Following a second denial of its bankruptcy application and concerns about future growth, Johnson & Johnson has quietly settled about 100 mesothelioma and ovarian cancer talcum powder lawsuits and is said to be attempting to resolve many more of them. The move is apparently meant to avoid damaging verdicts in the jury trials that are scheduled to be heard next year.
Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Claims from Three Law Firms Have Settled Out of Court
Over the last several years, more than 50,000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson by people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The victims and their survivors claim company executives knew about asbestos contamination of the talc in its popular powder products but failed to take action or warn consumers about the risk posed by the carcinogenic mineral.
Last night, Bloomberg News reported that three different law firms representing dozens of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims have reached agreements for settlements for their clients. The settlement amounts have not been disclosed, but are thought to represent significantly less than the multi-million-dollar verdicts that the company has been assigned by juries hearing evidence in those claims that have previously been held. These verdicts and the threat of thousands more like them have impacted the company’s reputation and stock price.
Mesothelioma Settlements Would Eliminate Many J&J Talcum Claims
Though the company has consistently rejected accusations of asbestos contamination in its talc-based powders, many juries have sided with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims who say the company was more focused on profits than on the people who used its products. Bloomberg News quoted University of Richmond professor Carl Tobias as saying that the company had been “hammered by juries” over the last several years.
Settling the mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims would largely close the chapter on what has been a troubling story for Johnson & Johnson. Following significant press attention to the talc litigation, the company stopped all sales of its talc-based products in both the United States and Canada in 2020.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or ovarian cancer and you believe it was caused by exposure to talc, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
