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 was responsible for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first one to be held since J&J has dissolved its talc business and filed for bankruptcy.
In the spring of this year, jury awards in New Jersey and California led to big settlements in talc lawsuits. Plaintiffs linked their cancer to asbestos found in J&J's Shower Shower and Baby Powder products.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, which is a fatal type of cancer, affects the mesothelium or lining around organs and cavities in the body. It is usually found in the lungs but it can also be found in the abdomen, the heart, chest cavity and testicles. Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause and those 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 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 the pericardium. The plaintiff attributed his condition to the use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.
J&J has been accused of concealing asbestos risks from consumers since decades. The company has a long track record of keeping asbestos information from regulators, as well as paying for asbestos tests that gave the results they desired. These lawsuits have identified several of the company's talcum-powder suppliers which include Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and other companies.
Some women who used talcum for feminine hygiene on sanitary pads or condoms or in the genital region have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits assert that J&J was aware for more than forty years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer and other illnesses, but failed to warn consumers.
Mesothelioma symptoms may include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and abdominal pain, fatigue, and lumps or masses on the chest or abdomen. Doctors can diagnose the disease by a physical examination and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X rays.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, patients may undergo chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Depending on the site of their tumors, surgeons might be able to remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may have a life expectancy lower than five. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal transplantation of tissue and chemotherapy for cytoreduction that uses hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy can prolong the life of patients.
What causes Mesothelioma?
Like many cancers, mesothelioma occurs when a cell's DNA experiences mutations. These mutations cause uncontrolled growth of cells, which creates tumors in the tissues. Asbestos is a frequent cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is common 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 becoming apparent. Mesothelioma is more common in males than women, and is most commonly diagnosed in people who are in their 50s to 70s. 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 msothelioma which affects the lung. Some are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma is affecting the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare form of the disease that affects the heart's lining (pericardium) and the organ itself.
Shortness of breath as well as abdominal pain and fatigue are all symptoms of mesothelioma. In the late stages of mesothelioma tumors can spread to other parts of the body, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Other signs of mesothelioma can include fluid in the lungs, loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing and eating. Mesothelioma is a fatal illness, and it is usually fatal.
The talcum-powder trial in Oakland involved a man of 24 years old who was diagnosed with pericardial msothelioma following the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers claimed that J&J knew that talc contained asbestos but did not inform customers. 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 string of high-dollar verdicts against J&J. In March the jury handed down $18.8 million to a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma of the ovarian tract from J&J's powder, and last month the jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in another case that dealt with the same issue. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum powder over the last month, which brings the total to 37,522 the total number of pending suits. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who used J&J talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene.
How do I know if I Have Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients must always consult a doctor to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and to prevent false diagnosis, which could lead to unneeded treatment and spread of cancer.
A physical examination and blood test can be a good start to identify whether mesothelioma may be causing symptoms. These tests can be used to look for asbestos fibers in blood or to assess the health of the patient's internal organs. The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is by a biopsy, where doctors remove tissue or fluid from the affected area and examine it under a microscope in order to look for mesothelioma cells.
The type of mesothelioma that sufferers have can influence the prognosis of a patient. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease and is responsible for the majority of cases diagnosed. reading mesothelioma attorneys , which is a cancer that is found in the lining of the abdomen, is less common. The pericardial mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the heart, is much less common and accounts for approximately 1% of cases.
Some of the earliest symptoms include breathlessness that gets worse over time and a coughing up of blood. Asbestos sufferers may also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. This condition is called the pleural effusion. It can be removed by inserting a needle in the affected region of the chest cavity. In more serious cases, doctors can use a procedure known as pleurodesis to seal the space to prevent reaccumulation of fluid in the pleura.
A precise diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial in determining the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, which is a kind of treatment that increases the immune system to fight mesothelioma cells and tumor-targeting fields, which uses the power of magnets to kill cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma specialist who is specialized can also help patients understand the various mesothelioma types which determine how invasive the cancer is and what the prognosis of the patient is. Patients should discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician to determine if they are a mesothelioma candidate and learn about the various types of treatment might be available to them.
How Can I get help?
If you've used Johnson & Johnson talcum and you developed an ovarian disease or another like mesothelioma as a result of using the talcum powder, you could be eligible for a significant amount of compensation. Contact us today to receive a no-cost, no obligation case assessment. We can assist you with bringing mesothelioma lawsuit against J&J to make them accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon and fatal illness caused by asbestos exposure, is a rare disease. Asbestos was once used extensively in a wide range of industrial and consumer products including baby powder. In talcum-powder cases plaintiffs claim that exposure to asbestos from inhaling the powder caused them to develop mesothelioma and other health issues.
J&J believed to have known about the risk of talcum powder and asbestos for decades, but did not warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages and compensatory damages against J&J. These claims have been consolidated into state and federal multidistrict litigations, or MDLs.
In 2018, one of the largest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion verdict in the favor of the plaintiff. This made national headlines and set the stage for the remainder of the litigation. In the last month, a judge denied a request by J&J to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi.
However, in an attempt to halt the litigation, J&J tried again. The company established an additional subsidiary entity to take over its talc liabilities, and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy stopped the filing of thousands of talc lawsuits, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based upon the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They allege that the company was negligent in not warning of the risk of ovarian carcinoma from talcum powder and that this was a violation of state law.
J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June to decide whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to proceed. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another condition which could be the result of talcum powder. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys will assist you in getting the justice you deserve.