Talc-Cancer Lawsuits Play Critical Role in Exposing Johnson & Johnson's Unethical Experiments on Prisoners

Rhea-AI Summary

Revelations have emerged regarding Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) funding unethical experiments on prisoners during the 1960s, linking to the ongoing controversy over its talc-based products. The experiments involved primarily African-American inmates and raised concerns about the company’s knowledge of the cancer risks associated with its talc products like Johnson's Baby Powder. With the company attempting to limit jury trials through a bankruptcy move, many cancer victims are now seeking justice through litigation. Legal experts call for new laws to prevent corporations from evading liabilities through bankruptcy.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Unethical experiments funded by JNJ on prisoners could lead to reputational damage.
• J&J's bankruptcy strategy may prevent future jury trials for cancer lawsuits.
• Evidence suggests JNJ was aware of talc-related cancer risks but did not warn consumers.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., March 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Revelations that Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) paid scientific researchers to conduct unethical and inhumane experiments on prisoners in the 1960s are shedding new light on what the company knew about cancer risks from its talc-based products like the iconic Johnson's Baby Powder, just as the company is moving to shut down jury trials in a controversial bankruptcy gambit.

Details about experiments paid for by J&J at Holmesburg Prison in Pennsylvania in the 1960s are coming to light only because cancer victims have been allowed to seek justice through their Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial, says trial lawyer Majed Nachawati, founder of Dallas-based Fears Nachawati. Future trials are in jeopardy now that J&J has initiated a controversial bankruptcy in which tens of thousands of cancer lawsuits have been transferred to a shell company that has since declared bankruptcy.

Mr. Nachawati's law firm represents numerous women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after years of using Johnson's Baby Powder and other talc products produced by the company. He called on lawmakers to write legislation that would close the loophole that allows profitable companies to shed their legal liabilities in bankruptcy.

"Every cancer victim has a right to have their case heard by a jury," he says. "The idea that bankruptcy laws were passed to allow a Fortune 20 company to shed its liability through bankruptcy when that company is not in financial distress is concerning and renders toothless the right to a trial by jury. Americans should call on all lawmakers to prohibit the reprehensible conduct that Johnson & Johnson and its shell companies have implemented by filing bankruptcy."

Revelations reported by Bloomberg News show that J&J funded research in which primarily African-American inmates were injected with talc or asbestos to study their bodies' reactions. The reports indicate that J&J was aware of the health risks of its talc products for decades but has never placed a warning label on those products

"The world needs to know, and litigation is the only way that this information is coming out," Mr. Nachawati says.

Fears Nachawati Law Firm represents individuals in mass-tort litigation, businesses and governmental entities in contingent litigation and individual victims in complex personal injury litigation. One of the largest and most diverse products liability law firms in the nation, Fears Nachawati was ranked No. 1 nationally in products liability filings in federal court over the past three years, according to Lex Machina. For more information visit https://www.fnlawfirm.com.       

Contact: 
Robert Tharp 
214-420-6011 
robert@androvett.com 

 

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SOURCE Fears Nachawati Law Firm

FAQ

What unethical experiments did Johnson & Johnson conduct?

Johnson & Johnson funded experiments in the 1960s where prisoners were injected with talc or asbestos to study health reactions.

How has the bankruptcy affected Johnson & Johnson's legal cases?

The bankruptcy has shifted numerous cancer lawsuits to a shell company, potentially limiting the ability for victims to pursue trials.

What do the recent revelations mean for Johnson & Johnson's future?

These revelations may result in increased legal challenges, scrutiny, and reputational harm for JNJ.

What are the cancer risks associated with JNJ's talc products?

Reports indicate that JNJ has been aware of cancer risks linked to its talc products for decades, yet did not provide warnings on product labels.

What legal actions are being taken against Johnson & Johnson?

Victims of cancer related to JNJ's talc products are voicing their concerns through lawsuits, calling for legislative changes to prevent liability evasion.