Retrial Begins in California Mesothelioma Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson

It’s been just over a year since mesothelioma victim Carolyn Weirick told a California jury about her diagnosis with malignant mesothelioma, and why she believed that Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder had caused her development of the rare and fatal form of cancer. That trial ended with a deadlocked jury unable to agree on a conclusion, so now the case is being heard again.

Teacher is one of thousands blaming J & J for their asbestos-related cancers

Prior to being diagnosed with mesothelioma, Carolyn Weirick was a school counselor living a full life. Now she is one of thousands accusing Johnson & Johnson of hiding evidence of asbestos in their iconic talc-based products and causing asbestos-related diseases. The new trial began with a New York-based occupational medicine physician testifying that the company had been aware of the presence of asbestos and had unsuccessfully tried to address the issue.

Dr. Jacqueline Moline is Chair of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention at North Shore University Hospital, and has significant expertise on mesothelioma and other traditionally workplace-based diseases. During her testimony she told the jury, “In the late 1950s, Johnson & Johnson contracted with labs and universities to evaluate the baby powder. They used very different methodologies and they found measurable needles (fibers) in the cosmetic talc. They also tried to see if there was a method to remove it (asbestos). It was unsuccessful.”

Mesothelioma victim used baby powder for 40 years

During the course of the previous trial, Mrs .Weirick had testified that she had used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and Shower to Shower talc powder for 40 years, and that she believed that asbestos in those products led to her development of malignant mesothelioma. She is seeking compensatory damages of $28 million, arguing that had she been aware of the toxin’s presence in the powders she would not have used it and accusing the company of hiding its presence from the public.

Though Johnson & Johnson’s attorneys in the mesothelioma case are arguing against the notion that asbestos was present in the company’s products, Dr. Moline’s testimony on Monday included multiple studies that had identified the presence of the carcinogen in the talc.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is life altering event, and patients and their family members alike need support and resources. For information on where to find both, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net 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