A jury has awarded $40.3 million to a woman who says she acquired mesothelioma due to using Johnson & Johnson talcum powder. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the jury in Los Angeles deliberated for six days before rendering a decision in the lawsuit Nancy Cabibi and her husband Phil filed.
According to court records, she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2017. She had to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Exposure to Asbestos
The report says Cabibi’s body showed the presence of tremolite and anthophyllite asbestos, both of which are known contaminants of Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower.
Cabibi had used both J&J talcum powder products. Jurors found Johnson’s Baby Powder defective because it contained asbestos and caused Cabibi’s mesothelioma, which is typically a deadly form of cancer.
The company’s attorneys argued that Cabibi had been exposed to asbestos because she resided in an industrial area of Los Angeles. But her attorneys countered that she never worked in or even entered any facilities where she would have been exposed to asbestos. The couple moved away from Los Angeles and currently lives in Idaho.
Mesothelioma and Talcum Powder
Asbestos fibers that develop in the lining of the heart, abdomen, or lungs are what cause the cancer mesothelioma. Some of the common symptoms of mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain.
Typically, mesothelioma patients have about 12 months to live after their diagnosis. Treatment for mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. How does talcum powder cause mesothelioma? Because talcum powder is so light, it is common to breathe in particles during use.
Asbestos contamination of the powder would also be inhaled during use.
Talc is a natural mineral that is widely used in cosmetics because of its softness and ability to absorb moisture. When mined, talc may become contaminated with natural asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. In 1973, the federal government enacted regulations requiring all talc providers to be asbestos-free.
However, many recent reports and studies show that these products have never been entirely safe, even though J&J maintains that they are vehement. Talcum powder products have also been linked to ovarian cancer in many women who use it for feminine hygiene purposes.
We are relieved to note that this particular family got their day in court with J&J. Our law firm is working with a number of individuals and families who these dangerous and defective products have impacted.
If you or a loved one has received a cancer diagnosis as a result of using J&J talcum powder products, please get in touch with an experienced Los Angeles product defect lawyer who can help you pursue your legal rights.
Source: https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/10/01/johnson-johnson-baby-powder-mesothelioma-lawsuit-40-3-million-jury-award/
Paul Dagostino
Paul Dagostino is a California dangerous products lawyer who has successfully litigated against 3M, J&J and GM.
