Mesothelioma victims win $25M lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson

A Los Angeles jury found Johnson & Johnson and several other companies liable of causing an Oregon woman’s development of mesothelioma. The company was hit with a $25.75 million verdict after the jury found the business negligent about warning consumers against possible health risks from its powder.

WJLA reports that Gary Anderson and Joanne Anderson filed an asbestos lawsuit against the companies after Joanne developed pleural mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson”Baby Powder.” After reviewing the overwhelming evidence against the company, the jury returned a $21.75 million in compensatory damage amount, then tacked an additional $4 million for punitive damages.

Joanne, of Oregon, said that as a bowler, she used the company’s powder in her bowling shoes and on her hands for numerous years without any thought it would one day cause cancer, as the company never warned its consumers of the possibility.

She also used the powder for her children’s diaper rash when they were babies. Experts who testified in court estimated that Joanne likely used the powder more than 10,000 times.

After diagnosing Joanne with pleural mesothelioma, her physicians explained that it was likely caused by asbestos fibers sticking to the lining of her lungs. Johnson & Johnson unsuccessfully argued that there is no asbestos in its talc products.

Johnson & Johan was found responsible for liable 2/3 of the compensatory damages and 100% in punitive damages. The other businesses listed in the lawsuit included Fel-Pro, Borg Warner, and Honeywell.

“We are extremely pleased that our clients have found a measure of justice, although nothing can truly compensate them for what they have lost. Our clients are hopeful that this verdict can further bring light to this unbelievable example of corporate misconduct,” Joanne’s mesothelioma lawyer said.

Johnson & Johnson, however, disagrees. They released a public statement shortly after the verdict, announcing they will continue to fight anyone who files a lawsuit against them for asbestos-related cases.

“We are disappointed with the verdict and we will begin the appeals process. We will continue to defend the safety of our product because it does not contain asbestos or cause mesothelioma. Over the past 50 years, multiple independent, non-litigation-driven scientific evaluations have been conducted by respected academic institutions and government bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and none have found that the talc in Johnson’s Baby Powder contains asbestos.”

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. 

Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. If you need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.