Talc

Bankruptcy Judge Seeks Change: Pushes for Special Masters in Talc Bankruptcy Cases to Ease Caseload Burden

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Newark, New Jersey – Since the first talc bankruptcy was filed in 2021, Judge Michael Kaplan has grappled with numerous disputes in the US Bankruptcy Court. These disagreements encompass a range of issues, including fights over discovery, disputes over the administration of individual claims, and conflicts over the total amount in controversy. If Kaplan were a district court judge overseeing a mass tort action, the solution would be clear: appoint a special master to efficiently manage the increasingly contentious parties. However, as a bankruptcy judge, Kaplan is prohibited from appointing a special master according to … Read more

New Jersey Court Overturns $223M Award in Landmark J&J Talc Case, Pivotal Legal Battle Continues

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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 … Read more

Johnson & Johnson Seeks Removal of Leading Plaintiff Firm from Talc Cases Due to Previous Association with Its Former Lawyer

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NEW YORK (AP) — Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is requesting the removal of a prominent plaintiff firm from talc cases due to its previous collaboration with the firm’s former lawyer. J&J argues that the firm’s involvement in these cases poses a conflict of interest. J&J has asked a federal judge in New York for the disqualification of Weitz & Luxenberg, a national plaintiff firm. According to court documents, J&J claims that Weitz & Luxenberg’s former attorney had previously worked for the company on talc-related matters. The attorney allegedly gained confidential and privileged information during his … Read more

Talc Lawyer Fights Back Against J&J’s Attempt to Oust Him, Exposing Dirty Tricks

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ATLANTA – The lawyer representing talc powder plaintiffs has responded to Johnson & Johnson’s request to disqualify him from the case, calling it a “smear tactic.” The plaintiff lawyer, Mark Lanier from Texas, rejected the bid and denounced the company’s attempt to discredit him. Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, sought to remove Lanier from the lawsuit filed by individuals who claim the company’s talc-based products caused cancer. In their motion, Johnson & Johnson accused Lanier of breaching client confidentiality. However, Lanier strongly refuted these allegations, stating that he has adhered … Read more