Claims Arising from Nevada Tests Since testing began in Nevada in 1951, approximately 640 claims have been filed against the AEC through administrative channels as &@ result of alleged test-connected damage or injury. Of the total, 432 were filed as a result of the first two series in 1951 mostly as a result of alleged structural damage from blast effects, and 384 claims were settled by payment to the claimants of a total of $44,352, which represents more than three-fourths of the $53,624 | paid out for claims to date. Test series since 1951 have resulted in about 200 claims. Of these only 14 have been found justified, and they have been settled through payment of $9,282. The 1955 series resulted in 67 claims, of which only four resulted in settlements involving a total of $1,465. Two of the four claims settled were for the loss of turkeys which were stampeded on two turkey ranches in California by the blast of a nuclear detonation. All claims other than those noted as having been settled have been denied. No claim has ever been settled on the basis of alleged biological injury to humans, although the AEC compensated the owners of some horses which were grazing very near the Test Site, within the boundaries of the Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range, and which received beta burns. Amount of the settlement was $5,900. The AEC may settle claims of up to $5,000 through administrative processes. Claims for more than that amount must be sought through court action. To investigate and recommend action on certain claims filed through administrative channels, the AEC has retained the General Adjustment Bureau, which maintains an office in Las Vegas during test periods. Suits in Federal Courts In addition to claims filed through administrative channels, 12 suits have been filed in U. S. courts seeking a total of #1,031,909 for asserted damages or loss of property as a result of Nevada tests. Cne suit, filed by the Barthclomae Corporation in the U. S. District Court for California, Southern District, sought $5,000 from the AEC for alleged blast damage to structures at the corpora- tion's Fjsh Creek Ranch near Eureka, Nevada. In November, 1955, the court ruled in favor of the AEC and disallowed the claim. It is understood that an appeal has been filed. Elma Mackelprang and Dewey Hortt sued for $200,000 in the U. S. District Court for California, Southern District, alleging personal radiation injury. These cases were eventually consolidated, and all culminated on October 25, 1956, when the Federal judge signed Of “Lp O¢ -9- \s