Jury Orders Johnson & Johnson to Pay $966 Million in Talc Cancer Case
A jury in Los Angeles has ordered Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to pay $966 million to the family of Mae Moore, who succumbed to mesothelioma. The decision emerged from claims that J&J’s talc products, specifically talc baby powder, contained asbestos fibers that contributed to her cancer diagnosis.
Details of the Verdict
The jury’s decision included $16 million in compensatory damages and a substantial $950 million in punitive damages. This verdict marks a significant moment in the ongoing litigation surrounding J&J’s talc products, as over 67,000 plaintiffs have filed lawsuits claiming health risks associated with their usage.
Background on the Case
- Plaintiff: Mae Moore, a California resident who died in 2021 at age 88.
- Accusations: J&J’s talc baby powder products contained asbestos, leading to Moore’s mesothelioma.
- Company Response: J&J argues its products are safe and asbestos-free.
Judicial Observations
Erik Haas, J&J’s worldwide vice president of litigation, criticized the jury’s verdict as “egregious and unconstitutional.” He asserted that the evidence presented was flawed and derived from “junk science.” J&J has announced its intention to appeal the decision.
Key Statistics and Ongoing Litigation
While the number of mesothelioma-related claims against J&J is relatively small, most lawsuits involve allegations of ovarian cancer. The company has faced numerous substantial verdicts in recent mesothelioma cases, with this ruling being one of the largest awarded to date.
Future Implications
The U.S. Supreme Court has indicated that punitive damages should generally not exceed nine times the compensatory damages awarded, suggesting potential reductions upon appeal. Prior attempts to resolve the broader talc-related litigation through bankruptcy have been rejected by federal courts.
J&J ceased sales of talc-based baby powder in the U.S. in 2020, transitioning to cornstarch products. Both the ongoing litigation and recent verdicts signify a continued spotlight on the safety of talc products as numerous cases proceed through various state courts.
