A Loss for Johnson & Johnson as Jury Awards $750 Million Verdict
Four plaintiffs won a nine-figure award in a case against Johnson & Johnson when a New Jersey jury handed down a verdict of $750 million in punitive damages on February 6, 2020. Before this, the mesothelioma patients were awarded $37.2 million in compensatory damages, which covers such areas as lost wages and medical care now and in the future. The punitive damages used to punish a defendant for egregious harm were later reduced to $186.5 million. This was due to caps limiting the amount in the state. The lawsuit said that the plaintiffs developed mesothelioma due to the company’s talcum powder and Shower to Shower used on them as children by their parents. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal.
Johnson & Johnson Lawsuits
Over 16,000 claimants have lodged suits against J&J for continuing to produce and sell their products after learning they contained asbestos. This information was uncovered by scientists in the 1970s. Over the years, Johnson & Johnson kept the link between asbestos and their talcum powders from consumers. The company has continued denying this despite more recent studies linking talcum powder and cancer.
Documents That Show Asbestos Association
The link to asbestos contamination goes back to the late 1950s when the talc obtained from an Italian supplier contained carcinogenic silicate minerals. The talc originated in Pinerolo, Italy. It was tested for its purity and found to have acicular tremolite. This is one of six minerals classified as asbestos. Several of the tests revealed contamination during the studies. In 1976, J&J stood by their product and assured the FDA that no contaminants were found in their products in 1972. They did this despite three other tests performed between 1972 and 1975 that showed contamination. Overall, the company only tests a few times yearly, and its testing methods often allow contaminants to go unnoticed.
Ovarian Cancer
Since then, experts have shown that asbestos found in J&J products has led to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Even as recently as 2019, the presence of asbestos in a Johnson & Johnson baby talcum product forced the recall of about 30,000 bottles after it was found by an FDA inspector. It is now believed that with regular use of J&J talcum powder, there is a 33-percent increase in ovarian cancer due to asbestos contamination.
Other Verdicts Against Johnson & Johnson
J&J said they would appeal the current case. The company has been able to win an appeal of a $417 million verdict in 2017. The case was overturned by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. However, the company could not have the $4.6 billion verdict awarded to 22 women in 2018 in Missouri overturned. This is also true for a $325 million award in New York.
How an Attorney Can Help
Your personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit to compensate you and your family for the horrible physical and emotional loss due to using J&J’s product. While improving every year, cancer treatment is not always fully covered by insurance. Being unable to be treated due to cost is a bitter pill, and a lawsuit can provide the needed funds. Families also share in the trauma of developing cancer caused by a company’s negligence, and a legal claim against the company often brings a sense of closure to a long and terrifying journey. Our law firm will stand by you every step of the way.
Talcum Powder Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a talcum powder injury lawyer. I am here to help you and your family when Johnson & Johnson’s negligence brings injury, pain, and wrongful death into your life. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online if that is more convenient.
I am a proud member of The Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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