Mesothelioma victims and others who blame Johnson & Johnson for their asbestos-related illnesses have been frustrated and outraged that recent bankruptcy maneuvers might protect the company from litigation. Now there’s hope that some cases may be heard, as two states have renewed their lawsuits against the company over its talc sales, and the bankruptcy judge is considering measures to expedite a framework for reaching a settlement.
Johnson & Johnson’s Talc Products Blamed for Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer
The company’s iconic baby powder product, as well as its other talc-based products, have been named in tens of thousands of personal injury lawsuits filed by people diagnosed with ovarian cancer and malignant mesothelioma. At issue is the question of whether the company’s talc was contaminated with asbestos, and whether the company knew about it and sold the product anyway, without warning the public.
In response to the mesothelioma and ovarian cancer lawsuits, as well as several significant jury verdicts against them, Johnson & Johnson pursued a controversial bankruptcy strategy that placed all of their talc-related business into a subsidiary company, then had that company file for bankruptcy in order to avoid financial liability. A New Jersey bankruptcy judge allowed the Chapter 11 filing to move forward despite objections from asbestos victims and legal experts.
States Seek to Resume Talc Lawsuits Against Johnson & Johnson
In addition to individual plaintiffs, there are several states’ attorneys general that have filed claims against Johnson & Johnson regarding their talc sales. The company is looking to Judge Michael B. Kaplan to halt suits filed by the state of Mississippi and the state of New Mexico in order to keep their Chapter 11 case on track. Other states are currently in mediation with the company to negotiate a settlement on their talc liability claims.
At the same time, the judge is reportedly frustrated by the lack of progress in mediation between the company and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma victims, and is considering hiring an independent expert to assess the total value of those individual claims. The company is asking for a year to estimate the number and value of claims, while plaintiffs have asked for the lawsuits to be allowed to proceed outside of the bankruptcy court.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease after using a talc-based product, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
