Johnson & Johnson owes $65.5 million to a woman with cancer who used talcum powder - NBC News

Jury Awards $65.5 Million to Mother Claiming Talcum Products Exposed Her to Asbestos

In a significant verdict, a Minnesota jury has awarded a mother of three $65.5 million in damages after she claimed that talcum products made by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) exposed her to asbestos and contributed to her development of mesothelioma.

The Plight of the Claimant

According to reports, the plaintiff, who remains anonymous due to concerns about her safety, had been using J&J's Baby Powder for decades. She claimed that the powder contained asbestos, a known carcinogen, which was then released into her body and caused her to develop mesothelioma.

Background on Talcum Products and Asbestos

Talc is a mineral found in nature that has been used in various personal care products, including baby powders and cosmetics. However, it's also been linked to asbestos contamination due to the presence of tiny fibers known as crocidolite and amosite. These fibers can be released into the air when talc is applied or shaken.

For decades, J&J has maintained that its Baby Powder was safe for use and did not contain asbestos. However, in recent years, the company faced mounting evidence to the contrary, including internal documents revealing that the company had been aware of the potential risks associated with its talcum products since the 1970s.

The Role of Internal Documents

In 2018, J&J released a trove of internal documents related to its talcum powder business. The records revealed that the company had conducted extensive testing in the 1970s and 1980s to determine whether its talc products contained asbestos. However, instead of sharing these findings with regulators or consumers, J&J allegedly chose to conceal them.

The documents also showed that J&J had been aware of a "serious" risk associated with its talcum powder as early as the 1960s. Moreover, in 1988, J&J conducted a study that found asbestos fibers in its talc products. Despite this finding, the company continued to market its products as safe for use.

The Verdict

On Friday, the Minnesota jury delivered its verdict after hearing the evidence presented by both sides. The jury found that J&J was liable for the plaintiff's damages, awarding her $65.5 million in compensation.

While this verdict is significant, it marks only a small portion of the billions of dollars in damages awarded to plaintiffs in talcum powder lawsuits over the years. In 2018, J&J agreed to pay up to $4.7 billion to settle thousands of cases brought by women who claimed that its talcum products caused ovarian cancer.

Implications for Johnson & Johnson

This verdict has significant implications for J&J's reputation and bottom line. The company has faced intense scrutiny over the past decade as it struggled to contain a wave of lawsuits related to its talcum powder business.

With this latest verdict, J&J has been awarded damages in not one, but two states (Minnesota and California). In 2020, the company agreed to pay up to $100 million per year for five years to settle cases brought by women who claimed that its talcum products caused ovarian cancer.

What's Next?

The verdict is just the latest development in a long-standing battle between J&J and plaintiffs who claim that the company's talcum powder products are toxic. As the company continues to navigate this complex landscape, it remains to be seen how much more damage will be inflicted on its bottom line.

In response to the verdict, J&J has maintained its commitment to product safety and stated that it would continue to fight these lawsuits in court. However, with mounting evidence against it, it's clear that the company's reputation and profits are at stake.

Key Takeaways

• A Minnesota jury awarded $65.5 million to a mother of three who claimed that J&J's talcum products made her expose to asbestos and contributed to her development of mesothelioma.
• The verdict marks only a small portion of the billions of dollars in damages awarded to plaintiffs in talcum powder lawsuits over the years.
• This latest verdict is significant because it has implications for J&J's reputation and bottom line, as well as its commitment to product safety.