Johnson & Johnson Held in Contempt of Court in Illinois Asbestos Trial

With tens of thousands of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer lawsuits pending, consumer giant Johnson & Johnson has been under fire over asbestos contamination in its iconic talc-based baby powder product. This week the company suffered another legal blow when an Illinois circuit court judge held it in contempt of court when one of its witnesses failed to appear for cross-examination in a case involving a 69-year-old woman who died of ovarian cancer. 

Woman’s Family Seeks Justice After Asbestos in Talc Leads to Ovarian Cancer

Judge Christopher Kolker took action against the company after its vice president of women’s health failed to appear before the jury in a case filed by the family of Elizabeth Driscoll, a 69-year-old woman who died of ovarian cancer after having used the company’s talc-based powder. The trial began July 12th after having been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of her failure to appear, Dr. Susan Nicholson’s previous testimony will be struck from the record and Ms. Driscoll’s attorneys will be able to explain what she would have said under cross examination.

Commenting on the judge’s decision, the family’s attorney said, “The contempt order by the judge in the ongoing Illinois jury trial is just an indication of how Johnson & Johnson has no respect for the law nor the judicial system. The company has shown no respect for the FDA nor any regulatory agency and has lied constantly to them about the great risk to the public about its talcum products. But more importantly, Johnson & Johnson has shown no feeling, concern or respect for the thousands of innocent women that it has killed over the years.”

Asbestos-Contaminated Talc Blamed for Thousands of Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Diagnoses

Asbestos-contaminated talc used by Johnson & Johnson and other consumer companies has been blamed for thousands of malignant mesothelioma and ovarian cancer diagnoses. At issue in the many pending lawsuits is the question of whether the companies were aware of the dangers posed by their product, and whether they should be held responsible for the damages suffered by those who used their products. Over a billion dollars in damages have already been awarded to victims in previously-heard cases.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can provide the resources and information you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri