5th Circ.: “Deceptions” From Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Led to Reversal of $151 Million Verdict
As a result of “falsehoods” and “deceptions” from plaintiffs’ lawyer Mark Lanier, the 5th Circuit tossed a $151 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson in hip implant litigation.
U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry Smith said the lower court allowed the plaintiffs’ lawyers to present “inflammatory character evidence” about previous legal issues that were designed to “taint the result.” Also at issue are “falsehoods” that Lanier presented about whether two doctors were paid to testify. This further “marred plaintiffs; victory,” Judge Smith wrote.
John Beisner, a lawyer with Johnson & Johnson, said the ruling “makers clear, the trial was rife with errors that made it impossible for defendants to get a fair trial.”
