Johnson & Johnson to Pay $966 Million in Talc Cancer Verdict
A Los Angeles jury has awarded $966 million to the family of Mae Moore, who died from mesothelioma, attributing liability to Johnson & Johnson’s talc products. The verdict comes amid broader concerns over the safety of talc-based items linked to cancer.
Background of the Case
Mae Moore, an 88-year-old California resident, passed away in 2021. Her family filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson that same year. They asserted that the company’s talc baby powder contained asbestos fibers that contributed to her rare cancer diagnosis.
Details of the Verdict
The jury’s decision includes a $16 million compensatory award and $950 million in punitive damages. This makes the total award among the largest recently issued in talc-related cases.
Potential for Appeal
Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the verdict. Erik Haas, the company’s vice president of litigation, described the outcome as “egregious and unconstitutional.” He criticized the evidence presented, labeling it “junk science.” The company stands firm on its position that its products are safe and do not contain asbestos.
Context of Talc Litigation
Currently, Johnson & Johnson faces lawsuits from over 67,000 plaintiffs claiming cancer linked to talc products. While cases involving mesothelioma are a smaller subset of these lawsuits, they have gained significant attention in recent trials.
- Majority of lawsuits involve ovarian cancer claims
- Over 67,000 plaintiffs involved in litigation
- Company aims to resolve issues through bankruptcy
- Previous proposals for nationwide settlements have been rejected
Recent Developments in Trials
In the past year, Johnson & Johnson has faced several major verdicts in mesothelioma cases. However, the company has also achieved success in some trials, notably winning a recent case in South Carolina. Moreover, appeals have led to reductions in awarded damages, including a notable case in Oregon where a jury awarded $260 million before a judge ordered a new trial.
Future Implications
Trey Branham, representing Moore’s family, expressed hope that Johnson & Johnson would take responsibility for its products. The ongoing legal battles surrounding talc continue to raise significant public health concerns as the company navigates increasing scrutiny in courtrooms across the nation.
