Mesothelioma Legal Blog

For purposes of this article, the late mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as M.M. In a recent groundbreaking ruling, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was ordered to pay almost one billion dollars to the family of M.M., a woman who died from malignant mesothelioma at the age of 88. M.M., the wife of a pastor, reportedly used the giant pharmaceutical’s famous baby powder for decades and believed that the asbestos in the product led to her fatal illness. The verdict awarded in this case is believed to be the largest ever awarded against J&J in a mesothelioma-related talc case. M.M.

The United States Supreme Court is set the hear a slate of upcoming cases including one particular pair of lawsuits that could have an impact on the future of asbestos cancer litigation across the country. Although not directly hearing asbestos mesothelioma claims, the Supreme Court will take up claims centered around which types of cases out-of-state courts may take under consideration when those claims involve multiple defendants. One claim, Bristol-Myers-Squibb Co. v. Super. Ct. of Cal.

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim, in this case, will be referred to as J.B. When mesothelioma victims file a lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable, the defendants will employ every possible legal argument to avoid being held responsible. One strategy is to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, claiming that the case should be heard in a different state. That’s exactly what happened in a recent case involving J.B., an automotive consultant who unfortunately succumbed to mesothelioma in 2019.

Mesothelioma is a type of aggressive and fatal cancer. This illness affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Till today, the only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that was widely used due to its durability, insulating properties, and heat resistance. After asbestos exposure, it can take decades for mesothelioma to develop. Veterans are at significant risk of developing mesothelioma because of the widespread use of asbestos in military buildings and equipment until the late 20th century.

Asbestos is a dangerous, naturally occurring mineral that was popular many years ago. This mineral was used in many industries because of its attractive qualities. Some of the features that make asbestos commercially desirable include durability, heat resistance, and fireproofing capabilities. Asbestos, when left undisturbed, is harmless. However, when it is damaged or disturbed, its fibers can get into the air, where they can be inhaled, resulting in aggressive and fatal illnesses like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

A recent study by the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University reveals disparities in the treatment given to elderly lung cancer patients, including those fighting mesothelioma and other deadly cancers. The study shows why it is so important for all mesothelioma patients, regardless of their demographic, to educate themselves and be proactive in their cancer treatment to improve their prognosis and maximize their survival term.