Johnson & Johnson has been facing numerous lawsuits over their baby powder product, which many women are now claiming caused them to contract cancer. The women and their attorneys allege that lifetime use of the talc product, which they believe is contaminated with asbestos, led to them contracting cancer. Talc is mined in the same areas where asbestos is found, which leads to the contamination. Although Johnson & Johnson denies that the talc is contaminated, internal documents discovered may state otherwise. This has lead to an investigation by both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Bloomberg reports on another losing verdict against the company, this time in favor of a woman for $25 million. A New York jury rendered a verdict of $25 million for 66-year-old Donna Olsen and her husband. Olsen and her attorneys contend that lifetime use of the company’s Shower-to-Shower product caused her to contract a rare form of cancer. This award only reflects the compensatory damages. The jury will return next week to consider punitive damages against the company.
Johnson & Johnson is facing more than 14,000 claims that its talc powder has caused cases of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is linked to exposure to asbestos. Their track record when it comes to its talc lawsuits has been mixed. In March, the company lost a California case to the tune of $29 million. The same month, however, a New Jersey jury found in favor of Johnson & Johnson.
Johnson & Johnson has stated that it will appeal the verdict.
Have you been injured by talc powder? We can help. Call today.