J&J Massachusetts Mesothelioma Victim Awarded $8 Million

For purposes of this article, the mesothelioma victim in this case will be referred to as J.P.

In a significant ruling from Boston, a jury in Massachusetts awarded $8 million in compensation to an 84-year-old woman who developed pleural mesothelioma after years of using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum baby powder. The jury determined that the company’s famous baby powder contained asbestos, a dangerous substance that causes mesothelioma and several other illnesses, that J&J was aware of the dangers its product posed, and that the asbestos exposure ultimately led to J.P.’s mesothelioma diagnosis.

J.P. received her mesothelioma diagnosis in 2021, one year after the giant pharmaceutical company stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in North America and a year before it terminated global sales. The plaintiff’s legal representatives argued that she had used the product throughout her life, not only on herself, but also on her children while caring for them. They argued that this constant use of the powder led to her repeatedly inhaling asbestos fibers, and ultimately, developing pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the pleura (the lining of the lungs). This disease is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various industries and consumer products due to its qualities. However, inhaling asbestos fibers, especially over a long time, can cause inflammation and cellular damage, eventually resulting in genetic mutations and the development of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma usually progresses slowly, with symptoms often appearing decades after initial asbestos exposure. Because of its long latency period, pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options and survival rates.

J.P.’s attorneys told the jury about the significant concentration of asbestos she had endured through the years. But what made J.P.’s case particularly compelling to the jury was the evidence that her attorneys presented showing that Johnson & Johnson knew about the presence of asbestos in its baby powder for years, and despite having that information, continued to promote the product as safe and appropriate for daily use, instead of fixing the situation or warning the public. Given the compelling evidence that J.P.’s legal representatives presented, the jury had no other option than to rule in J.P.’s favor and award the multimillion-dollar verdict. Speaking about the verdict, one of J.P.’s attorneys commended the jury for seeing how Johnson & Johnson betrayed and took advantage of the trust of people like J.P.

J.P.’s lawsuit against J&J is just one of more than 60,000 asbestos-related claims the company is facing. J.P.’s $8 million verdict is one of the latest in an increasing number of decisions that show that juries are unwilling to allow the company to get away with negligence, especially in cases where there is clear evidence of concealment and long-term harm.

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If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.