Hanford plaintiff dies of cancer
RICHLAND – A worker who was splashed with hazardous and radioactive waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in 2002 died this week of cancer, one day before a federal appeals court ruled in his lawsuit against a contractor at the site.
Daniel Golden, 56, of Sunnyside, died Tuesday. He had been diagnosed with cancer a little more than a year ago, said his son, Dave Golden.
Before his cancer diagnosis, Daniel Golden filed suit against U.S. Department of Energy contractor CH2M Hill Hanford Group, claiming the accident caused him physical injuries ranging from colitis to sinusitis, as well as emotional distress.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday remanded part of the case back to U.S. District Court in Eastern Washington.
The appeals court found that the lower court was correct in its summary judgment that attorneys had not proven the accident caused his illnesses. However, the appeals court also ruled that the lower court could have considered Golden’s case for compensation for emotional distress and his wife’s case for loss of consortium.
In 2002, Golden was working as a rigger for another Hanford contractor, Fluor Hanford, when the incident occurred. He was working in the tank farms, managed by CH2M Hill, on May 20, when workers inserted a water lance into a tank that held radioactive and hazardous waste.
An O-ring on the lance failed, and about two quarts of liquid waste flowed onto Golden’s coveralls and left arm when the lance was removed, according to information released by CH2M Hill at the time.
In the lawsuit, Golden said he had been splashed with as much as four gallons of liquid waste, leaving him with dermatologic and internal symptoms as well as anxiety, fear of future illnesses and depression.
CH2M Hill said Golden went through a whole-body radiation check that indicated he had not absorbed any radioactive material.
However, Golden’s lawyer said there were contradictory radiological survey reports.
“I want to extend my condolences to Mr. Golden’s family for their loss,” John Fulton, president of CH2M Hill Hanford Group, said in a statement. “We believe that the 9th Circuit fundamentally reached the correct decision.”
Golden’s family members are convinced the Hanford accident caused his cancer, said Dave Golden. They plan to keep fighting for compensation and have requested an autopsy to discover more about his cancer.
“He had numerous tumors all over his body,” his son said.
However, they’ve yet to discuss with the attorney handling the case how Daniel Golden’s death may affect it.
Dave Golden said his father had been on disability in recent years after two shoulder surgeries. He had submitted paperwork more recently to retire, he said.