MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Chemical maker DuPont is offering to pay $70 million to settle a toxic exposure case it lost in West Virginia.
DuPont was appealing a 2007 verdict ordering it to spend $130 million on medical monitoring and $55.5 million to clean up properties exposed to toxic waste piled 100-feet high at a former zinc smelter in Spelter.
The proposed settlement announced Tuesday would wipe out $196 million in punitive damages. It must be reviewed by members of the class action and be considered by a judge after a fairness hearing.
Of the $70 million, $4 million would fund a medical monitoring program for people who don't own property but live in the affected area.
Documents show the plaintiffs' lawyers are seeking $41 million of the remaining $66 million to cover their fees and expenses.
