For the first time since having its proposed bankruptcy plan rejected twice by federal courts, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to settle two separate mesothelioma claims. The amount to be paid to the two plaintiffs is unknown, but the settlements were part of a broader agreement that resolves all of the talcum-powder-based claims brought against Johnson & Johnson by the law firm representing them.
Men’s Mesothelioma Claims Against Johnson & Johnson Are Two Among Thousands
The plaintiffs in the case were Rosalino Reyes, who died of mesothelioma in 2020, and Marlin Eagles, who is still battling the disease. Mr. Reyes died of the rare asbestos-related cancer in 2020. His death came days after the start of the online jury trial about his case, resulting in the judge declaring a mistrial. Mr. Reyes was just 54 at the time of his death.
The other mesothelioma victim named in Johnson & Johnson’s announcement is 81-year-old Marlin Eagles, who together with his wife had filed a claim against the company claiming that asbestos in its baby powder had caused his deadly cancer. The two cases had originally been filed in Alameda Superior Court in California, where a previous jury had awarded a mesothelioma victim $18.8 million in damages.
Third Bankruptcy Filing Under Consideration
The settlement of these two mesothelioma claims and other asbestos-contaminated talc claims represented by the men’s law firm still leaves more than 50,000 outstanding claims. The claims have been filed by individuals and their families accuse Johnson & Johnson of knowingly allowing asbestos-contaminated talc to be used in their iconic baby powder product, leading to them having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases.
The company continues to deny plaintiffs’ and expert witness testimony about asbestos in their product, and is reportedly considering a third attempt at filing for bankruptcy. Its previous two bankruptcy filings made use of a controversial legal maneuver referred to as a “Texas Two-Step” that set up a subsidiary corporation to hold its asbestos liability and allow the parent company to retain its financial health. Federal courts have rejected the company’s attempts twice.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
