Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A 24-year-old with pericardial msothelioma claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is responsible for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma trial is the first trial to be held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and spun off its talc division.
This year, juries awards in New Jersey and California led to massive settlements in talc-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs linked their cancer to asbestos in J&J's Shower to Baby and Shower Powder products.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer is a disease of the mesothelium lining around organs and cavities in the body. It is usually found in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen, the heart and chest cavity, as well as the testicles. Asbestos, the only known cause of this disease is asbestos. People who have been exposed are at a higher risk of developing it.
The first trial after 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 cancer in 2022. He blamed the cause of his illness to his use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $26 million.
J&J has been accused of concealing asbestos risks from consumers for a long time. The company has a long track record of hiding asbestos information from regulators, and even paying for asbestos tests that gave the results they wanted. These lawsuits have named several of the talcum-powder suppliers for the company which include Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and other companies.
Many women who used talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene in the genital region or on sanitary napkins, or condoms have gotten ovarian cancer, and some have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawsuits assert that J&J was aware for more than 40 years that the powder could trigger ovarian cancer and other illnesses, but failed to warn consumers.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal pain and abdominal swelling, abdominal lumps, and persistent coughing. Doctors can detect mesothelioma with an examination and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X-rays.
When a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. The surgeons can remove the affected tissue, based on the location of the tumors. Patients with mesothelioma may be given a life expectancy less than five years. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal Membrane transplant and cytoreduction by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may prolong the duration of their survival.
What causes Mesothelioma?
Like many cancers, mesothelioma develops when a cell's DNA experiences mutations. These mutations cause the cells to multiply in uncontrolled ways, forming tumors in the tissues of the body. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can occur in many different industries including manufacturing, mining, and transportation. Asbestos exposure usually occurs between 20 to 40 years before symptoms appear. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. It is also most often diagnosed in those between the ages 50 and 70. The kind of mesothelioma caused by asbestos that a person develops is often determined by where they were exposed. Most people with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma which affects the lungs. Others are diagnosed as having peritoneal msothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma is affecting the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. It is the most rare form of the disease that affects the heart's lining (pericardium) and the organ itself.
Shortness of breath as well as abdominal pain and fatigue are all signs of mesothelioma. In the final mesothelioma stages, the tumors can spread to different areas of the body, which can cause severe discomfort and pain. Other signs of mesothelioma can include fluid in the lungs, nausea and difficulty swallowing and eating. Mesothelioma can be fatal.
The talcum-powder case in Oakland involved an individual of 24 who developed pericardial mesothelioma as a result of using J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that the company knew that talc might contain asbestos and didn't warn consumers. They also cited a 1998 letter to an J&J executive that highlighted asbestos could be present in their products.
This is the latest in a series of large verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum Powder caused ovarian mesothelioma in one woman. In the same month, a jury in Missouri awarded $55 Million in an identical case. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum-powder over the past month, which brings the total to 37,522 the total number of lawsuits pending. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who used J&J talcum powder to maintain their feminine hygiene.
How Can I tell whether I have mesothelioma not?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating. Patients should always consult a specialist to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and to avoid misdiagnosis, which could result in unnecessary treatment and spread of cancer.
A physical examination and a blood test could be an excellent way to determine whether mesothelioma has caused symptoms. These tests can be used to check for asbestos fibers in blood, or the health of the patient's internal organs. The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been detected is through biopsy, which is when doctors remove tissue or fluid from the affected area and examine it under a microscope in order to detect mesothelioma-related cells.
The type of mesothelioma that a person is suffering from also affects the prognosis of their patient. Pleural mesothelioma that develops in the thin lining of the lung, is the most common form of the disease and accounts for the vast majority of diagnosed cases. Peritoneal cancer, which develops in the lining around the abdomen is a less prevalent type. Lastly, pericardial msothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the lining of the heart. It only accounts for one percent of all cases.
The first signs include breathlessness that becomes worse over time and a coughing up of blood. Asbestos patients may also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. This condition is called Pleural effusion. This can be drained by inserting a needle in the affected area of the chest cavity. In more serious cases, doctors might perform pleurodesis. This is an operation which seals the area in order to prevent fluid from accumulating again in the pleura.
A precise diagnosis of mesothelioma is essential to determining a patient's survival rate and treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, a form of treatment that enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma tumors and tumor-removing fields, which use an electromagnetic field to kill cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients in understanding the different mesothelioma types that determine the extent of the cancer as well as the outlook for patients. Patients should discuss with their doctor their experience with asbestos exposure to determine if mesothelioma is possible and what treatment options are available.
How Can I Get Help?
If you have used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or a different illness such as mesothelioma, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us now for a no-cost, non- obligation case assessment. We can assist you with bringing mesothelioma suits against J&J to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once widely used in a variety of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. Plaintiffs in talcum powder cases claim that inhaling talcum powder contributed to their exposure to asbestos, which contributed to mesothelioma and various other health issues.
J&J failed to inform the public about the dangers of talcum and asbestos, despite knowing them for decades. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages against J&J. The claims have been amalgamated into 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. This was a national news story that set the stage for the rest of the year. Last month, a judge denied a motion by J&J to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi.
J&J, however, tried to stop the litigation. The company created a new subsidiary entity to take over its talc liabilities and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy ended hundreds of talc suits but the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based on the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They assert that the company was negligent in not warning of the risk of ovarian carcinoma from talcum powder and that this constituted a violation of state law.
simply click the next website &J has filed a motion to dismiss lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing has been scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to proceed. If you or someone near you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another condition that could have been caused talcum powder. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our lawyers are experienced and can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.