For years, families have trusted the household brand Johnson & Johnson to supply them with a safe, effective product. However, their popular talc products have since been associated with serious health issues, including the development of certain rare, aggressive cancers. As a result, several individuals are suing J&J for producing and selling such a dangerous product. In the most recent case, a New York court ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $300 million in punitive damages to a woman who developed cancer after using their products.
The Potential Danger
The woman in questions, Donna Olson, age 66, claims that the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products directly contributed to the development of her rare asbestos-related cancer. Talcum powder, or talc, is commonly used in baby powder and feminine hygiene products because it absorbs moisture and prevents chafing. In several advertisements over the years, J&J has proudly recommended customers use their talc products daily for comfort and cleanliness. However, the frequent use of such products can be dangerous, research says.
The Lawsuit
Although Johnson & Johnson maintains that talcum powder is safe and does not contain asbestos, a known carcinogen, documents presented in the trial showed that J&J had covered up internal discoveries of asbestos in their popular baby powder. Earlier this month, a jury awarded Olson $25 million in compensatory damages, but the additional award of punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant, goes to show how serious these cases are.
Johnson & Johnson said they planned to appeal the decision and they continue to deny that their products contain any dangerous elements. Regardless, the company currently faces more than 13,000 talc-related lawsuits, several of which involve the use of their baby powder.
To learn more about this case, visit cnbc.com.
Do You Have a Case?
If you were harmed by a talcum product like Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, our firm can help you seek justice and compensation from the liable party. We frequently handle product liability cases and we are passionate about fighting for the rights of the wrongfully injured. If you developed an asbestos-related cancer after using a talcum product, let us fight for you.
Contact Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.