$40 Million Verdict in Mesothelioma Lawsuit

A California jury awarded $40 million to a woman suffering from mesothelioma. The lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson alleged that the popular baby powder caused her mesothelioma diagnosis in 2017.

The Plaintiff’s counsel argued that testing of the woman’s body showed the presence of both tremolite and athophyllite asbestos which are alleged known contaminants of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder. In awarding approximately $40 million in damages, the jury found that the baby powder was defective because it contained asbestos which ultimately caused the woman’s mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that occurs most often in the lungs. Even though treatments are available, for many, a cure is not possible. Many people develop mesothelioma after inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure is thought to be the primary risk factor for development of mesothelioma.

Lawyers for Johnson & Johnson took the position at trial that the woman was most likely exposed to asbestos in her living environment which caused her mesothelioma. However, the jury seemed to reject the argument considering that the woman never worked in or entered any facilities that contained asbestos.

Several thousand lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson alleging that its talc powder is defective and can cause cancer. Johnson & Johnson has previously stated that it would defend the talc powder lawsuits and appeal any verdicts in its talc powder litigation.

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of a defective product, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-231-9360 or toll free at 1‑800-594-4884.