Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
A Pennsylvania couple recently filed an asbestos cancer lawsuit in a Philadelphia court against several companies over allegations that the defendants knowingly manufactured and sold carcinogenic talc-based products that caused the victim’s cancer diagnosis. The asbestos lawsuit names cosmetics and pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, its talc supplier Imerys Talc USA, Rite Aid Corporation, and Walgreen Co. as defendants and seeks compensation for the victim’s injuries.
According to the asbestos cancer lawsuit, filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, the female plaintiff developed ovarian cancer after years of using talcum powder products manufactured by Johnson & Johnson with contaminated talc sourced by Imerys Talc USA. The plaintiff further alleges that she purchased the defective products at both Rite Aid and Walgreens stores throughout the years, which knew or should have known Johnson & Johnson’s products posed a danger to the public.
The plaintiffs’ lawsuit in this case is one of thousands Johnson & Johnson and Imerys Talc USA are facing across the country over allegations that the companies sold asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products for decades but did not put warning labels on items like Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. Some of those cases claim the victims developed ovarian cancer as a result, like the plaintiff in this case, while others assert their mesothelioma cancer diagnosis came about as a result of asbestos exposure from talc.
Although talc does not contain asbestos itself, the substances are both naturally occurring minerals that are often found in deposits side by side one another. If companies sourcing talc do not take proper precautions during the mining and processing phase, the mineral can become contaminated with carcinogenic asbestos. Talc is the world’s softest mineral and is used in hundreds of commercial and cosmetic applications which has led to tens of thousands of persons potentially being exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. The disease affects the thin linings of tissue surrounding vital organs like the lungs, abdomen, and heart, but can eventually spread throughout the body. Mesothelioma has a latency period between 20 and 50 years, which can leave patients with diminished treatment options by the time a doctor makes a diagnosis.
Even though nothing can undo a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis, by filing lawsuits, victims can hold negligent asbestos companies responsible for their indifference to public safety and send a message that corporate greed will not be tolerated. Additionally, plaintiffs can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering of living with a disease which still does not have a cure.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced 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.