In recent years, mesothelioma claims have undergone a shift: where victims were once almost exclusively sickened by occupational exposure, today there’s a growing likelihood that victims’ exposure came from talc-based body powder. In many cases, the talc used by consumer giants like Johnson & Johnson’s and Colgate-Palmolive was sourced from a company called Whittaker, Clark & Daniels, and yesterday that company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Whittaker Clark & Daniels Named in Thousands of Mesothelioma Claims
Malignant mesothelioma is the most dangerous of several diseases known to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral that has long been used in high-heat and industrial settings. Because it is often found in close proximity to talc, asbestos can easily contaminate talc mined for cosmetic products, and its presence in those products has been blamed for many illnesses and deaths.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases frequently file claims against all of those legally responsible, including all those in the supply chain. Talc supplier Whittaker, Clark and Daniels was once one of the country’s largest talc suppliers. It stopped operations nearly 20 years ago, and since that time has faced what it calls “a deluge” of asbestos litigation.
$29 Million Mesothelioma Verdict Cited in Bankruptcy Filing
Earlier this year, a South Carolina jury ordered Whittaker Clark & Daniels to pay $29.14 million to a woman who blamed the company’s talc for her malignant mesothelioma. The jury heard of Sarah Plant’s illness following a lifetime of using cosmetic talc products, and was shown evidence that the company had been aware of the dangers posed by their product but withheld the information from the public.
Following the jury’s multi-million dollar mesothelioma award, Whittaker assessed their holdings and the thousands of outstanding asbestos claims against them and determined that they did not have enough assets to continue. The company has asked for its remaining assets to be equally distributed among all talc claimants.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and you need information about compensation for the damage you’ve suffered, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
