Johnson & Johnson has spent the last few years attempting to use bankruptcy to evade over 51,000 lawsuits filed by malignant mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims. With a court having rejected its second attempt last July and the next lawsuit scheduled for this month, the company is considering a third filing in hopes it will halt the resumption of trials.
Baby Powder Product Accused of Causing Malignant Mesothelioma and Other Cancers
Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder was one of the world’s most trusted products until it was tied to ovarian cancer and malignant mesothelioma. The company denied reports that its talc was contaminated with asbestos. Still, as thousands of victims came forward and began winning multi-million dollar lawsuits, it discontinued sales of all talc-based powders in the United States, replacing the main ingredient with cornstarch.
At the heart of the successful lawsuits have been claims that the company’s management was aware of the product’s contamination with asbestos and the mesothelioma and cancer risks that the substance posed. Similar suits have been filed against other cosmetic talc companies, including Colgate-Palmolive and Avon.
Third Bankruptcy Filing Could Freeze Mesothelioma Claims
While the company’s first bankruptcy filing effectively froze all outstanding mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims against it, by the time the second attempt was filed the judge allowed some urgent cases to move forward. The most recently heard case resulted in an $18.8 million verdict for the plaintiff. A third filing could halt the cases that are now resuming, though a vote on the filing is not expected to be held by the company’s board for several months.
The next Johnson & Johnson talcum powder trial is a mesothelioma claim scheduled to be heard this month, in California. Others are scheduled for March and August of 2024 in New Jersey, and another is scheduled to be heard in Philadelphia in the fall.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today to learn how we can help.
