Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson reportedly settled a talcum powder cancer lawsuit for the first time ever in early January. That case involved a New York woman who claimed her rare form of cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos in Johnson & Johnson products like Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. The $1.5 million settlement is the first of its kind for Johnson & Johnson, which as of yet vigorously defended several other similar claims against it.
The asbestos cancer lawsuit, filed in New York state court, claimed that the 78-year-old plaintiff developed mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer, from years of exposure to asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products. The mesothelioma cancer lawsuit also accused Johnson & Johnson’s talc supplier, Imerys Talc USA, of negligence for supplying the carcinogenic materials that the plaintiff claimed caused her illness.
“In litigation of every nature there are one-off situations where settlement is a reasonable alternative,” said J&J. “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.” Johnson & Johnson is currently facing an estimated 11,700 other talcum powder cancer lawsuits across the country and has several trials scheduled for 2019.
The settlement comes just a short time after revelations in the media that accused Johnson & Johnson of knowing for years that its talc could be contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos fibers. Those allegations stem from a Reuters report which analyzed thousands of pages of internal company documents which came to light in the wake of a talcum powder cancer lawsuit that resulted in a massive $4.7 billion verdict on behalf of 22 women or their surviving family members who blame Johnson & Johnson for the diagnosis.
Talc is the world’s softest mineral and used in a variety of cosmetics and hygiene products. Although talc itself does not contain asbestos, another mineral, the two substances are often found in natural deposits side by side one another. If cosmetics companies and their suppliers do not exercise ordinary due care when mining talc, asbestos contamination can take place, which can put innocent people at risk for serious health conditions.
The most serious health risk associated with asbestos exposure is developing mesothelioma cancer. This form of cancer commonly affects thin linings of tissue surrounding vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen but can metastasize and spread throughout the body. One of the most serious challenges of mesothelioma is the 20 to 50-year latency period before the cancer forms and is able to be diagnosed by a physician.
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.