Atrium Health Urology $2.5M Class Action Settlement

Patients who received treatment at Atrium Health Urology between April 1, 2021, and Sept. 22, 2022, and whom the clinic advised blood testing that returned negative for new infection may be eligible to receive approximately $1,000 from a class action settlement.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, which operates Atrium Health Urology, agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the facility failed to maintain adequate records regarding its sterilization or high-level disinfection of reusable medical instruments. This alleged failure led to concerns about whether the facility followed proper procedures, prompting CMHA to notify patients and recommend blood testing for possible infections.

Who are the class members?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They received treatment from the CMHA clinic known as Atrium Health Urology between April 1, 2021, and Sept. 22, 2022.
• CMHA advised a blood test for possible new infections as a result of their treatment.
• They underwent the recommended blood testing.
• They did not have a new infection.

If an individual received a notice in the mail, CMHA’s records identified them as a potential class member.

How much can class members get?

Each eligible class member will receive an equal share of the $2.5 million fund after deductions for attorneys' fees and expenses, service awards to the named plaintiffs and settlement administration and notice costs.

The estimated average payment is approximately $1,000 per person though the actual amount may vary depending on the number of valid class members and final deductions for fees and costs.

No action needed to receive payment

Class members do not need to file a claim to receive payment. The settlement administrator will automatically mail checks to eligible class members using the most recent address on file. Those who wish to confirm or update their address may contact the settlement administrator at 1-833-754-8239.

$2.5 million CMHA settlement fund breakdown

The $2,500,000 settlement fund covers:

• Settlement administration and notice costs: To be determined
• Attorneys' fees: Up to $750,000
• Attorneys' expenses: Approximately $35,246.19
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $5,000 each ($10,000 total)
• Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the fund

Important dates

• Deadline to request exclusion: March 23, 2026
• Final approval hearing: April 24, 2026

When is the Atrium Health Urology settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will mail payments to eligible class members approximately 30 days after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged that CMHA, through its operation of Atrium Health Urology, failed to maintain adequate records regarding the sterilization or high-level disinfection of reusable medical instruments. This lack of documentation led to concerns about proper procedures, prompting CMHA to notify patients and recommend blood testing for possible infections.

CMHA denies any negligence or wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the risks and expenses of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement
3. Settlement FAQ