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Neuralink Faces Lawsuit Over Employee Treatment and Safety Violations
Elon Musk’s brain-implant startup, Neuralink Corp., is embroiled in legal controversy following allegations from a former employee who endured harsh working conditions and apparent disregard for safety protocols. Lindsay Short, the employee in question, claims the company compelled her to work with monkeys infected with the Herpes B virus, leading to incidents where the animals injured her exposed skin.
Short’s complaint, filed in California state court, outlines a troubling narrative of a toxic workplace marred by blame, shame, and unattainable deadlines. After transferring to Neuralink’s Fremont, California, facility in August 2022, Short describes an escalating series of issues, culminating in her termination, which she alleges was retaliatory and discriminatory, particularly after disclosing her pregnancy. The suit includes claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, and gender-based discrimination. Neuralink has not yet responded to requests for comments on the lawsuit.
Hazardous Working Conditions Raised
According to Short’s filing, her work involved direct contact with monkeys carrying the Herpes B virus. She recounted being scratched through a glove and another incident where a monkey injured her face during an unfamiliar procedure. Despite these risky encounters, Short accuses Neuralink of failing to provide adequate protective gear, a claim that underscores the company's alleged negligence regarding employee safety. Her requests for medical attention were met with threats of severe repercussions from her superiors, as per the lawsuit.
Acceleration and Setbacks in Neuralink's Trial Efforts
The controversy comes at a pivotal time for Neuralink, which is in the nascent stages of clinical trials for its innovative device aimed at restoring functionality for paralyzed patients. Recently, an Arizona man named Noland Arbaugh became the first human to have the device implanted. Arbaugh, who is quadriplegic, has reportedly been able to play video games using only his thoughts—a landmark achievement in biomedical technology.
Prior Allegations Against Neuralink
Neuralink has a history of scrutiny over its treatment of animals. Previously, the company faced criticism for botched surgeries on monkeys at the University of California at Davis. These mishaps have since prompted Neuralink to relocate its monkey research to its own facilities.
Claims of Discrimination and Retaliatory Actions
In addition to safety concerns, Short's lawsuit also delves into issues of employment practices at Neuralink. She contends that the company did not uphold promises for flexible working hours that would accommodate her family needs. After a promotion in March 2023, she was demoted just two months later. When Short informed the human resources department of her pregnancy in June 2023, she was subsequently terminated the following day, a move the company attributed to performance issues. These sequences of events form the crux of her claims of wrongful termination and discrimination based on gender.
As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about workplace safety practices and the treatment of employees, particularly in high-stakes, cutting-edge environments like Neuralink. The outcome could set significant precedents for both worker safety and rights within the biotech industry.
©2024 Bloomberg L.P.
