TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — An appeals court in New Jersey has overturned a $223 million jury award in a talc case against Johnson & Johnson. The court ruled that the company did not breach any legal duties in manufacturing the product.
The case involved a man who claimed that he developed mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos, due to his use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc products. The jury initially awarded him $117 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages. However, the appeals court found that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of asbestos contamination in the talc.
Johnson & Johnson has been facing thousands of similar lawsuits alleging that its talc products contain asbestos, leading to cancer. While the company has always denied the allegations and has won some cases on appeal, it has also faced significant losses. Just last month, a jury in California awarded $29.5 million to a woman who claimed that the company’s talc products caused her terminal mesothelioma.
The appeals court’s decision in the New Jersey case is a significant victory for Johnson & Johnson. The ruling sets a precedent that may help the company in its defense against other talc-related lawsuits. However, critics argue that the decision undermines the jury’s initial findings and shows a bias towards corporate interests.
The talc controversy has raised concerns about the safety of cosmetic products, leading to calls for greater regulation and transparency in the industry. Consumer advocacy groups have been pushing for stricter testing requirements and disclosure of potential risks. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson continues to maintain that its talc products are safe and asbestos-free.
In conclusion, a New Jersey appeals court has overturned a $223 million jury award in a talc case against Johnson & Johnson. The court found that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of asbestos contamination in the company’s talc products. This ruling is seen as a significant victory for Johnson & Johnson and could impact other talc-related lawsuits. The case has also sparked a broader discussion about the safety of cosmetic products and the need for greater regulation in the industry. Johnson & Johnson maintains that its talc products are safe.