Hanford Nuclear Site Radiation & Asbestos Cancer Claims

Hanford Radiation Exposure Lawyer

The Hanford Nuclear Site in Washington state was one of several hundred U.S. plants that aided in nuclear weapons production, and also endangered workers through high doses of ionizing radiation, later causing multiple fatal forms of cancer in dozens of workers.

Workers at such atomic weapons factories, producing plutonium and uranium for nuclear weapons, have been known for many years to suffer from a higher rate of brain cancer (glioblastoma), lung cancer, leukemia, intestinal and blood cancers than the rest of the American population.

By the 1970s, a substantial body of medical literature began accumulating regarding the negative health consequences of nuclear weapons production on workers and the surrounding communities.

Joseph Lyon is a highly-rated toxic exposure attorney, reviewing claims of radiation exposure nationwide. For a free consultation, call The Lyon Firm.

Hanford Site Workers Cancer Rate

Exposure to radiation is extremely perilous to the health of workers, though the long-term environmental and health consequences take time to manifest themselves.

Further research made sure to note the cause of cancer deaths among former Hanford workers. Former employees have been diagnosed and have died from multiple cancers including glioblastoma, colon cancer, liver cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer, lymphoma and leukemia.

Lyon Firm Radiation Cancer Settlements

Estate of Michael Bauer, et al. v. The General Electric Company (2022) S.D. of Ohio, 1:17-CV-860.

Joe Lyon was lead counsel in complex and first impression toxic tort action involving the deaths of three employees of The General Electric Company who were working together at an aviation testing facility. All three men worked side by side in the same room for many years and all suffered diagnosis and death as a result of glioblastomas.

Plaintiffs alleged a connection between the tumors and radiation exposure in radioactive dust at the worksite. After several years of highly contested litigation involving significant environmental testing and development of expert testimony, the case was settled confidentially and provided recourse and closure to the surviving family members. GE maintains there is no connection. This is the only known tort recovery for workplace radiation exposure in Ohio.

Compensation for Hanford Workers

There is no arguing that workers in the Hanford plant and many other nuclear sites across the country have been exposed to radioactive materials over long periods of time, sometimes without their knowledge.

As a result, a 2000 Presidential Executive Order—Providing Compensation for America’s Nuclear Weapons Workers—established the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation program (EEOICPA).

The goal of the EEOICPA was to properly compensate plant workers and their survivors for their patriotic duty. The program is a positive step in protecting workers, however, some cancer patients and survivors may need further legal representation to receive proper compensation.

The U.S. Government has reportedly already paid out more than $10 billion to victims and survivors of occupational radiation exposure.

Hanford Cancer Lawsuits

Veterans who have participated in a radiation-risk activity during service may be at heightened risk of certain cancers in the years and decades following exposure.

Afflicted Veterans don’t have to prove a connection between certain related diseases and their service to be eligible for compensation. Their survivors and families may also be eligible for benefits if the Veteran dies as the result of ionizing radiation exposure. Specific related cancers include:

• Glioblastomas (brain tumors)
• Leukemia
• Lymphomas
• Multiple myeloma (MM)

Other cancers associated with radiation exposure include cancers of the bile ducts, bone, brain, breast, colon, esophagus, gall bladder, liver, lung, pancreas, pharynx, ovary, salivary gland, intestine, stomach, thyroid, and urinary tract. The VA also recognizes other diseases are possibly caused by exposure to ionizing radiation during service:

• Non-malignant thyroid nodular disease
• Parathyroid adenoma
• Central nervous system disorders