A Connecticut real estate developer with malignant mesothelioma who filed product liability claims against Johnson & Johnson and other talc manufacturers has been awarded $15 million in compensatory damages plus punitive damages by a state court jury. Evan Plotkin accused the consumer giant, as well as several of its subsidiaries, of strict liability, negligence, failure to warn, and breach of warranty. He had previously settled with the maker of Clubman talc for an undisclosed amount.
Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $15 Million to Mesothelioma Victim
According to Mr. Plotkin’s claim, his mesothelioma diagnosis followed years of having been exposed to asbestos through his and his children’s use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products, as well as through art supplies he had used. J&J had filed numerous objections to evidence presented at trial and now promises an appeal of what the company’s worldwide vice president of litigation, Erik Haas, calls “erroneous rulings by the trial judge that prevented us from sharing critical facts with the jury.”
For their part, the mesothelioma attorneys representing Mr. Plotkin said, “Evan developed a cancer singularly associated with asbestos exposure after 50 years of using asbestos-containing baby powder intended for use directly on a person’s face and body and on their babies and children. In spite of this, Johnson & Johnson tried to blame Evan for his cancer. The jury in Bridgeport reaffirms what juries around the country find over and over involving mesothelioma cancer; specifically, Johnson’s Baby Powder had asbestos, J&J knew it, and when faced with doing the right thing or the wrong thing about the issue, they chose the wrong thing every single time.”
Punitive Damages in Mesothelioma Claim Not Yet Determined
In addition to awarding the mesothelioma victim $15 million in compensatory damages, the Connecticut jury that heard the case agreed that Johnson & Johnson should pay Mr. Plotkin punitive damages but did not specify the amount they believed to be appropriate. The victim’s attorneys had suggested $70 million, but the amount will be determined by the judge who oversaw the case.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you identify the source of your exposure and provide you with additional resources and guidance. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
