The global health care company Johnson & Johnson recently moved to bring an end to more than a thousand lawsuits filed against it for the use of one its more popular products -baby powder. The talcum powder based product has been linked to mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Tens of thousands of lawsuits have already been filed against them. As such, Johnson & Johnson is reportedly trying to settle a large number and has agreed to pay in excess of $100 million for resolution. Attorney, Evan M. Ostfeld, Esq. handles Mass Tort litigation cases throughout the United States and can help explain your legal options if you have developed ovarian cancer after using baby powder and or Shower to Shower products.
Link Between Baby Powder and Cancer
Talcum powder, which was the primary ingredient of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, Baby Magic Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, is a mineral-like substance that is mined near asbestos deposits. While talcum powder is an inert and harmless substance, the proximity of the deposits to asbestos is quite problematic. According to the lawsuits against various manufacturers including Valeant Pharmaceuticals and Colgate-Palmolive, asbestos has been found in their products. People therefore who have used Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder and or Shower to Shower for years as a regular part of their hygiene routines have often developed ovarian cancer as a direct result.
Johnson & Johnson’s Potential Liability
Plaintiffs’ lawyers argue that internal documents show that Johnson & Johnson knew that its baby powder contained asbestos fibers but did nothing to warn consumers. Instead, the company allegedly hid the information resulting in harm to many people. Johnson & Johnson however continues to deny responsibility and claims that their product is indeed safe. It is interesting to note that they have since changed the formula from talc to cornstarch-based powder in the U.S. and Canada.
Potential Settlement
Johnson & Johnson rarely settles large numbers of claims in Mass Tort litigation. Instead, it generally settles cases on an individual basis shortly before trial. The proposed Mass Tort settlement would only address a small fraction of the outstanding cases. A trial against the company by a factory worker who developed mesothelioma linked to talc use is scheduled to begin in California in October. Johnson & Johnson’s move to negotiate a settlement demonstrates that it is attempting to limit its liability and get the litigation against it under control.
In another matter filed in 2018, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $2.1 billion on appeal. (the jury’s original verdict was $4.7 billion). According to the plaintiffs, Johnson & Johnson knew about the presence of asbestos in its talcum powder but did not disclose it for more than forty years. To settle all of the remaining claims against the company, it is estimated that Johnson & Johnson might have to pay up to $10 billion.
Get Help from The Talcum Powder Law Firm at the Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder and or Shower to Shower as a part of your daily hygiene for an extended period of time there may be grounds to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers. Coral Springs Attorney Evan M. Ostfeld, Esq. and his legal team are experienced in handling talcum powder cases. Their talcum powder law firm can analyze the facts of your potential claim and explain the legal options. In fact, the evaluation is free. There is no recovery unless there is a settlement or court award so you have nothing to lose. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at (866) BAD RXRX (223-7979), (866) I SUE YOU, (478-3968), (954) 998-0075 Text, (954) 227-7529 or evan@attorney4life.com. Since Mass Tort cases are subject to strict time deadlines, you should not delay in seeking legal advice. We look forward in helping you!
