Johnson & Johnson recently lost its third trial over claims that its talc-based powder products can cause ovarian cancer. A St. Louis jury awarded a California woman, Deborah Giannecchini more than $70,000,000, which includes punitive damages, medical costs, and pain and suffering. This verdict follows two previous multi-million dollar jury verdicts against Johnson & Johnson earlier this year.
According to her lawyers, Giannecchini used Johnson’s baby powder for feminine hygiene for over 40 years until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since the diagnosis, she has undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but still has an 80% chance of dying within the next two years.
Overall, Johnson & Johnson is facing approximately 1,700 talcum powder lawsuits in state and federal court. J&J denies there is any link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder and says that worldwide clinical evidence shows that talc is safe to use. However, lawsuits allege that the company ignored scientific studies linking its Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products to cancer and failed to warn consumers about the risk.
Jurors felt that the company should have provided a warning label on its products to give consumers the choice whether to use talc, knowing the risk.
Johnson & Johnson has appealed its first two unsuccessful verdicts and plans to appeal this one, as well.
Source: Bloomberg.com
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Further Reading:
Johnson & Johnson Loses $417 Million Verdict in California Talc Powder Case
J&J Loses Another Multi-Million Dollar Verdict Over Talcum Powder