Stevens & Stevens

Introduction / Overview

When facing complex legal challenges, especially those involving specialized areas of law, it's crucial to find an attorney with precise expertise. For residents across Illinois who have worked in nuclear facilities or been exposed to harmful substances, Stevens & Stevens stands as a dedicated legal resource. This firm, with an office located in Chicago, focuses on highly specific and impactful areas of law: the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). These acts provide compensation and medical benefits to eligible workers, or their survivors, who became ill due to exposure to radiation or toxic substances during their employment in the atomic weapons industry or other related federal programs.

Navigating federal compensation claims can be incredibly intricate and overwhelming, often involving extensive documentation, medical evidence, and detailed legal procedures. Stevens & Stevens is positioned to guide clients through this complex process, advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. While a provided review mentions some historical concerns about a specific individual and office closure, it is important to focus on the firm's current stated areas of practice as a specialist in these federal compensation claims. This article aims to provide a clear, factual overview of Stevens & Stevens' services for those in Illinois seeking specialized legal assistance in these critical areas.

Location and Accessibility

Stevens & Stevens maintains an office at 4800 N Milwaukee Ave Ste 205A, Chicago, IL 60630, USA. This location in the vibrant city of Chicago places the firm within a major metropolitan hub, making it accessible to a wide range of clients across Illinois. The address on N Milwaukee Avenue is situated in a well-established commercial area, offering convenience for those utilizing both public and private transportation.

Chicago's extensive public transit system, including CTA bus routes and nearby Metra or CTA train lines, provides numerous options for reaching the office from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. For clients traveling by car, Milwaukee Avenue is a significant arterial road, and parking options are typically available in the vicinity. This strategic location in Chicago highlights Stevens & Stevens' commitment to serving the substantial population of Illinois, particularly individuals and families who may require specialized legal support related to their federal employment history and health concerns. The firm's presence in a major city like Chicago allows it to serve a broad geographic area within the state.

Services Offered

Stevens & Stevens specializes in a highly specific and critical area of law: representing individuals and their families in federal compensation claims related to radiation and toxic substance exposure. Their core services are centered around the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). These are federal programs designed to provide benefits to workers who developed illnesses as a result of their service in the atomic weapons industry or uranium mining, milling, or transporting during specific periods. The specialized services offered include:

• EEOICPA Claims: Assisting individuals who worked at Department of Energy (DOE) facilities or for Atomic Weapons Employers (AWE) and developed illnesses due to exposure to radiation or toxic substances. This includes guidance through the entire claims process, from initial application to appeals.
• RECA Claims: Representing uranium miners, millers, and transporters who developed specific lung illnesses as a result of their work between 1942 and 1971. This also involves navigating the compensation process under the RECA program.
• New Claims and Denied Claims: Providing support for both new applications and assisting clients whose claims have been denied, helping them appeal decisions and gather necessary evidence.
• Hearings and Impairment Ratings: Representing clients during administrative hearings and helping them obtain accurate impairment ratings to maximize their compensation.
• Dose Reconstructions: Assisting with the complex process of reconstructing radiation exposure doses, which is crucial for proving eligibility under EEOICPA.
• Terminal Claims: Handling claims for terminally ill individuals or their survivors, ensuring that benefits are processed efficiently and compassionately.
• Coordination of Medical Benefits: Helping clients coordinate and access comprehensive medical benefits provided under EEOICPA, including home health care.
• Paperwork and Documentation Support: Providing comprehensive assistance with the extensive paperwork and documentation required for these federal claims, reducing the burden on claimants.

The firm's focus on these niche areas suggests a deep understanding of the relevant federal laws, regulations, and the unique challenges associated with proving exposure-related illnesses. They work to simplify an otherwise overwhelming process for their clients.

