Mistrial Declared in J&J Talc Trial as Cancer Victim Dies

Mistrial Declared in J&J Talc Trial as Cancer Victim Dies

Introduction

Los Angeles Superior Judge Stephen Moloney announced a mistrial in Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder lawsuit alleging asbestos in the talc developed mesothelioma in the 94-year-old plaintiff. Considering the woman's death last week, the California Judge declared that the trial would not progress since certain damages were no longer allowable to the plaintiff.

The plaintiff's attorneys claimed her prolonged exposure to the talcum powder containing asbestos caused deadly cancer in her. However, the defendants argued that her pleural mesothelioma was caused by the Kent brand of cigarettes which she smoked for four to five years in the 1950s.

Thousands of cases have also been filed against J&J by plaintiffs and their families claiming exposure to asbestos-containing talc has allegedly caused ovarian cancer. Multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2738; In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation) was formed in 2016 in the District of New Jersey, presided over by Hon. Freda L. Wolfson, U.S.D.J./ Hon. Lois H. Goodman, U.S.M.J. for coordinated pretrial proceedings.