If You Worked at the Nevada Test Site, You May Be Owed Federal Compensation

You spent years working at one of the most consequential — and dangerous — federal sites in American history. If you or a loved one developed cancer after working at the Nevada Test Site, the federal EEOICPA program may owe you significant compensation. I'm the only Las Vegas-based attorney representative handling these claims in person, and I'm here to help you understand what you're entitled to.

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Our practice includes:


  • Estate planning designed around your family, property, and long-term wishes.
  • Probate guidance for executors, beneficiaries, and families navigating Clark County and Nevada court procedures.
  • Guardianship representation for adults, minors, and emergency situations when court authority becomes necessary.
  • EEOICPA claims assistance for eligible nuclear workers and surviving family members throughout Nevada.


Many clients begin with one concern and discover additional planning opportunities that help keep important decisions organized for the future. We take time to explain each option so you understand not only what documents are recommended, but why they matter.


If you live near Downtown Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Green Valley, Anthem, Centennial Hills, or elsewhere in Clark County, our office is available for in-person consultations. We also offer virtual appointments for clients throughout Nevada.


Within many estate plans, estate planning services work together with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to create a coordinated strategy instead of separate documents prepared in isolation.

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What Is the Nevada Test Site — and Why Does It Matter for Your Claim?

The Nevada Test Site, now known as the Nevada National Security Site, was the primary location for U.S. nuclear weapons testing from the 1940s through the 1990s. Thousands of workers — employed through contractors like REECO and Bechtel Nevada — were exposed to ionizing radiation and toxic substances over decades of testing activity. Many of those workers, and their families, are still waiting for the compensation they were promised.

 

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was created specifically to address this. If you worked at the Nevada Test Site and developed a qualifying illness, you may be eligible for a lump-sum payment of up to $150,000 plus medical benefits — and in some cases, more.

The Special Exposure Cohort: Why NTS Workers Have a Stronger Path to Benefits

One of the most important provisions in EEOICPA is the Special Exposure Cohort, or SEC. Nevada Test Site workers who qualify for SEC status do not have to prove that radiation caused their illness. If you were employed at a covered facility during a covered period and you developed one of the 22 specified cancers, the law presumes your illness is work-related.

 

The 22 specified cancers covered under the SEC include:

 

  • Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
  • Lung cancer
  • Bone cancer
  • Renal cancers
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Urinary bladder cancer
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin's disease)
  • Breast cancer (in men or women)
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Liver cancer (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated)
  • Salivary gland cancer
  • Non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Rectum cancer
  • Laryngeal cancer
  • Bile duct cancer

 

If your cancer appears on this list and you worked at the Nevada Test Site, you may qualify without the burden of proving dose or causation. That's a meaningful advantage — and it's one I help clients use effectively.

Who Qualifies for a Nevada Test Site EEOICPA Claim?

Eligibility is based on your employment history, the contractor you worked under, the time period of your employment, and your diagnosis. Common qualifying employment situations include:

 

  • Workers employed by REECO, Bechtel Nevada, or other covered contractors at the Nevada Test Site or Mercury, Nevada
  • Employees who worked at the site during atmospheric or underground nuclear testing periods
  • Workers who later developed cancer or another covered illness
  • Surviving family members of a deceased NTS worker who had a qualifying illness

 

You do not have to have worked directly with nuclear materials. Support staff, maintenance workers, administrative personnel, and others present at the site during covered periods may also qualify.

Why Having a Local Nevada Representative Makes a Difference

Most EEOICPA representatives work remotely and out of state. I'm based in Las Vegas, and I handle Nevada Test Site claims in person. That means I can sit down with you, review your employment records, help you locate documentation, and walk you through the process without putting you on hold or routing you through a call center.

 

For many of my clients — workers in their 70s and 80s, or adult children helping a surviving parent — that personal presence matters. These claims involve real medical histories, real family circumstances, and real money. They deserve real attention.

How the Nevada Test Site Claims Process Works

1. Initial Consultation

We sit down — in person at my Las Vegas office or virtually if you're in Pahrump or rural Nevada — and I review your work history, available records, and diagnosis to assess your eligibility under EEOICPA and the Special Exposure Cohort provisions.

2. Employment and Medical Documentation

I help you identify and gather the records that support your claim: employment history from covered contractors, medical records confirming your diagnosis, and any additional documentation the Department of Labor will need.

3. Claim Preparation and Filing

I prepare your EEOICPA claim and submit it to the Department of Labor on your behalf, with the documentation organized to give your case the strongest possible foundation.

4. Follow-Through and Advocacy

Federal claims take time. I stay with you through the review process, respond to requests for additional information, and keep you informed at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Test Site EEOICPA Claims

  • Is there a deadline to file?

    There is no statute of limitations for EEOICPA claims, but delays can complicate the documentation process — particularly as records age and witnesses become harder to locate. If you believe you or a family member may qualify, it's worth having a conversation sooner rather than later.

  • What does it cost to work with you on an EEOICPA claim?

    I offer transparent pricing and will walk you through fees during your consultation. EEOICPA representative fees are regulated by the Department of Labor, so you'll know exactly what to expect before we begin.

    Do I need to come to your Las Vegas office, or can we work together remotely? Both options are available. I meet with clients in person at my Las Vegas office and work virtually with clients in Pahrump, Nye County, and other parts of rural Nevada. If you're not local, we can handle everything online without sacrificing the personal attention your claim deserves.

You Served This Country. Let's Make Sure You're Compensated for It.

The Nevada Test Site workers who built and tested America's nuclear arsenal were never supposed to be forgotten. If you or someone you love is dealing with cancer after years at the site, I want to help you pursue the benefits the federal government owes you. Call my office or send me a message to get started.