At just 35 years old, Sarah Plant is notably younger than most mesothelioma victims. She represents a new phase in the legacy of asbestos as one of the many people sickened by its presence in cosmetic talc products. Ms. Plant has filed a personal injury lawsuit against talc supplier Whittaker Clark & Daniels, cosmetics company Mary Kay, makeup pigment company Color Techniques, and talc manufacturer IMI Fabi seeking compensation for the damages she has suffered.
Jury Told of Woman’s Confusion Over Mesothelioma Diagnosis
According to Courtroom View Network, Ms. Plant’s claim is being heard in a South Carolina state court, where a jury heard details of her diagnosis with malignant mesothelioma and their subsequent quest to determine how the young woman could have been exposed to asbestos. It was only when she read of other talc-related litigation that she and her physician made the connection between her years of cosmetic talc use and her fatal illness.
Her mesothelioma lawsuit accuses the named companies of failing to inform the public of the risks posed by the cosmetic talc products they were bringing to market, despite knowing of their dangers. In response, the attorney for Whittaker Clark & Daniels argued that their talc had been extensively tested for asbestos and consistently found it to be safe. The attorneys also argued that talc itself is not carcinogenic, despite recent studies that have found otherwise.
Mary Kay Cosmetics Attorney Argues Against Mesothelioma Liability
Attorneys for each of the talc companies made different arguments against being held responsible for Ms. Plant’s mesothelioma. The attorney for Mary Kay Cosmetics asserted that her exposure to their product was minimal when compared to exposure to that caused by her use of a Johnson & Johnson product that is no longer included in the suit. Attorneys for the other two companies similarly argued that they had tested their products for asbestos.
The mesothelioma lawsuit began on Tuesday and is expected to take approximately two weeks.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
