Settlements reached against cancer doctor

PONTIAC (AP) — Patients who filed medical malpractice claims against Detroit-area oncologist Farid Fata and three Michigan hospitals will receive settlements totaling $8 million.

The settlements were approved Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court. They will be distributed by an arbitrator later this year to about 40 people.

Fata is serving a 45-year federal prison sentence for intentionally misdiagnosing or mistreating patients.

Many patients were told they had cancer and went through excessive chemotherapy. He was paid millions of dollars by insurance companies.

Fata pleaded guilty in 2014 to fraud, money laundering and conspiracy. His assets were to be liquidated.