Johnson & Johnson Wins $50 Million Talcum Powder Lawsuit But Faces Thousands More
On Friday, July 30, 2021, an Illinois jury ruled in a talcum powder lawsuit that Johnson & Johnson was not liable for specific plaintiffs’ claims that its popular talc-based baby powder can lead to ovarian and other cancers. This marks a major win for Johnson & Johnson, which has faced several high-profile and expensive losses in other talcum powder cancer lawsuits.
The ruling released Johnson & Johnson from having to pay over $50 million to relatives of Elizabeth Driscoll, a woman who died from ovarian cancer in 2016. Her family alleged that her death was linked to her regular use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
Impact on Other Talcum Powder Lawsuits Against Johnson & Johnson
Despite the company’s win in court, there are still over 34,000 lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson. According to reports, roughly 25,000 of these are related to their talc-based products, with victims claiming their use causes ovarian cancer, endometrial ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma.
IMPORTANT: If you have used a talc-based Johnson & Johnson product and later developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may qualify for a lawsuit. Call us at 1-800-525-7111 today to speak to one of our talcum powder lawsuit lawyers who can review your case and see if you are eligible.
“We believe that despite this recent win for Johnson & Johnson in talcum powder litigation, the evidence against the company remains strong.”
–Gene Riddle, talcum powder lawyer
Why is Johnson & Johnson Facing So Many Lawsuits?
Internal documents have revealed that Johnson & Johnson has known about the potential risk for asbestos contamination in the talc used in its popular baby powder and other products since as early as 1971.
In 2018, the New York Times reported that an executive at Johnson & Johnson “recommended to senior staff in 1971 that the company ‘upgrade’ its quality control of talc.”
Additional internal memos in the following years mention concerns that Johnson & Johnson’s talc mines contained asbestos, and thus the talcum powder being manufactured could also contain the dangerous substance.
The company allegedly disregarded these warnings and has continued to mine talc potentially contaminated with asbestos. Johnson & Johnson has also actively blocked the FDA and other agencies’ attempts to publish research suggesting that its talc could be contaminated with dangerous asbestos.
A Positive Test and a Legal Bombshell
However, as consumer concern continued to grow, the FDA released a bombshell report in 2019 that confirmed that a specific lot of Johnson & Johnson baby powder had tested positive for carcinogenic asbestos.
This, along with other studies, has led to a tidal wave of lawsuits from consumers who have developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder for many years.
How Has Johnson & Johnson Responded?
While Johnson & Johnson continues to defend the safety of its products, the company has also set aside $3.9 billion for potential settlements and legal costs associated with talcum powder lawsuits.
In 2019, Johnson & Johnson also pulled 33,000 bottles of baby powder from retail shelves after the FDA discovered asbestos in the powder.
Finally, in May 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would stop the sale of talc-based baby powder in the U.S. and Canada, citing a decline in consumer demand and corresponding costs associated with the litigation.
“I Developed Cancer After Using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. Do I Have a Claim?”
Despite the recent overturning of the $50 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson in one specific case, other potential victims may still have a strong case for compensation and be eligible for a talcum powder lawsuit.
If you have developed ovarian cancer, endometrial ovarian cancer, or mesothelioma after using a talc-based Johnson & Johnson product, you may qualify for a lawsuit.
To qualify for a Johnson & Johnson baby powder lawsuit, you must:
- Have used a talc-based Johnson & Johnson product for four or more years in the general area your cancer developed
- Be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, or mesothelioma
- Have been diagnosed in 2009 or later
- Have used talcum powder prior to beginning menopause
Call Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced lawyers who can determine if you may be eligible for a baby powder lawsuit.
At Riddle & Brantley, our goal is to hold manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson accountable for any injuries potentially caused by their products. Our goal is to make sure that consumers never have to suffer due to corporate negligence.
With Riddle & Brantley, you’ll never pay ANY attorney fees unless you receive compensation for your claim. We want you to focus on healing while we do the heavy lifting to get you the justice you deserve.
“They turned a heartbreaking situation completely around.”
–Tonya T., Riddle & Brantley client
Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation and let’s see how we can help.