St. George Radiation Victims Fight Back: Holding Companies Accountable for Negligence

For decades, the residents of St. George, Utah, and surrounding areas have lived under the shadow of radiation exposure, grappling with the devastating health consequences of nuclear weapons testing and, more recently, medical negligence. The story of St. George is a stark reminder of the importance of corporate accountability and the relentless pursuit of justice for those harmed by negligence.

The Legacy of Nuclear Testing: “Downwinders” Seek Justice

During the Cold War era, the U.S. government conducted numerous atmospheric nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site, located just 140 miles from St. George. The prevailing winds carried radioactive fallout directly over the town and surrounding communities, exposing residents to dangerous levels of radiation. These individuals, often referred to as “downwinders,” have suffered disproportionately from various cancers and other radiation-related illnesses. More than 60,000 people in the St. George area are reported to have been impacted by the fallout.

The government’s initial response to the growing health crisis was marked by denial and obfuscation. However, mounting evidence and tireless advocacy from victims and their families eventually led to the passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in 1990. RECA provides financial compensation to individuals who developed specific health conditions due to radiation exposure from the nuclear testing program.

RECA: A Lifeline for Victims, But Not Without Limitations

RECA has been a lifeline for many downwinders, providing much-needed financial assistance to cover medical expenses and other costs associated with their illnesses. As of July 2025, 27,309 downwinders had received $1.4 billion in compensation. The program recognizes specific cancers, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, lymphomas, and primary cancers of the thyroid, breast, lung, colon, and liver, among others.

However, RECA has its limitations. The original legislation only covered specific geographic areas and certain types of cancer, leaving many victims ineligible for compensation. Furthermore, the claims process can be complex and burdensome, requiring extensive documentation and medical evidence.

RECA Reinstated and Expanded: A Victory for Downwinders

After a lapse in 2024, RECA was reinstated and expanded in July 2025 through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. Key improvements include:

Increased Compensation: Downwinders and onsite nuclear test participants now receive $100,000, up from $50,000 and $75,000, respectively.
Expanded Eligibility: The program now covers all of Utah, as well as Idaho and New Mexico. It also includes core drillers and remediation workers for the first time.
Extended Filing Deadline: Eligible individuals can submit claims until December 31, 2027.

This expansion is a significant victory for downwinders and their advocates, who have fought tirelessly to ensure that all victims of radiation exposure receive the compensation they deserve.

Recent Radiation Exposure Incident at St. George CT Lab

In a concerning turn of events, dozens of healthcare workers in St. George were unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels of radiation for months due to negligence in the construction of a CT lab. The lawsuit alleges that a lead-lined drywall, essential for shielding radiation, was not installed as planned.

The lawsuit names CRC Construction, B & S Drywall, and Medical Physics Consultants, alleging negligence during the retrofit. Symptoms reported by the exposed workers include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. One worker has since been diagnosed with leukemia.

This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with radiation exposure and the critical need for strict safety protocols and corporate accountability.

Holding Negligent Companies Accountable

The recent radiation exposure incident underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for negligence that puts individuals at risk. In the St. George CT lab case, the lawsuit alleges multiple failures:

Failure to Install Shielding: The construction and drywall companies allegedly failed to install the required lead shielding.
Failure to Detect the Error: The medical physics consultant allegedly failed to detect the absence of shielding during post-construction inspections.

If these allegations are proven true, the responsible companies could face significant financial penalties and reputational damage. More importantly, holding them accountable can help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Legal Options for Radiation Exposure Victims

If you or a loved one has been exposed to radiation due to negligence, you may have several legal options:

Personal Injury Lawsuit: You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: If the exposure occurred during medical treatment, you may have a medical malpractice claim against the healthcare providers or facilities involved.
RECA Claim: If you meet the eligibility criteria under RECA, you can file a claim for compensation from the federal government.

It is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options and determine the best course of action.

Seeking Justice and Compensation

The fight for justice for radiation victims in St. George is far from over. While RECA provides a valuable avenue for compensation, it is essential to hold negligent companies accountable for their actions. By pursuing legal action, victims can recover the compensation they deserve and help prevent future tragedies.

If you or a loved one has been affected by radiation exposure in St. George or elsewhere, it is essential to seek legal assistance. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. We are committed to fighting for the rights of radiation victims and holding responsible parties accountable.