J&J Talc Verdicts: Wins In SC, Loses In NY

J&J Talc Verdicts: Wins In SC, Loses In NY

Introduction

Johnson & Johnson faced different verdicts on a similar talcum lawsuit trial in NY and SC, on May 21, 2019.

J&J is facing allegations that its talcum powder causes mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. A New York jury granted $25 million in compensatory damages to a plaintiff claiming the company was responsible for her mesothelioma. The punitive damages against the company are yet to be decided by the jurors. Also, in a similar trial taking place in South Carolina, the jury concluded that J&J wasn’t responsible for the woman’s mesothelioma that she blamed on asbestos found in the company’s baby powder.

J&J has reportedly won six defense verdicts and has settled four cases. Also, some of the plaintiffs’ verdicts have been overturned, whereas others are still on appeal.

J&J is facing nearly 14,000 talcum powder lawsuits, each raising a common allegation that asbestos exposure from the company’s talc-based products causes ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. Hon. Freda L. Wolfson, U.S.D.J./ Hon. Lois H. Goodman, U.S.M.J. overlooks J&J's talcum powder multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2738; In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation) in the District of New Jersey.