There are currently more than 40,000 mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims pending against Johnson & Johnson, accusing the consumer giant of negligently allowing their iconic baby powder product’s talc to be contaminated with asbestos and not warning of its dangers. After two unsuccessful attempts at a controversial bankruptcy filing that included a settlement for those who’ve filed suit, the company has proposed a new offer that would provide $6.5 billion to settle all current and future claims.
Third Attempt at J&J Settlement Draws Criticism from Mesothelioma Victims
After multiple juries have found Johnson & Johnson liable for the harms suffered by mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims and awarded plaintiffs millions of dollars in damages, the company twice attempted a controversial legal strategy called a Texas Two-Step that transferred its asbestos liabilities to a new subsidiary and then placed that subsidiary in bankruptcy. Though the move succeeded in placing claims on hold for a while, both previous filings were rejected by bankruptcy judges.
Though the company has indicated that it still plans to appeal the most recent of these rejections, it has also offered a new deal that would provide $6.5 billion to settle current and future mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claimants. This offer is less than the last settlement offer, which provided $8.9 billion to resolve the suits. The plaintiffs in the case have three months to vote on whether to accept it and if 75 percent agree to its terms, a new Chapter 11 bankruptcy would be filed.
Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Victims Point to Asbestos Contamination in Talc
Though Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder has long been one of the world’s most trusted products, over the last several years it has been blamed for tens of thousands of cases of malignant mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Victims point to evidence of asbestos contamination of the talc that the product was long made of, as to internal Johnson & Johnson documents indicating that company executives were aware of the dangers.
After several mesothelioma and ovarian victims’ claims resulted in multi-million-dollar jury verdicts, the company converted its formula to one made of cornstarch. Despite this, it continues to argue against the presence of asbestos and denies its role in victims’ sicknesses and deaths.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or ovarian cancer and you need information about your rights, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
