Mesothelioma victims are closely watching a California state court, as opening statements began in a bellweather ovarian cancer claim against Johnson & Johnson. The trial involves consolidated claims from two plaintiffs: Monica Kent, who is currently suffering from ovarian cancer, and the husband of Deborah Schultz, who died from the disease. The trial marks the first time since 2017 that a California jury will participate in a trial about the consumer giant’s iconic talc products.
Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Victims Blame J&J Talc for Illnesses
In this case, as in tens of thousands of pending mesothelioma and ovarian cancer cases, the plaintiffs have accused Johnson & Johnson of failing to warn consumers about potential asbestos contamination in its talc products, despite being aware of the issue for years.
Mesothelioma juries in California and elsewhere have already returned multi-million-dollar verdicts, agreeing that asbestos in talc-based products caused plaintiffs’ cancer through inhalation, but this case is one of the first real tests for how jurors will respond to claims from women who used talc-based products on their bodies versus breathing it in. Victims have argued that despite the company having internal knowledge about potential health risks associated with talc, Johnson & Johnson marketed its baby powder to new mothers, suggesting the product was safe even for infants. Both Kent and Schultz used the product regularly, and both women testified that they would never have used baby powder had they known it contained asbestos.
Mesothelioma Defense Strategy Challenges Scientific Evidence
Johnson and Johnson has defended itself against mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims, arguing that their product did not contain asbestos and calling studies linking talc to ovarian cancer junk science, but Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, testified that the company hid talc product health risks for over 50 years, accusing the company of manipulating data and pressuring regulators.
Under cross-examination by J&J attorney Allison Brown, Dr. Kessler said that 1970s internal documents prove that J&J knew talc products contained cancer-causing asbestos fibers. He said that the company had systematically attacked scientists who found chrysotile or tremolite contamination in their products, explained that the FDA never acted against talc during his 1990-1997 tenure because J&J withheld evidence. The case is continuing in Los Angeles.
If you or someone you love is diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
