Mesothelioma victims and their survivors continue to convince juries that Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder was responsible for their tragedy. In the most recent example, an Alameda County, California Superior Court jury has awarded more than $34 million to the family of Kevin Reikes, who developed the disease after using the company’s talc product. Jurors found J&J 40% responsible for the victim’s medical costs and pain and suffering.
Mesothelioma Liability Split Among Talc Brands
As is often the case in mesothelioma lawsuits, the Reikes family named several companies as defendants. Though J&J was the only defendant at trial, the jury assigned the remaining 60% of fault to Dr. Scholl’s foot powder. Though Gold Bond was also named, they found no liability for that product. They also decided against ordering either company to pay punitive damages.
Mr. Reikes was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2025. During opening statements, his attorney told jurors that Johnson & Johnson knew that its talc contained asbestos but concealed the information to protect its brand’s reputation for purity and as a manufacturer of products that were safe for infants. He accused the company of rigging tests and attacking scientists who raised concerns about the product’s makeup.
Juries Continue Hearing Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Claims
Johnson & Johnson has faced claims from both mesothelioma victims and ovarian cancer victims over the last several years, and many have led to significant awards. Most recently, in Massachusetts, a jury awarded $1.9 million to the family of Winifred “Missy” Haddad, a nurse and mother of four sons who died in 2020 at age 66. In that case, the jury attributed her death to heart disease, which eliminated the chance of the family being awarded the punitive damages that they sought.
In the mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims filed against Johnson & Johnson and other companies that have manufactured, sold, or distributed talc-based products, victims point to the proximity of asbestos deposits to talc deposits, and subsequent contamination of talc when it is mined. Evidence has been presented that the corporate management of the talc companies was aware of the risk of illness but suppressed the information in order to continue selling their popular and profitable products.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer and you believe that talc-based products played a role, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
