Missouri Judge Upholds $4.7 Billion Talcum Verdict

Missouri Judge Upholds $4.7 Billion Talcum Verdict

Introduction

Judge Rex Burlison in Missouri’s 22nd Circuit Court, St. Louis, confirmed on Tuesday the $4.7 billion award for 22 plaintiffs who alleged that asbestos presence in Johnson & Johnson's talcum products causes ovarian cancer.

Even as the talcum giant strongly denies its products contain carcinogenic asbestos, the case concluded in July in Missouri, as the jury found documents affirming that the company was aware of the risks of talcum and falsely marketed the product.

As per jury's verdict, $550 million has been awarded to the plaintiffs as compensatory damages, and an additional $4.14 billion in punitive damages. Each plaintiff along with the families of 6 women who died of ovarian cancer has been awarded $25 million. The verdict was one of the largest involving Johnson & Johnson talcum powder litigation, which holds more than 10,000 claims. J&J vows to appeal Missouri court’s judgment soon. The talcum manufacturer also faces several claims regarding asbestos exposure causing mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer affecting the heart, lungs, and abdomen.