years of additional medical costs such as prescriptions, doctor visits, surgeries and assisted care ? not to mention the loss of your wages. Don't leave your compensation up to chance; learn about these programs so you can take advantage of them for yourself and your family.
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