Houston Republic

Gerard Scimeca, chairman of a consumer advocacy group, said that the settlement plan for Johnson & Johnson's ongoing talc litigation proposes close to $9 billion in payouts over the next 25 years. The aim is to expedite justice for claimants, he noted in an op-ed on February 28.

"This settlement plan will not only benefit all claimants involved but could also pave the way for all current and future litigation," said Scimeca. "Some patients don't have decades to settle their cases. The plan's approval by attorneys representing the majority of claimants stresses its fairness and practicality."

According to DC Journal, the Texas bankruptcy court is currently reviewing a proposed settlement plan intended to resolve prolonged talc litigation. This case has faced delays due to debates over scientific validity, flawed expert testimony, and procedural hurdles. Reportedly, 83% of the 93,500 claimants and their attorneys have voted in favor of the plan. However, a federal judge in Houston will make the final ruling, potentially bringing closure to one of the most high-profile product-liability disputes in history.

The New York Post reports that as part of the settlement plan, Red River Talc LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has committed to paying an additional $650 million to cover legal fees and expenses associated with the claims. The company said that this plan provides a more certain and timely recovery for claimants compared to prolonged litigation.

According to CASE's website, Scimeca is a legal expert, media analyst, and political strategist with experience in managing successful campaigns, producing media content, and writing on free-market issues. A frequent commentator in the media, he earned his degrees from Notre Dame and the Catholic University Columbus School of Law.