15 Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit Benefits That Everyone Should Be Able To

Author : Griffith Barbee | Published On : 15 Jun 2024

Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson

A 24-year-old with pericardial msothelioma claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is to blame for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first trial that has been held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and split off its Talc division.

In the spring of this year, jury awards in New Jersey and California led to big settlements in talc-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs linked cancer to asbestos found in J&J products Shower to Shower and baby powder.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a lethal type of cancer, affects the mesothelium or lining around organs and cavities inside the body. It is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can be found in the chest and abdomen cavity. Asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause and those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing this disease.

The first trial following J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum-powder division began in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were moved by the story of the plaintiff. In 2022, the plaintiff who was only 24 years old at the time, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in the pericardium. He attributed the reason for his illness to his use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.

J&J has been accused of concealing asbestos risks from consumers since decades. The company has a long tradition of concealing asbestos-related information from regulators, as well as paying for asbestos tests that produced the results they desired. The lawsuits have identified a number of the company's suppliers of talcum powder, including Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and other companies.

Some women who used talcum for feminine hygiene on pads or condoms, or in the genital region have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits assert that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, but did not warn consumers of this risk.


The symptoms of mesothelioma are abdominal pain and abdominal swelling, abdominal lumps, and persistent coughing. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by physical examination and imaging scans. They can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRIs and PET or X-rays.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Depending on the location of their tumors, surgeons may be able remove the affected tissue. Certain patients with mesothelioma have a life expectancy less than five. However aggressive treatments like extracorporeal tissue transplantation or chemotherapy for cytoreduction that uses hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy can prolong the duration of survival.

What is the cause of Mesothelioma?

Like most cancers, mesothelioma occurs by DNA mutations. These mutations can cause uncontrolled cell growth, which forms tumors in tissues. Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can be found in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, mining construction, transportation and construction. Asbestos can be exposed for between 20 and 40 years prior to symptoms developing. Mesothelioma affects men more than women, and it is usually diagnosed in those in their 50s to 70s. The kind of mesothelioma involving asbestos that someone develops is often determined by the location they were exposed. Most people with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural melanoma, which affects the lungs. Others are diagnosed with peritoneal melanoma, a type of mesothelioma that affects the abdomen. Some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This is a rare type of disease that affects both the liner (pericardium) and the organ itself.

Insomnia, fatigue and abdominal pain are all symptoms of mesothelioma. In the late stages of mesothelioma tumors may spread to other areas of the body, which can cause severe discomfort and pain. Other signs of mesothelioma can include fluid in the lungs, nausea difficulties eating and swallowing. Mesothelioma is a fatal illness that can be fatal.

The trial involving talcum powder in Oakland involved a man of 24 who developed pericardial mesothelioma from the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that the company knew that talc might contain asbestos, but didn't inform consumers. They also cited an 1998 letter addressed to a J&J executive, revealing the possibility of asbestos in their products.

This is the latest in a string of major verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum powder caused ovarian mesothelioma to a woman. macon mesothelioma law firm , another jury in Missouri awarded $55 Million in a similar case. In addition, seven cases were added to the powder talcum MDL over the course of the month which brought the total number of pending lawsuits to 37,522. The majority of these lawsuits involve women who have used J&J's talcum powder for feminine hygiene reasons.

How Can I Tell if I Have Mesothelioma?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients should consult an expert for the most accurate information possible and prevent misdiagnosis that could lead to unnecessary treatment and allow cancer to expand further.

A physical examination and blood test could be a good start to identify whether mesothelioma has caused symptoms. These tests can detect asbestos fibers in the blood or to determine how well a patient's organs are functioning. The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma is taking a biopsy. Doctors take tissue or fluids from the affected area, and then look at them under a microscope for mesothelioma cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelioma a person is suffering from also affects his or her prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma, that forms in the thin lining around the lung, is the most common form of the disease and accounts for the vast majority of diagnosed cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a cancer that forms in the lining of the abdomen is less prevalent. The pericardial mesothelioma, an uncommon type that develops in the lining of the heart, is much less common and accounts for about 1% of cases.

Some of the first symptoms include breathlessness that gets worse over time and a coughing up of blood. Asbestos patients can also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity, which is called pleural effusion. It can be removed by inserting a needle in the affected area of the chest cavity. In more severe cases, doctors might undergo a procedure called pleurodesis, which seals the area to prevent the reaccumulation in the pleura.

A mesothelioma accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. There are many treatments available which include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Other options include immunotherapy which increases the immune system to fight mesothelioma as well as cancer treating fields that employ magnetic fields to kill cancerous cells.

A mesothelioma specialist who is specialized can help patients understand the different mesothelioma cell types which determine how invasive the cancer is and what the prognosis for the patient is. Patients should discuss with their doctor their history of asbestos exposure to determine whether mesothelioma could be possible and what treatment options are available.

How Can I get help?

If you used Johnson & Johnson talcum and suffered from ovarian or other diseases such as mesothelioma following the use of the talcum powder, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. Contact us today for an obligation-free, no-cost consultation. We can assist you with bringing a mesothelioma suit against J&J to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligence.

Mesothelioma is an uncommon and fatal illness caused by asbestos exposure, is a rare condition. Asbestos was widely utilized in a variety of industrial and consumer products like baby powder. Plaintiffs in talcum powder lawsuits claim that inhaling talcum powder contributed to their asbestos exposure, which contributed to mesothelioma and other health problems.

J&J failed to inform the public about the dangers of talcum and asbestos even though they had been aware of their dangers for decades. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages against the company. These claims have been consolidated in state and federal multidistrict lawsuits, also known as MDLs.

In 2018 one of the biggest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion settlement in favor of the plaintiff. This made national headlines and set the stage for the rest of the litigation. In the last month, a judge denied the motion of J&J to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi.

J&J however, attempted again to halt the litigation. The company established an additional subsidiary entity to take over its talc liabilities and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy stayed the talc lawsuits of thousands, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected this strategy.

The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based upon the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They allege that the company acted negligently in failing to warn consumers of the possibility of ovarian carcinoma from talcum powder and that this was a violation of state law.

J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to a different bankruptcy court. A hearing has been scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to move forward. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another condition that could have been caused talcum powder. You should seek legal counsel immediately. Our skilled lawyers can help you receive the compensation you deserve.