A prominent asbestos researcher recently gave testimony in an asbestos mesothelioma cancer trial claiming that trace amounts of asbestos have been detected in talc sourced from mines in Vermont and Italy used in Johnson & Johnson products. That expert gave his testimony on behalf of a mesothelioma cancer patient who sued Johnson & Johnson over claims the company knew for decades about asbestos contamination in its talc-based products but refrained from placing any warning on product labels.
The case is the sixth such asbestos cancer lawsuit to go to trial against pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson, with some naming its talc supplier Imerys USA as a co-defendant, blaming the company for causing mesothelioma. The plaintiff in this case filed her claim in Los Angeles County Superior court and named, among other defendants, Johnson & Johnson, Chanel, and their supplier Imerys.
Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of other lawsuits across the country by plaintiffs who claim they also developed various forms of cancer related to using talc-based products developed and sold by the company for decades. Recently, a Missouri jury awarded a group of 22 plaintiffs a total of $4.69 billion in compensatory and punitive damages for their asbestos cancer diagnosis that was caused by talc products marketed and sold by Johnson & Johnson. That very same verdict was also upheld by the trial court judge, clearing a major legal hurdle for plaintiffs trying to be made whole again.
Talc is one of the world’s softest minerals and is used in a variety of cosmetics products, including Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products. Although talc does not contain asbestos itself, the two minerals are naturally occurring and are often found in deposits side by side one another. Great care must be taken to ensure there is no asbestos contamination that could cause medical conditions in consumers.
One of the most serious medical conditions associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that commonly affects the thin linings of tissue surrounding vital organs like the heart, lungs, and abdomen. While mesothelioma may begin its development in these limited areas of the body, once the cancer metastasizes, the prognosis can become dire.
Even though nothing can undo the harm caused by a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, by filing an asbestos lawsuit, victims and their families can hold asbestos companies responsible for their indifference to public safety and putting profits before people. Additionally, a mesothelioma lawsuit can recover compensation for lost wages while recovering from treatment as well as pay for medical bills associated with battling the disease.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one was 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.