DOE Continues to Challenge Former Hanford Workers’ Compensation Claims
In Washington state, the Department of Energy (DOE) continues to fight workers' compensation claims filed by former Hanford nuclear site workers. Despite a 2018 state law that shifted the burden of proof to the DOE to demonstrate that illnesses were…
Seattle Tacoma, WA, October 22, 2026 —
The U.S. Department of Energy continues to challenge workers’ compensation claims filed by former workers at Washington state’s Hanford nuclear site, despite a state law enacted in 2018 that shifted the burden of proof to the agency.
Under the law, the DOE must demonstrate that an illness was not work-related. The agency continues to challenge and deny claims and appeal decisions, according to the information provided. Those actions have led to prolonged legal battles for ill former workers and their families.
The summary does not identify individual workers, specify the illnesses involved, or provide the number of claims being contested. It also does not give details about particular appeals, their outcomes, or how long the disputes have lasted. The names of any claimants or representatives and the DOE’s explanation for contesting specific claims were not provided.
The information describes an ongoing dispute over how the 2018 law is applied in workers’ compensation cases involving former Hanford workers. While the law places the burden on the DOE to show that an illness was not work-related, the agency’s challenges, denials and appeals continue to leave some cases in extended legal proceedings. No figures on claim approvals, denials, or costs were provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Lizz Giordano on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.
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