Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A man who is 24 years old and has mesothelioma of the pericardium has claimed that Johnson and Johnson's baby powder caused his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case marks the first trial that has been held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and split off its Talc division.
This year, juries awards in New Jersey and California led to massive settlements in talc-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs blamed their cancer on asbestos in J&J's Shower Shower and Baby Powder products.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a lethal type of cancer is a disease of the mesothelium the lining that surrounds organs and cavities in the body. It is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also be located in the chest and abdomen cavity. Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause, and people who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease.
The first trial since J&J declared its Talcum Powder division bankrupt was opened this week and jurors in Oakland, California were emotional as they listened to the testimony of the plaintiff. In 2022, the plaintiff, who was only 24 years old at the time, old at the time was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma of pericardium. He attributed his illness to the use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.
J&J is accused of hiding asbestos-related risks from consumers for decades. The company has a long history of hiding asbestos-related findings from regulators and even funding asbestos tests to generate the results it desired. A number of the company's talcum powder suppliers have been named in these lawsuits which include Whittaker, Clark & Daniels and Imerys Talc America.
Many women who used talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene in the genital area or on sanitary napkins or condoms have developed ovarian cancer, and some have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawsuits claim that J&J was aware for more than forty years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer as well as other illnesses, but failed to warn consumers.
Mesothelioma symptoms include breathing problems, chronic coughing, abdominal pain, fatigue and lumps or masses on the chest or abdomen. Pleasanton mesothelioma attorney can identify the disease through a physical exam and imaging scans. They can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRIs and PET or X-rays.
When mesothelioma is discovered patients may undergo surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Depending on the site of their tumors, surgeons might be able to remove the affected tissue. Certain patients with mesothelioma have a lifespan less than five. However aggressive treatments like extracorporeal tissue transplantation and cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong survival.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Like all cancers, mesothelioma develops when a cell's DNA experiences mutations. These mutations cause cells to multiply in uncontrolled ways and form tumors in the tissues of the body. Asbestos is a common cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can be found in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, mining and transportation. Asbestos can be exposed for 20 to 40 years prior to the onset of symptoms appearing. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women, and it is most often diagnosed in people who are in their 50s to 70s. The type of mesothelioma a sufferer is usually determined by the part of their body that were exposed to asbestos. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung. Other patients are diagnosed with peritoneal melanoma, one type of mesothelioma which affects the abdomen. In addition, some individuals are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, an extremely rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself.
Shortness of breath as well as abdominal pain and fatigue are all symptoms of mesothelioma. In the final mesothelioma stages, the tumors can spread to different areas of the body which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Other common symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and a blockage in the small intestine, referred to as a obstruction of the bowel. Mesothelioma is a terminal illness, and it can be fatal.
The trial involving talcum powder in Oakland involved a 24-year-old man who developed pericardial mesothelioma from the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that the company knew that talc might contain asbestos and didn't warn consumers. They also cited a letter from 1998 to a J&J executive that revealed asbestos could be present in their products.
This is the latest in a series of large verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum Powder caused ovarian mesothelioma in a woman. Last month, another jury in Missouri awarded $55 Million in an identical case. In addition, seven cases were added to the talcum powder MDL over the last month and brought the total number of lawsuits pending to 37,522. The majority of these lawsuits concern women who have used J&J's talcum powder for feminine hygiene reasons.
How Can I Tell If I Have Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients should always consult a specialist to get the most accurate information possible and avoid misdiagnosis that could lead to unnecessary treatment and let cancer spread more.
A physical examination and a blood test can be a good start to identify whether mesothelioma has caused symptoms. These tests can detect the presence of asbestos fibers in blood or to assess the way in which the organs of a patient are functioning. The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been detected is through a biopsy, where doctors remove tissue or fluid from the affected area, and then examine the area under a microscope to search for mesothelioma cancer cells.
The type of mesothelioma that a person has can also influence the prognosis of a patient. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of disease and is responsible for the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the abdomen's lining is less prevalent. Finally, pericardial mesothelioma, an uncommon type that develops in the heart's lining is more rare and only represents around one percent of cases.
A shortness of breath that gets worse with time, and bloody coughing are among the first symptoms. Asbestos sufferers may also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. This condition is 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 undergo a procedure called pleurodesis to close the space to prevent the reaccumulation in the pleura.
A reliable diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial to determine the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, which boosts the immune systems to fight mesothelioma as well as cancer treating fields that employ a magnetic field in order to kill cancerous cell.
A mesothelioma specialist may also assist patients in understanding the different mesothelioma types that determine the severity of the cancer and the outlook for patients. Patients should discuss with their doctor their experiences with asbestos exposure to determine whether mesothelioma could be an option and what treatment options are available.
How Can I Get Help?
If you used Johnson & Johnson talcum and developed ovarian or other illnesses like mesothelioma as a result of using the powder, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case evaluation. We can assist you with bringing a mesothelioma suit against J&J to make them accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was widely utilized in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including baby powder. In talcum powder cases, plaintiffs claim that exposure to asbestos from inhaling the powder led to the development of mesothelioma or other health problems.
J&J failed to warn the public about the dangers of asbestos and talcum, despite knowing them for many years. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the company seeking punitive and compensatory damages. These lawsuits have been combined into federal and state multidistrict litigations, also known as MDLs.
In 2018 one of the biggest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion settlement in favor of the plaintiff. This was a national news story that set the precedent for the rest. Last month, a court denied J&J's motion to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state.
J&J, however, tried again to halt the litigation. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J was forced to file for bankruptcy after the company established an entity that would take on its liabilities. The bankruptcy stopped thousands of talc suits, but the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi are built on the same allegations that were a part of the individual lawsuits against J&J: that the company's failure to warn about the risks of ovarian cancer resulting from the talcum powder was negligent and constituted violations of the law of the state.
J&J has filed a motion to dismiss lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing has been scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to proceed. If you or someone around you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other condition that could have been caused by talcum powder. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys can help you receive compensation that you deserve.