As pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, and their wholesale suppliers face a new slew of trials in 2019, New York City’s specialized asbestos court is expected to become a hotbed of litigation as plaintiffs accuse the company of causing their serious medical conditions to develop. Juries in the New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCLAL) court handed down two plaintiffs verdicts against Johnson & Johnson in 2018 and the company reportedly settled a third case for $1.5 million.
Despite insisting that a substantial $4.7 billion plaintiffs verdict in an October 2018 in St, Louis was a “one off” case, Johnson & Johnson could be on the hook for millions, if not billions more, in compensation in NYCAL courts alone. The venue is known for plaintiff-friendly judges, juries, and evidentiary rules that produce plaintiffs verdicts and the compensation necessary to help victims and their families live comfortable, dignified lives.
In response to a series of articles about the dangers and liabilities of its talc-based products and upcoming trials concerning them, Johnson & Johnson released a statement saying “The decision to resolve any particular case in no way changes our overall position that our talc is safe, is asbestos free and does not cause cancer. We do not have any organized program to settle Johnson’s Baby Powder cases, nor are we planning a settlement program.”
Johnson & Johnson and other talcum powder cancer lawsuit defendants appear to be relying on their ability to muddy the evidentiary waters at trial and attempting to discredit expert scientific witnesses and their research techniques. Fortunately for some plaintiffs, jurors have rejected Johnson & Johnson’s arguments and held the company and its suppliers liable for knowingly manufacturing and marketing a dangerous product.
Although talc does not contain asbestos fibers itself, the two are both naturally occurring minerals, known as silicates, and are often found in deposits side by side one another, creating the risk for contamination if reasonable precautions are not followed. When asbestos contamination does occur, it is most often innocent people without any knowledge of the dangers who suffer the serious, debilitating health consequences of the exposure.
One of the most serious health conditions associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that commonly affects the thin lining of tissue surrounding vital organs like the heart, lungs, and abdomen. While science continues to make advancements in treating the disease, there is no definitive cure for mesothelioma and many patients are left with diminished options by the time physicians and health care providers make their diagnosis.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.