Columbia, South Carolina – A South Carolina jury has awarded $63.4 million to Michael Perry, a man who claims his mesothelioma was caused by prolonged use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder. Diagnosed in July 2023, Perry asserted that his cancer stemmed from daily exposure to the product. In addition to Johnson & Johnson, the co-defendant, American International Industries (AII), a cosmetics manufacturer known for its beauty and skincare products, was also found liable by the jury.
Throughout the trial, evidence presented by Perry’s legal team suggested that Johnson & Johnson had knowledge of the potential health risks associated with its talcum powder for decades. Allegedly, internal documents dating back to the 1950s indicated that the company had discussed the risk of asbestos contamination in the talc used in its products.
Perry’s lawyer, Ben Adams, criticized Johnson & Johnson for not taking responsibility for the alleged harm caused by their product. “No consumer should be exposed to such risks,” Adams stated following the verdict. He underscored the jury’s decision as a significant step towards justice for affected consumers.
Responding to the ruling, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to appeal the decision. Erik Haas, Vice President of Litigation at Johnson & Johnson Worldwide, argued that the verdict was flawed due to judicial errors that hindered the company’s ability to defend itself effectively. Haas maintained that scientific studies have validated the safety of talc, asserting that it does not contain asbestos or cause cancer. He suggested that Perry’s cancer could instead be linked to asbestos from brake pads he may have encountered in his father’s garage.
This court decision is part of a broader legal battle faced by Johnson & Johnson over allegations that its talcum powder products cause cancer. An expansive study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by the National Institutes of Health has indicated that talcum powder might increase the risk of ovarian cancer, particularly with frequent and prolonged use.
The study, involving over 50,000 women aged 35 to 74, has fueled ongoing legal challenges against Johnson & Johnson. Over the years, thousands have initiated lawsuits claiming the company’s talc products led to cancer. In a significant move, Johnson & Johnson was recently permitted to proceed with a $6.475 billion settlement plan to resolve 99.75% of these pending lawsuits.
The outcomes of these legal battles not only affect the plaintiffs but could also influence consumer trust and regulatory policies towards similar consumer products in the future. As the appeals process unfolds, all eyes will be on how these decisions reconcile with scientific findings and consumer safety litigation.
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