As is true in the United States, thousands of United Kingdom citizens who’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer blame asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder for their illnesses. In what has now become the largest product liability case in British history, the country’s High Court has approved a Group Litigation Order to manage the major legal action, allowing the victims to pursue justice collectively.
Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Claimants Win Court Approval for Group Litigation
Citing both the scale of the litigation and the need to resolve common issues affecting thousands of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims, Mrs. Justice Hill and Senior Master Cook determined that a Group Litigation Order was the appropriate mechanism to pursue. Like victims in the United States, the UK claimants contend that Johnson’s Baby Powder was contaminated with asbestos and other harmful particles, and that Johnson & Johnson continued to market the product as safe despite being aware of the risks. The claims cite negligence and deceit, with the court also granting permission for victims to amend their Generic Particulars of Claim to include allegations relating to the role of iron as a contaminant.
Ovarian cancer victim and lead claimant Janet Fuschillo said, “I watched the hearing that led to yesterday’s decision and am relieved that the court took my predicament, and that of many others, into account. It was clear from what I saw that Johnson and Johnson will fight this case tooth and nail. They should know that all of us who developed illnesses from using their contaminated talc will do the same.”
Mesothelioma Victims’ Urgent Need for Justice Acknowledged by UK Court
After the judges handed down their decision, an attorney representing the mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claimants said, “We are pleased the court recognized that a group litigation order is the quickest and fairest way to hear this case. Importantly, the court has also acknowledged the claimants’ life-limiting diagnoses and will endeavor to ensure as many as possible live to see its conclusion.” The court noted the need for urgency in hearing the case, reflecting the reality that claimants are dying at the rate of one every three days while litigation proceeds.
For over a century, Johnson & Johnson marketed its baby powder product as pure and safe for babies and women. The company replaced its talc formulation with a cornstarch-based version in 2023, discontinuing the product while simultaneously insisting it was perfectly safe and never contained asbestos capable of causing mesothelioma. The group litigation now involves more than 7,000 UK claimants, and mirrors lawsuits in the United States, where J&J has faced billions in verdicts and made three attempts at a bankruptcy filing to avoid jury trials.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
