A mesothelioma diagnosis would represent heartache, pain and suffering for anybody, but when the victim is already mentally disabled and has little understanding of what is happening to her, the tragedy is even greater. That is exactly what a California jury is hearing about today, as 36-year-old Gail Koretoff is pursuing legal action against Johnson & Johnson.
Woman Has Used Johnson & Johnson Talc Products For Her Entire Life
Ms. Koretoff was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma two-and-a-half years ago after having collapsed in her mother’s kitchen. The woman’s mother, Anneillia Koretoff, had used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder on her from the time she was an infant, and Ms. Koretoff continued using that product and the company’s Shower-to-Shower talc powder product throughout her life. Her lawsuit accuses the company of hiding the fact that its talc-based products were contaminated with microscopic asbestos fibers, which she is blaming for her illness. She has also been diagnosed with pleural plaques, a lung-scarring condition that is an indication of exposure to asbestos.
According to testimony provided by her mother, Ms. Koretoff’s mental development never went beyond that of a child, and her intellectual disability has made her suffering exponentially worse. She has little understanding of her diagnosis, her prognosis, or of the surgeries and other treatments that she has had to endure over the course of her illness.
Mentally Disabled Woman’s Claim is Latest Lawsuit Accusing J & J of Wrongdoing
Though Ms. Koretoff’s diagnosis with malignant mesothelioma is particularly heart wrenching, her lawsuit accusing Johnson & Johnson of knowingly selling an asbestos-contaminated product is just one of thousands that have already been heard or are awaiting a trial date. Juries around the country have listened carefully to evidence including internal documents written by company executives, as well as expert witness testimony about the various scientific methods for testing for the carcinogenic material. A recent report published by Reuters has further fueled doubts about the company’s professed innocence, as investigators found evidence of edited and rewritten safety reports and pressure being brought to bear on regulators.
It is unknown how many consumers will end up diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma as a result of household products like Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products being contaminated with asbestos. If you have been diagnosed with the disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can answer your questions and get you the help you need. Call us today at 1-800-692-8608.
