Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A man aged 24 with pericardial msothelioma claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is responsible for 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.
In the beginning of this year, large settlements were reached in talc lawsuits in New Jersey and California. Plaintiffs linked cancer to asbestos in J&J products Shower to Shower and baby powder.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a deadly type of cancer that affects the mesothelium or lining that surrounds organs and body cavities. It is most often found in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen, heart and chest cavity, as well as the testicles. Asbestos, which is the only known cause of this disease, is asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing it.
The first trial after J&J declared bankruptcy over its talcum powder division began in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were moved by the story of the plaintiff. In 2022, the plaintiff, who was only 24 years old at the time, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma of pericardium. He blamed the cause of his condition to his early use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.
J&J is accused of obfuscating asbestos-related risks from consumers for many years. The company has a long track record of concealing asbestos-related information from regulators, and even paying for asbestos tests that produced the results they desired. These lawsuits have identified several of the talcum-powder suppliers for the company such as Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and others.
Some women who used talcum for feminine hygiene, such as sanitary pads or condoms as well as in the genital region have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits assert that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, but did not warn consumers of the risk.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are abdominal pain and abdominal lumps, abdominal swelling and a persistent cough. Doctors can diagnose the condition through a physical examination and imaging scans. They can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRIs and PET or X-rays.
Once a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Depending on the location of their tumors surgeons may be able remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma are sometimes given a life expectancy less than five years, however aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal Membrane transplant and cytoreduction by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may prolong survival.
What is the cause of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, as with most cancers, is caused by DNA mutations in cells. These mutations cause the cells to multiply uncontrollably and form tumors in the tissues of the body. Asbestos is a frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can occur at work in many different industries such as mining, manufacturing construction, and transportation. Asbestos is typically exposed 20 to 40 years before symptoms developing. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. It is also found most often in people between the ages of 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma a person is usually determined by the area of their body where they were exposed to asbestos. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma which affects the lungs. Tucson mesothelioma lawyers You Tube are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. a type of mesothelioma that affects the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. It is an extremely rare form of the disease that affects the heart's lining (pericardium) and the organ itself.
Mesothelioma symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath abdominal pain and weight loss. In the later stages of mesothelioma tumors may spread to other areas of the body, which can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid in the lung, a loss of appetite difficulties eating and swallowing. Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease, and is usually fatal.
The talcum-powder case in Oakland involved a person who was 24 years old who was diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma as a result of using J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that the company knew that talc contained asbestos, but did not warn consumers about it. They also cited an 1998 letter addressed to a J&J executive revealing the possibility of asbestos being present in their products.
This is only the latest in a string of major verdicts against J&J. In March the jury handed down $18.8 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma of the ovarian tract from J&J's powder. Last month the jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in a different case that dealt with the same issue. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum powder over the last month, bringing it to 37,522 the total number of lawsuits in the process. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who have used J&J talcum powder to maintain their feminine hygiene.
How Do I Know If I Have Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma could be devastating. Patients should always see a specialist to get the most accurate information possible and prevent misdiagnosis that could result in unneeded treatment and allow cancer to expand further.
A physical exam and blood sample can help to identify 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 precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is by a biopsy, in which doctors remove tissue or fluid from the affected area and then examine the area under a microscope to detect mesothelioma-related cells.
The type of mesothelioma that a sufferer has also impacts the likelihood of a positive outcome. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type of disease, and accounts for the majority of cases that are diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a cancer that is found in the lining of the abdomen, is less common. The pericardial mesothelioma, an uncommon type that develops in the heart's lining is much less common and represents around 1percent of cases.
Some of the earliest symptoms include breathlessness that becomes worse over time and a coughing up of blood. Asbestos patients might also experience fluid buildup in the chest cavity, which is known as pleural effusion. It can be removed by inserting a needle into the affected region of the chest cavity. In more severe cases, doctors may opt to perform pleurodesis, which is a procedure which seals the area to prevent the accumulation of fluid within the pleura.
Getting an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis is the best way to determine the patient's treatment options and survival rate. There are a variety of treatments available which include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. There are also immunotherapy treatments that increases the immune system to fight mesothelioma as well as cancer treating fields that employ a magnetic field in order to kill cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma specialist who is specialized can also assist patients in understanding the various mesothelioma types, which determine how aggressive the cancer is and what the patient's prognosis is. Patients should discuss with their doctor their history of asbestos exposure to determine whether mesothelioma could be an option and what treatment options are available.
How Can I Get Help?
If you've used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and then developed ovarian cancer, or a different illness such as mesothelioma, you could be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us today to receive a no-obligation, free assessment of your case. We can help you file mesothelioma claims against J&J and make them accountable for their wrongful conduct.
Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal disease caused by asbestos exposure, is a rare disease. Asbestos was a time when it was widely used in a variety of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. Plaintiffs in talcum powder cases claim that inhaling talcum powder contributed to their asbestos exposure which led to mesothelioma as well as other health issues.
J&J failed to warn the public about the dangers of asbestos and talcum even though they were aware of them for decades. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against J&J seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The claims have been consolidated into state and federal multidistrict litigations, or MDLs.
In 2018, one of the largest talc cases resulted in an $4.7 billion verdict in the favor of the plaintiff. This was a major news story and set the stage for the rest of the litigation. Last month, a judge ruled against the motion of J&J to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi.
In an attempt to stop the lawsuit, J&J tried again. The company created a new subsidiary entity to take over its talc liabilities, and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy ended the filing of thousands of talc lawsuits, but the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based on the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits brought against J&J. They allege that the company acted negligently in failing to warn consumers of the possibility of ovarian carcinoma from talcum powder and that this constituted an infraction of the law of the state.
J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss lawsuits before a different bankruptcy court. A hearing has been scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to move forward. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other disease that could have been caused by talcum powder you should seek legal assistance immediately. Our skilled lawyers can help you receive the compensation you deserve.