Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A 24-year-old 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 split off its talc division.
In the first quarter of this year, large settlements were reached in talc suits in New Jersey and California. Plaintiffs linked cancer to asbestos that was found in J&J products Shower to Shower and baby powder.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be a deadly form of cancer that affects the mesothelium the lining that surrounds organs and body cavities. It is most commonly found in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen, heart, chest cavity and testicles. Asbestos, the only known cause of this disease is asbestos. People who have been exposed are at chance of developing it.
Tallahassee mesothelioma lawsuit since J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum-powder division began in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were impressed by the story of the plaintiff. The plaintiff, who is only 24 years old was diagnosed with malignant pericardial mesothelioma in 2022. He blamed the reason for his illness to his 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 obstructing asbestos research 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 and include Whittaker, Clark & Daniels and Imerys Talc America.
Some women who used talcum for feminine hygiene on pads or condoms as well as in the genital area have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits assert that J&J knew for more than 40 years that using the powder could cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, but did not warn consumers of this danger.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling, abdominal lumps 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 may undergo surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Depending on the site of their tumors, surgeons might be able to remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may be given a life expectancy less than five years. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal Membrane transplant and cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can extend the life expectancy.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA changes within a cell. These mutations cause cells to multiply rapidly, forming tumors in the tissues of the body. Asbestos is a common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can occur in many different industries including manufacturing, mining, and transportation. Asbestos is typically exposed between 20 and 40 years prior to symptoms developing. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. It is also diagnosed most often in people between the ages 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma a person gets is often determined by the region of their body that were exposed to asbestos. Most mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung. Others are diagnosed as having peritoneal msothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen. Some patients are diagnosed with pericardial msothelioma. This is a rare type of cancer that affects both the inner lining (pericardium) as well as the organ itself.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are fatigue, breathlessness abdominal pain and weight loss. In the later stages of mesothelioma the tumors can spread to other parts which can cause extreme discomfort and discomfort. Other signs of mesothelioma can 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 mesothelioma due to the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that J&J knew that talc contained asbestos, but did not warn consumers about it. They also cited a 1998 letter to an J&J executive, revealing the possibility of asbestos being present in their products.
This is the latest in a string of high-dollar verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum Powder caused ovarian mesothelioma to a woman. In March, a jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in the same case. In addition, seven cases were added to the powder talcum MDL over the course of the month which brought the total number of lawsuits pending to 37,522. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who used J&J talcum powder to maintain their feminine hygiene.
How Do I Know if I Have Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients must always consult a doctor to get the most accurate diagnosis and to prevent false diagnosis, which could lead to unneeded treatment and the spread of cancer.
A physical exam and a blood sample can aid in identifying mesothelioma signs. These tests can check for the presence of asbestos fibers in the blood or to assess how well a patient's organs are functioning. The most reliable method of diagnosing mesothelioma is taking a biopsy. Doctors take tissues or fluids from the affected area, and then look at them under a microscope to look for mesothelioma cancer cells.
The type of mesothelioma a sufferer has also impacts the likelihood of a positive outcome. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of disease and is responsible for the majority of cases that are diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a cancer that is found in the abdomen's lining is less prevalent. Lastly, pericardial msothelioma is a rare type that occurs in the lining the heart. It is only one percent of all cases.
Some of the earliest symptoms include shortness of breath that gets worse over time and coughing up blood. Asbestos patients can also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. This condition is called pleural effusion. The fluid can be drained from the chest cavity by inserting an needle into the affected region. In more severe cases, doctors may perform a procedure called pleurodesis, which seals the area to prevent the reaccumulation in the pleura.
Getting an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis is the best method to determine a patient's treatment options and the survival rate. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, a form of treatment that enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma cancer cells, and tumor treating fields, which employ a magnetic field to destroy cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients in understanding the different mesothelioma cells, which determine the extent of the cancer and the outlook for patients. Patients should discuss their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor to determine if they are mesothelioma-related 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 powder and then developed ovarian cancer, or a different illness such as mesothelioma, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Contact us today to receive an absolutely free assessment of your case. We can assist you in bringing a mesothelioma suit against J&J to make them accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal disease that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely utilized in a variety of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. In talcum-powder cases, plaintiffs claim that exposure to asbestos through inhalation of the powder led to the development of mesothelioma and other health issues.
J&J believed to have known about the risk of asbestos and talcum powder for decades, but did not warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the firm seeking damages for punitive and compensatory. These claims have been consolidated in federal and state multidistrict litigations, or MDLs.
In 2018 one of the biggest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion settlement in favor of the plaintiff. It was a national news story that set the stage for the rest of the year. In the last month, a judge denied J&J's request to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state.
J&J however, attempted again to halt the litigation. The company established an entity that was a subsidiary to take over its talc liabilities and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy ended the filing of thousands of talc lawsuits, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi are founded 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 of the dangers of ovarian cancer resulting from the talcum powder was negligent and violated the law of the state.
J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing has been scheduled for June to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to proceed. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a mesothelioma or other disease which could be caused by talcum powder you should seek legal representation immediately. Our skilled attorneys will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.