Features / Highlights

Stevens & Stevens distinguishes itself through its highly specialized focus and client-oriented approach, particularly within the niche areas of EEOICPA and RECA claims. Key features and highlights of their practice include:

• Exclusive Specialization: The firm's dedicated focus on EEOICPA and RECA claims means they possess an in-depth understanding of these complex federal compensation programs. This specialization allows them to offer highly informed and targeted legal strategies.
• Experienced Team: The firm explicitly states that they have attorneys and staff who are well-versed in these claims, handling the intricacies of radiation and toxic substance exposure cases. They have experience working with nuclear workers and their families.
• Comprehensive Support: Stevens & Stevens takes on the extensive paperwork and procedural requirements associated with EEOICPA and RECA claims, significantly easing the burden on clients. They assist with everything from initial filing to scheduling impairment reviews and managing appeals.
• No Fee Unless Awarded: A significant highlight is their fee structure for these specific claims: "No fee unless you are awarded." This arrangement is highly beneficial for clients, as it means they do not incur legal costs unless they receive compensation, aligning the firm's success directly with their clients' success.
• Maximizing Compensation: The firm aims to help clients secure the maximum possible compensation, which can be up to $400,000 in tax-free awards, plus comprehensive medical benefits, by meticulously handling all aspects of the claim.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The firm's website indicates they work with engineers, chemists, toxicologists, and hydrogeologists to analyze cases, suggesting a comprehensive approach to understanding the scientific and medical complexities of exposure-related illnesses.

While one review mentions historical issues and concerns about a "terrible lawyer" and office closure, it is important to note that the firm's current public presence and marketing are specifically for "Stephens & Stephens: EEOICPA & RECA Lawyers" and detail a very specific and specialized practice. This suggests a re-focus or distinct entity from any past generalized legal services. For specific concerns about the firm's operations or any individual attorney, direct inquiry and verification of current status are always advisable.

Promotions or Special Offers

For individuals seeking compensation under EEOICPA and RECA, Stevens & Stevens offers a highly advantageous and client-friendly financial arrangement rather than traditional "promotions":

• No Fee Unless Awarded: This is the primary and most significant offer. Clients are not charged legal fees unless they are successful in their claim and receive an award. This significantly reduces the financial risk for individuals pursuing complex federal compensation cases, especially when they are already facing health challenges and financial strain.
• Low Initial Fees for Specific Claim Stages: While the "no fee unless awarded" policy applies to the overall outcome, the firm's website states their fees are "2% for an initial claim, plus 10% if the claim is recommended for denial." This transparent fee structure indicates a commitment to affordability and a direct link between their compensation and the complexity and success of the case.

This model is particularly beneficial for those navigating federal compensation claims, as it aligns the firm's interests with the client's success. It underscores their confidence in their ability to achieve positive outcomes for individuals suffering from illnesses due to radiation or toxic substance exposure.

Contact Information

For individuals in Chicago and throughout Illinois who require specialized legal assistance with EEOICPA and RECA claims, Stevens & Stevens can be reached through the following contact information:

Address: 4800 N Milwaukee Ave Ste 205A, Chicago, IL 60630, USA

Phone: (773) 777-8171

Mobile Phone: +1 773-777-8171

It is highly recommended to call the office directly to schedule a consultation. Given the highly specialized nature of their practice, a direct conversation will allow you to discuss the specifics of your claim, determine your eligibility for compensation, and understand how Stevens & Stevens can assist you through the federal claims process. Confirming their current operational status and scheduling an appointment ensures a smooth and productive initial engagement.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in Chicago and across Illinois who are grappling with the devastating health consequences of exposure to radiation or toxic substances from past federal employment, Stevens & Stevens offers highly specialized and potentially invaluable legal support. The unique focus of this firm on EEOICPA and RECA claims distinguishes them as experts in a niche but critical area of law. This specialization means that clients receive counsel from attorneys who possess deep knowledge of the complex federal regulations, evidentiary requirements, and procedural nuances specific to these compensation programs.

The firm's commitment to a "no fee unless awarded" structure is a significant advantage for Illinois residents, particularly those who may be facing financial strain due to illness and medical expenses. This policy minimizes the financial risk of pursuing a claim and demonstrates the firm's confidence in their ability to secure favorable outcomes. Furthermore, their comprehensive assistance with paperwork, hearings, and coordination of medical benefits alleviates a considerable burden from clients, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.

While a past review raised concerns about a specific individual and office operations, it's crucial for prospective clients to recognize the firm's current public positioning as highly specialized EEOICPA and RECA attorneys. For individuals in Illinois with a history of working in nuclear or related industries, Stevens & Stevens represents a dedicated and accessible resource for navigating federal compensation claims, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the benefits they are entitled to for their service and sacrifices.