Jury Confirms $4 M Punitive Damages for Mesothelioma Victim

Jury Confirms $4 M Punitive Damages for Mesothelioma Victim

Introduction

Los Angeles jury announced $4 million as punitive damages on May 24, 2018, in favor of Plaintiff Joanne Anderson, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma and awarded $21.7 million as compensatory damages on May 23. The plaintiff alleged she developed mesothelioma due to the exposure to asbestos present in the talc used in J&J’s talcum powder since the 1970s while bowling and using it on her children.

A banker with the same diagnosis was awarded $117 million in punitive and compensatory damages by a New Jersey jury last month. Johnson & Johnson denies the allegation that their Talcum powder contains cancer-causing asbestos. Over 6,600 lawsuits are filed nationwide by women who claim they developed ovarian cancer after using J&J's Talcum Powder for feminine hygiene purpose.