On March 13, 2019, an Oakland, CA jury returned a unanimous Plaintiff’s verdict in the amount of $29.4 million against Johnson & Johnson and one of its suppliers in a case where the Plaintiff alleged that asbestos-tainted talc caused her mesothelioma cancer. The verdict was based upon findings that the products (Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower) contained asbestos and that the product’s defects caused her cancer. The jury also found that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn the public of known carcinogens being in their products.
The plaintiff regularly used J&J baby powder and Shower-to-Shower for two decades. In 2019, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. It is caused by inhalation of asbestos.
The trial highlighted internal J&J documents that indicated that J&J knew of the risk of the presence of asbestos in their talc-based products. Asbestos and talc can form naturally alongside each other. It is known that the inhalation of asbestos in minors causes mesothelioma. This trial argued that the inhalation of (asbestos) contaminated talc particles can also cause mesothelioma.
Johnson & Johnson continues to argue that the talc they used is safe. They plan to appeal the verdict. Meanwhile, there are more than 13,000 additional lawsuits filed against J&J regarding the risks of lung cancer (mesothelioma) and the risks of ovarian cancer in frequent users of talc-based products.
Were You Diagnosed with Cancer After Years of J&J Product Use? We Can Help.
If you or someone you know was regularly exposed to talcum powder while using it for personal hygiene or cosmetically, you may have unknowingly been put at risk of developing ovarian cancer. Please contact Brett H. Oppenheimer, an attorney who has national experience in product liability and pharmaceutical liability cases. Email Brett using the form on this website, or call (502) 242-8877 for a free consultation on your case.