Earlier this month, Johnson & Johnson found itself in the courtroom again due to another female’s claim that after using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products for feminine hygiene purposes, over a significant period of time, she developed ovarian cancer. This marks the fifth case against talc-based Johnson & Johnson products to be heard, albeit the first case to be heard in California.
Eva Echeverria, a 62-year-old California resident, brought this claim against Johnson & Johnson. The claim, similar to recent lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, alleged that the company failed to warn consumers of their talc-based product’s risks and encouraged women to engage in the use of their talc-based products; even though they were aware of multiple years’ worth of scientific studies that linked ovarian cancer deaths and diagnoses to the genital use of talc-based product such as the ones produced by Johnson & Johnson.
Last week, a Los Angeles Superior Court jury’s verdict ultimately found in favor of Echeverria. This came after a four-week trial and two-day’s worth of deliberation. As a result, Echeverria was awarded the largest verdict to date against Johnson & Johnson, $417 million. This was due to their failure to adequately warn consumers of the risks and unwanted negative side effects to be linked to talc-based product use. The breakdown of the verdict is as follows: $347 million in punitive damages and $70 million in compensatory damages.
Prior to this California verdict the previous highest total was $110 million verdict in St. Louis, Missouri.
A statement issued by Johnson & Johnson’s lawyers explained that they appeal this decision. Overall, Johnson & Johnson faces 5,500 claims within the United States court system due to talc-based claims. The company has lost all five talc-based products lawsuits against them to date, four in Missouri and now one in California.
If you or a loved one has used a talcum-powder product and as a result have experienced negative or unwanted outcomes contact the Naumes Law Group for a free consultation at 844-826-8445 or online at www.naumeslaw.com.