Justice Dept. Reaches $138.7 Million Settlement Over F.B.I.’s Failures in Nassar Case

The Justice Department said on Tuesday it would pay $138.7 million to resolve claims by young women and girls, including many top female gymnasts, of sexual abuse by the former U.S.A. Gymnastics doctor Lawrence G. Nassar.

The far-reaching settlement, which covers 139 claims, stems from the failure of F.B.I. officials to promptly investigate allegations that would ultimately lead to a horrifying conclusion: Mr. Nassar had sexually assaulted hundreds of women and girls under the guise of examinations and treatment.

It likely signals the end of a yearslong effort by the gymnasts — including the Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman — to achieve a measure of justice in the courtroom. It also reflects public recognition that the institutions entrusted to protect young female athletes failed to protect them.

Lawyers for the young women hailed the settlement, which brings total civil payouts associated with Mr. Nasser to about $1 billion. But they cast the government’s monetary compensation for its early reluctance to fully investigate Mr. Nassar as a case of too little, too late.

“These women were assaulted because of the F.B.I.’s failure and there is no amount of money that will make them whole again,” said Mick Grewal, a lawyer for 44 of the claimants, including one who died by suicide. “Their goal with all this was to make sure that this never happens again.”

Mr. Grewal said he hoped the deal would “close the book on this, and this will help lead them on the path to healing.”