A Connecticut judge has ordered consumer giant Johnson & Johnson to pay mesothelioma victim Evan Plotkin an additional $10 million in punitive damages. The ruling follows a jury awarding the real estate professional $15 million last October, bringing the total compensation to $25 million. Mr. Plotkin’s lawsuit claimed that decades of personal use of the company’s talc-based baby powder, as well as his application of the product to his children, caused his fatal illness.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Cited Negligent Conduct by Johnson & Johnson
In requesting punitive damages in the case, the mesothelioma victim’s attorney had originally asked the judge for an additional $30 million following the jury’s October 2024 verdict that found the company’s talc-based products had caused Plotkin’s illness. Though Johnson & Johnson’s attorneys argued that the company’s actions had not risen to the level of “evil motive” required to justify any punitive award at all.
Commenting on the $10 million award granted by the judge, the mesothelioma victim’s representative said, “This opinion is a result of an objective judge looking at the evidence and determining that the evidence against Johnson & Johnson is reprehensible. The representative noted the Plotkin family’s gratitude to the court, and their hope that the company would consider the damage its products and actions had caused to people across the country.
Johnson & Johnson Vows Appeal of Mesothelioma Verdict
In response to the ruling, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would appeal. Erik Haas, the company’s Worldwide Vice President of Litigation, claimed the judge had prevented it from sharing facts showing that Plotkin’s exceedingly rare form of mesothelioma was not caused by talcum powder. While the company continues to insist that its talc is safe and does not contain asbestos, mesothelioma claims involving talc products continue to be filed against J & J and other talc manufacturers and suppliers.
Mr. Plotkin’s case is one of many where juries and judges have found Johnson & Johnson liable for failing to warn consumers about asbestos contamination in its talc-based products. The combined $25 million award sends a strong message about corporate accountability and gives hope to thousands of other victims seeking justice for the harm that they’ve suffered.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.