A New Jersey jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay hundreds of millions in damages to four individuals claiming they developed mesothelioma from asbestos in baby powder created by J&J. This landmark ruling indicates the infamous medical device company should be punished for failing to warn consumers about the asbestos risks from using talcum powder.

The court announced their verdict on Thursday, February 6. During this second phase of the trial process, Johnson & Johnson’s CEO, Alex Gorsky, testified over the alleged injuries caused by J&J's baby powder. This was the first time Gorsky took a stand in a jury trial over the alleged asbestos contamination and injuries.

Taking only 2 hours to decide the verdict, the jury decided Johnson & Johnson needed to be punished for endangering consumers through their unethical behavior and business practices.

“We believe the jury was speaking directly to Alex Gorsky,” reported one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys Chris Placitella.

The jury determined J&J should pay $750 million in punitive damages. This amount is in addition to the over $37 million in compensatory damages awarded in September to the four plaintiffs. Each of these individuals claim they developed mesothelioma after long-term exposure to asbestos in J&J talc-based products.

Despite the landmark ruling, New Jersey places a limit on damages to five times the amount of the compensatory damages. This means the final punitive damages award will be reduced to $186.5 million.

Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits

Several thousand talcum powder lawsuits currently pend against Johnson & Johnson for injuries caused by their talc-based products. Johnson & Johnson brands named in these lawsuits include several brands including the following:

• Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
• Shower-to-Shower talc products.

Individuals claim Johnson & Johnson knew for years about the health risks of asbestos in their talc products. However, despite this knowledge, plaintiffs claim J&J failed to warn the public. Talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson claim asbestos contamination from their talc-based products caused injuries including but not limited to the following:

• mesothelioma
• ovarian cancer
• uterine cancer
• etc.

If you used Johnson & Johnson or Shower to Shower talc-based products and developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may want to talk with an attorney right away. Because of recent trials against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn about the health risks of talc in their products, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering.

To talk with a lawyer to see if you are eligible to file claim against Johnson & Johnson for your injuries, call us today. At the McGartland Law Firm, we have professionals available around the clock to answer your questions and provide free, no-obligation case evaluations. Call today at 866.832.9300.