Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A man who is 24 years old and has pericardial mesotheliom claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is responsible for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first trial that has been held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and spun 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 have linked cancer to asbestos in J&J products Shower to Shower and baby powder.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that affects mesothelium the lining around organs and body cavities. It is usually found in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen, heart, chest cavity and testicles. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and people who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing this disease.
The first trial since J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum-powder division opened in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were moved by the story of the plaintiff. The plaintiff, who is just 24 years old was diagnosed with malignant pericardial cancer in 2022. He attributed the cause of his condition to his childhood use Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $26 million.
J&J has been accused of obfuscating asbestos risks from the public for a long time. The company has a long track record of concealing asbestos-related information from regulators, as well as paying for asbestos tests that gave the results they desired. The lawsuits have identified a number of the company's suppliers of talcum powder such as Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and others.
Some women who used talcum for feminine hygiene on sanitary 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 caused mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, but did not warn consumers of the danger.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include breathing problems, chronic coughing, abdominal pain, fatigue and lumps or masses on the abdomen or chest. Doctors can identify the disease through a physical examination and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X-rays.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, patients may undergo surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Depending on the location of their tumors, surgeons may be able remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may have a life expectancy lower than five. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal tissue transplantation and cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong the duration of survival.
What causes Mesothelioma?
Like all cancers, mesothelioma is caused when a cell's DNA experiences mutations. These mutations cause the cells to multiply rapidly and develop tumors in tissues of the body. Asbestos is a frequent cause mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos can occur at work in a variety of fields which include mining, manufacturing, construction and transportation. Asbestos can be exposed for 20 to 40 years prior to symptoms appearing. Mesothelioma affects men more than women, and it is most often diagnosed in people in their 50s and 70s. The type of mesothelioma a person is usually determined by the area of their body that were exposed to asbestos. Most mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural msothelioma, which affects the lung. Some are diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma affects the abdomen. Some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This is a rare form of the disease which affects both the liner (pericardium), and the organ itself.
Parma mesothelioma lawsuits youtube.com of breath as well as abdominal pain and fatigue are all symptoms of mesothelioma. In the latter stages of mesothelioma, tumors may grow to other areas, causing severe discomfort and pain. Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid in the lungs, nausea, difficulty eating and swallowing. Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease, and can be fatal.
The talcum-powder trial in Oakland involved a man of 24 years old who developed pericardial mesothelioma as a result of using J&J baby powder. His lawyers claimed that J&J knew talc could contain asbestos, but didn't inform consumers. They also cited a 1998 letter addressed to a J&J executive revealing the possibility of asbestos being present in their products.
This is only the latest in a long line of high-dollar verdicts against J&J. In March, a jury handed down $18.8 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma ovarian from J&J's talcum powder. Then, last month a jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in a separate case involving the same issue. In addition, seven new cases were added to the powder's MDL over the course of the month and brought the total number of lawsuits pending to 37,522. The majority of these lawsuits concern women who used J&J's Talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes.
How Do I Know If I Have Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma could be devastating. Patients should always consult a specialist to get the most accurate diagnosis possible and avoid misdiagnosis which could result in unneeded treatment and let cancer grow.
A physical exam and blood sample can help to identify mesothelioma-related symptoms. These tests can detect asbestos fibers in blood or to look at how well a patient's organs are functioning. The most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma is taking a biopsy. Doctors remove tissues or fluids from an affected area and then examine them under a microscope to look for mesothelioma cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelioma that a person is suffering from also affects the likelihood of a positive outcome. Pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the thin lining that surrounds the lung, is the most common form of the disease and accounts for the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal cancer, which develops in the lining surrounding the abdomen, is a less common form. In addition, pericardial mesothelioma which is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the heart's lining is much rarer and only represents around one percent of cases.
A shortness of breath that becomes worse over time, and a bloody cough are among the first symptoms. Asbestos patients may also experience fluid accumulation within the chest cavity. This is known as the pleural effusion. The fluid can be removed from the chest cavity by inserting a needle into the area affected. In more severe cases doctors may perform pleurodesis, which is a procedure that seals the cavity in order to prevent the fluid from accumulating in the pleura.
A precise mesothelioma diagnosis is the best method to determine a patient's treatment options as well as their survival rate. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, which boosts the immune systems to fight mesothelioma and tumor treating fields that use a magnetic field in order to kill cancerous cell.
A mesothelioma specialist who is specialized can also help patients understand the different mesothelioma cells, which determine how aggressive the cancer is and what the patient's prognosis is. Patients should discuss with their physician their experience with asbestos exposure to determine if mesothelioma is possible and what treatment options are available.
How Can I Get Help?
If you have used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and developed ovarian cancer or another illness like mesothelioma, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost, non- obligation case assessment. We can assist you in filing mesothelioma lawsuits against J&J and make them accountable for their wrongful conduct.
Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and fatal condition caused by asbestos exposure is a rare condition. Asbestos was a time when it was widely used in a range of industrial and consumer products, including baby powder. The plaintiffs in talcum powder cases claim that inhaling talcum powder contributed to asbestos exposure and subsequently mesothelioma and various other health issues.
J&J did not inform the public about the dangers of talcum and asbestos, despite knowing them for decades. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages and compensatory damages against the company. The claims have been combined in state and federal multidistrict litigations, or MDLs.
In 2018, one of the first large Talc trials ended in an $4.7 billion settlement for the plaintiff. It was a national news story that set the precedent for the rest. Last month, a court denied J&J's request to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state.
In an attempt to halt the litigation, J&J tried again. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J was forced to file for bankruptcy after the company established a new entity to assume its liabilities. The bankruptcy ended the filing of thousands of talc lawsuits, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi are built on the same allegations as the individual lawsuits brought against J&J which allege that the company's inability to warn consumers about the dangers of ovarian cancer caused by the talcum powder was negligent and was a violation of the law of the state.
J&J has resubmitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J are able to continue. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a mesothelioma, or any other condition that could have been caused by talcum powder, you should seek legal representation immediately. Our experienced attorneys can assist you in obtaining the justice you deserve.