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Yes, there is a class-action lawsuit against Novant Health

The lawsuit alleges Novant allowed Facebook access to patients' personal data without their permission. A settlement has been reached.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several WCNC Charlotte viewers said they've received emails recently telling them they could be part of a class-action lawsuit against Novant Health. 

The first question these viewers have is if it's legit or a scam. As it turns out, the class-action lawsuit is real and anyone who's been a Novant patient could be entitled to some of the settlement. 

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THE QUESTION

Roger and Maedee both contacted Verify saying: 

"I received an email telling me I could be part of a class-action suit against Novant Health. Is this legit? 

THE ANSWER

   

This is true.

Yes, there is a class-action lawsuit against Novant Health. If you were impacted, you could be entitled to receive some of the settlement money. 

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OUR SOURCES

WHAT WE FOUND

According to court records, there was a class-action lawsuit against Novant and a settlement was reached. The plaintiffs say Novant allowed Facebook access to its patients' chart data without the patients' permission between May 1, 2020, and Aug. 12, 2022. That information could include the patients' contact information, appointment dates, IP addresses and menu selections. 

Mauney, who isn't associated with this lawsuit, says when cases like this affect many people, there are laws that allow a class-action lawsuit. 

"A series of state and federal laws allow you to sue when there has been a leak of that certain type of information," Mauney said. 

Under the settlement, patients have until May 6 to submit a claim. You can see a part of it here.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookX and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.

VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.

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