Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A man aged 24 with pericardial msothelioma claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is the cause of his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first trial to be 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 massive 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 lethal type of cancer is a disease of the mesothelium the lining surrounding organs and cavities in the body. It is most common in the lungs, but can also be found in the chest and abdomen cavity. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma and those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing this disease.
The first trial since J&J declared its Talcum Powder division bankrupt began this week, and jurors in Oakland, California were emotional when they heard the testimony of the plaintiff. In 2022, the plaintiff who was just 24 years old at the time, old at the time, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma of pericardium. The plaintiff attributed his condition to childhood exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.
J&J has been accused of obfuscating asbestos risks from the public for a long time. The company has a long history of concealing asbestos-related information from regulators, and even paying for asbestos tests that gave 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 area have developed ovarian and mesothelioma. The lawsuits assert that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, but failed to warn customers of this danger.
Mesothelioma symptoms may include breathing difficulties, constant coughing, abdominal pain, fatigue, and lumps or masses on the abdomen or chest. Doctors can diagnose the condition through a physical exam and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X rays.
After a mesothelioma is diagnosed patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. The surgeons are able to remove the affected tissue, based on the location of the tumors. Some patients with mesothelioma have a life expectancy less than five. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal tissue transplantation and cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong the duration of survival.
What is the cause of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA changes in a cell. These mutations cause uncontrolled cell growth that causes tumors to form in tissues. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can be found in a variety of industries such as mining, manufacturing and transportation. Asbestos is usually exposed for 20 to 40 years prior to the onset of symptoms appearing. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. It is also diagnosed most often among those between the ages of 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma that a person gets is often determined by the area of their body where they were exposed to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung. Others are diagnosed as having peritoneal msothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is affecting the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, an extremely rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, breathlessness, abdominal pain and weight loss. In the last stages of mesothelioma, the tumors may grow to other areas, causing severe discomfort and pain. Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid in the lungs, loss of appetite, difficulty eating and swallowing. Mesothelioma can be fatal.
The trial involving talcum powder in Oakland involved a man of 24 who was diagnosed with pericardial cancer due to the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers claimed that J&J knew that talc was contaminated with asbestos, but did not warn consumers. They also cited an 1998 letter sent to a J&J executive revealing the possibility of asbestos in their products.
This is the latest in a string of high-dollar verdicts against J&J. In March, a jury handed down $18.8 million to a woman who contracted ovarian mesothelioma from J&J's talcum powder, and last month, a jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in another case that involved the same issue. In addition, seven new cases were added to the powder's MDL over the course of the month which brought the number of pending lawsuits to 37,522. Most of these lawsuits were filed by women who have used J&J talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene.
How do I know if I have mesothelioma or not?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients must always consult a doctor for the most accurate diagnosis and to avoid false diagnosis, which could lead to unneeded treatment and spread of cancer.
A physical exam and a blood sample can aid in identifying mesothelioma symptoms. These tests can be used to test for asbestos fibers in blood or the health of the patient's internal organs. The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma is the procedure of a biopsy. Doctors remove tissues or fluids from the affected area, and then look at them under a microscope for mesothelioma tumor cells.
The type of mesothelioma that a sufferer has also impacts the likelihood of a positive outcome. Pleural mesothelioma, that forms in the thin lining around the lungs, is the most common form of the disease and makes up the majority of diagnosed cases. Peritoneal cancer, which develops in the lining of the abdomen is a less prevalent type. Finally, pericardial mesothelioma, an uncommon type that develops in the heart's lining is more rare and only makes up about one percent of cases.
A shortness of breath that is more severe with time, and bloody coughing are some of the first symptoms. Asbestos victims can also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity, a condition called pleural effusion. This can be drained by inserting a needle in the affected area of the chest cavity. In more severe cases, doctors might perform a procedure called pleurodesis to seal the space to prevent reaccumulation of fluid in the pleura.
A mesothelioma accurate diagnosis is essential to determining the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. There are a variety of treatments available that include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other options include immunotherapy which enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma as well as cancer treating fields that employ the power of magnets to kill cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients in understanding different mesothelioma cells which determine the severity of the cancer and the outlook for patients. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to determine if they're mesothelioma-related and find out what types of treatment options are available to them.
How Can I get help?
If you have used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or another illness like mesothelioma, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today to receive an absolutely free case evaluation. We can assist you in bringing a mesothelioma suit against J&J to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma, an uncommon and fatal illness caused by asbestos exposure is a rare condition. Asbestos was once used extensively in a wide range of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. In talcum powder cases plaintiffs assert that exposure to asbestos from inhaling the powder caused them to develop mesothelioma or other health problems.
J&J allegedly knew about the dangers of talcum powder and asbestos for decades but failed to warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the firm seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The claims have been combined in federal and state multidistrict lawsuits, also known as MDLs.
In 2018 one of the first large Talc trials ended in an $4.7 billion verdict for the plaintiff. This was a major news story that set the tone for the rest of the year. In oxnard mesothelioma law firm , a judge ruled against a request by J&J to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi.
However, in an attempt to stop the litigation, J&J tried again. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J, filed for bankruptcy after the company created an entity to take over its liabilities. The bankruptcy was able to halt thousands of talc lawsuits however, the 3rd Circuit rejected this strategy.
The lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi are based on the same allegations that were a part of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J that claim that the company's inability to warn consumers about the dangers of ovarian cancer from talcum powder was negligent and violated the law of the state.
J&J has resubmitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to a different bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to move forward. If you or someone around you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another condition that could be the result of talcum powder. You must seek legal advice immediately. Our lawyers are experienced and can help you receive the compensation you deserve.