Global healthcare company Johnson & Johnson have been ordered to pay around £319 million in damages to a woman after she developed ovarian cancer allegedly from using their talcum baby powder.
The jury came to the conclusion that the company failed to warn consumers of the alleged risks associated with ‘perennial talc exposure’ – specifically the apparent heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer.
The lawsuit cited the International Agency for Research on Cancer classification of talcum powder as a possible carcinogenic substance in 2006.
During the trial, evidence dating back to 1964 was brought forward, documenting that Johnson & Johnson were allegedly aware of the risk of ovarian cancer associated with talcum powder when used for feminine hygiene. The Claimant argued that Johnson & Johnson were aware of the risks of using its talcum-based products on a regular basis, but made no attempt to warn the public and consumers.
“My client’s dying”
Lawyers acting for the Claimant made a damning statement: “My client’s dying.”
Attorney Mark Robinson told the Court how his client previously had a tumour the size of large orange removed, but the cancer has taken its toll and the victim is close to death. She was too sick to attend the trial, “but she feels good today that maybe women in America and maybe even Johnson & Johnson will get the message.”
About the case
The 62-year-old Claimant reportedly used Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Baby Power twice every day since she was 11 years old for 41 years and continued to do so even when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007. It wasn’t until she read a news report about a woman bringing a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer that she stopped using it and considered whether she was a victim of the same thing.
As one of the world’s largest providers of healthcare products, Johnson & Johnson enjoy profits in the billions. The company is well-known for their talcum powder products; a product that women say is leading to the development of cancer. The dying grandmother in the case testified to the Court through a recorded video that had Johnson & Johnson provided appropriate labels to warn consumers of the cancer risks, she would have stopped using the product.
Johnson & Johnson appealing the decision
Johnson & Johnson will be appealing the judgement, stating that they believe in the scientific evidence that “supports the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder.”
They dispute the evidence that talcum powder is a carcinogenic substance, noting that regulators found no association between the two.
This is the fifth case the company has reportedly lost, costing them over £700 million in jury verdicts, but it doesn’t seem to stop there. The world famous talcum powder manufacturer are reportedly still face another 5,000 claims…
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