Lacks V. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Summary: This consolidated summary outlines a lawsuit filed by Ron L. Lacks, the personal representative of the Estate of Henrietta Lacks, against Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. The lawsuit alleges that Thermo Fisher Scientific knowingly sold and mass-produced Henrietta Lacks' living tissue without her consent. The tissue was taken by doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital without her knowledge. The lawsuit argues that this action was part of a racially unjust medical system and claims that Thermo Fisher Scientific has profited from the sale of Ms. Lacks' tissue without compensating her estate or family. Seeking damages for harm caused to the Lacks family and the violation of Ms. Lacks' rights, the lawsuit also highlights the historical context of unethical medical practices involving Black patients. The plaintiff, represented by Lacks' grandson and other attorneys, seeks to recover the profits made by Thermo Fisher Scientific from the unauthorized use of Lacks' cells and demands a trial by jury.
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