Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated by President Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has made a significant decision regarding the fees he could earn from litigation over Merck’s HPV vaccine Gardasil. Instead of keeping the fees for himself, Kennedy has chosen to give them away to one of his sons.
Kennedy has a long-standing relationship with the law firm Wisner Baum, to which he has referred “many hundreds of cases,” including those related to Gardasil. As per Kennedy’s written response to the Senate Finance Committee, he is entitled to receive 10% of the fees earned by the law firm from these cases, whether through settlement, judgement, or other means.
Financial disclosures reveal that Kennedy received $856,559 in referral fees from Wisner Baum in the period from the beginning of 2023 to Dec. 21. However, it is important to note that none of these fees were from vaccine litigation, as reported by The New York Times. Additionally, Kennedy confirmed to senators that he has not received any fees from the Gardasil lawsuits.
The decision to give away the fees to his son showcases Kennedy’s commitment to transparency and ethical practices. By choosing to forego personal gain and instead benefit his family, Kennedy sets an example for integrity in the legal and healthcare industries.
As this development unfolds, it sheds light on Kennedy’s values and priorities as a public figure and potential government official. His actions demonstrate a sense of responsibility and a dedication to upholding ethical standards in his professional endeavors.
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