$4.1 billion in punitive damages against the company for covering up testing data and scientific studies it knew showed the cosmetic-grade talc contained asbestos
A Missouri federal court has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay an extraordinary $4.7 billion to a group of injured women who alleged that talc products sold by J&J led them to develop ovarian cancer. The women had claimed the company’s talcum powder products contained asbestos and gave cancer to 22 women, six of whom have already died.
As reported by Law360 (subscription), “The jury held both J&J and J&J Consumer liable for strict liability and negligence as to all of the plaintiffs’ injuries, and generally awarded each woman suing on her own $25 million, and generally awarded women who sued with their husbands $12.5 million each. The jury also found both companies are liable for punitive damages.”
J&J has marketed and sold talcum powder for use by women and girls for decades in what had long been thought was a harmless method of absorbing moisture. However, recent information and jury verdicts link regular use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder to the development of cancer, highlighting potentially fatal risks from ongoing use of talcum powder products. The lawsuits argue the talc exposure cancer risks were concealed from consumers for decades, a “failure to warn” that has led to cancer-related injuries, deaths from talc exposure, and widespread lawsuits over the injuries.
“During closing arguments on Wednesday, the women’s attorney [] told the jury that the evidence was there that J&J had covered up testing data and scientific studies that it knew showed the cosmetic-grade talc in Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower contained asbestos,” noted Law360.
Newsweek stated that the payout stands to be the biggest in Johnson & Johnson’s history, the latest “in a string of legal claims revolving around the alleged presence of asbestos in the talc Johnson & Johnson puts in products such as baby powder.”
J&J has repeatedly been hit with huge verdicts in lawsuits that allege a connection between talc body products and ovarian cancer. This includes the first California talc cancer trial in August of 2017, where the jury awarded a $417 million to the terminally ill plaintiff. J&J vigorously contested that verdict, and it was subsequently overturned by a judge.
Video: Important Information for Women Concerned About Talc and Cancer
Lieff Cabraser attorney Tiseme Zegeye has released a video discussing alleged connections between regular use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The video includes information on lawsuits filed by injured women against Johnson & Johnson, as well as guidance on how injured women can contact Ms. Zegeye and other Lieff Cabraser lawyers for help with their potential cases against J&J.
Contact a Talc Injury Lawyer at Lieff Cabraser
Lieff Cabraser represents women who believe their ovarian cancer was caused by long-term use of talc products containing undisclosed lethal asbestos. If you, a friend, or a family member are a long-time (6 years or more) user of talcum powder products made by Johnson & Johnson or another talc product manufacturer, and have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, you have the right to seek fair compensation. Please call us today at 1 800 541-7358 or visit our Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Injuries page to contact Wendy Fleishman or Tiseme Zegeye about your talc injury case.
We will help you gather the information and file the claims needed to seek recompense for any injuries, suffering, or related harm, and we will review your claim for free, confidentially, and with no obligation on your part.
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