The state of West Virginia has settled a series of lawsuits filed by people exposed to tuberculosis at Pinecrest Hospital in Beckley.

Lawyer Barry Bruce says 11 clients have agreed to confidential settlements in the suits against the Department of Health and Human Resources. Bruce said Tuesday that paperwork to get the lawsuits dismissed and money distributed is in the works.

Seven victims were nursing home employees. Another was a patient and three others had visited the TB unit.

They contend Pinecrest, which is overseen by DHHR, negligently allowed contaminated air into main areas of the state-run facility in 2001.

State Board of Risk & Insurance Management Executive Director Chuck Jones confirmed an agreement has been reached, but had no further comment. The board insures state agencies.