Tentative settlement in N.S. First Nation class action over non-consensual MRI scans

A tentative settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit alleging members of a Nova Scotia First Nation underwent MRI scans without their consent.

The law firm representing the class says the proposed settlement with the defendants — two Halifax doctors — is subject to approval from the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

The original lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleges the doctors took MRI scans of 60 members of the Pictou Landing First Nation without their knowledge or consent.

A statement of claim filed in Nova Scotia Supreme Court says band members agreed to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans as part of a research project in 2017 but were subjected to additional “secret” scans of their livers for a separate study.

A partner with the law firm says the proposed $400,000 settlement would provide meaningful compensation to those who unknowingly participated in the study.

A hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for Nov. 13.

The lawyer representing the two doctors could not be immediately reached for comment.