In a case that’s been closely watched by mesothelioma victims across the country, a Los Angeles jury is about to decide whether talc in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder is responsible for two cases of ovarian cancer. Closing arguments presented yesterday signaled that the decision is about to be handed to the jury for deliberations.
Los Angeles Case is Bellwether for Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has been named in tens of thousands of lawsuits that blame the company’s talc-based product for mesothelioma and ovarian cancer diagnoses. While many mesothelioma victims and their survivors have been successful in their pursuit of justice, consumers diagnosed with ovarian cancer have had to wait until multiple Chapter 11 petitions filed by the company were resolved. The current case, considered a bellwether for future litigation, was filed on behalf of two California women who both used the product daily for over 40 years.
Bellwether cases are test trials chosen to gauge the strengths, weaknesses, and potential value of large groups of similar claims. In this case, the litigants are 52-year-old Monica Kent, who used the product for 41 years and was diagnosed in 2014, and 64-year-old Deborah Schultz, who was diagnosed in 2018. Four other claims have been selected for later hearing.
Victims’ Attorneys Speak of Ovarian Cancer Pain, Accuse J&J of Profit-based Decision
Just as asbestos exposure has led to tremendous suffering in mesothelioma cancer victims, the two ovarian cancer victims in this case have endured significant pain, dozens of chemotherapy treatments, and multiple surgeries. Arguing for the jury to award millions of dollars in non-economic and punitive damages, their attorneys pointed to evidence that the company knew of the dangers posed by asbestos in its products but prioritized its profits over consumer safety.
In closing arguments, one of the ovarian cancer victims’ attorneys said, “They hid it from the FDA, from federal regulators, and they hid it from the public. These efforts at hiding the presence of asbestos and those talc fibers, those sharp needle-like talc fibers, they hid it going all the way back to the 1960s.” The attorneys asked the jurors to send a message to the company, asking, “What would it take to tell the folks in New Jersey this is wrong? “Never ever put your business interests, your business profits ahead of the safety of consumers. Never do that again. What’s it going to take?”
There are thousands of similar trials set to take place across the country, accusing cosmetic talc of causing ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and you need guidance, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Call us today at 1-800-692-8608.
