Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A man aged 24 with mesothelioma of the pericardium has claimed that Johnson and Johnson's baby powder was responsible for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first trial to take place since J&J spun off its talc business and filed for bankruptcy.
In the spring of this year, jury awards in New Jersey and California led to massive settlements in talc-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs attributed their cancer to asbestos in J&J's Shower to Baby and Shower Powder products.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a lethal type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, or the lining surrounding organs and cavities in the body. It is most commonly found in the lungs but it can also be found in the abdomen, the heart, chest cavity and testicles. Asbestos, the sole known cause of this illness, is asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at an increased chance of developing it.
The first trial following J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum powder division began in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were inspired by the story of the plaintiff. In 2022, the plaintiff, who was only 24 years old at the time, old at the time, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma of pericardium. He attributed the cause of his condition to his use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.
J&J has been accused of obfuscating asbestos risks from the public for a long time. The company has a long tradition of hiding asbestos information from regulators, and paying for asbestos tests that produced the results they wanted. Some of the company's Talcum powder suppliers have been named in these lawsuits, including Whittaker, Clark & Daniels and Imerys Talc America.
Many women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene in the genital area or on sanitary napkins, or condoms have been diagnosed with cancer of the ovary, and a few have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawsuits assert that J&J was aware for more than forty years that the powder could trigger ovarian cancer and other illnesses, but did not take the time to warn consumers.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling, abdominal lumps and persistent coughing. Doctors can diagnose the disease through a physical examination and imaging scans. These may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRIs and PET or X-rays.
After a mesothelioma is diagnosed patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The surgeons are able to remove the affected tissue based on the location of the tumors. Patients with mesothelioma are sometimes given an expected life expectancy of less than five years, however aggressive treatments like extracorporeal membrane transplantation and cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may prolong survival.
What is the cause of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, like most cancers is caused by DNA changes in a cell. These mutations cause uncontrolled cell growth, which causes tumors to form in tissues. Asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause. Asbestos exposure can occur in a variety of fields which include mining, manufacturing construction, transportation and construction. Asbestos exposure is typically seen 20 to 40 years before symptoms appear. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women, and it is usually diagnosed in people who are in their 50s to 70s. The type of mesothelioma that a person gets is often determined by the part of their body that were exposed to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung. Some are diagnosed with peritoneal melanoma, one type of mesothelioma which affects the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, an extremely rare type of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, fatigue and abdominal pain, as well as weight loss. In the latter stages of mesothelioma the tumors may grow to other areas which can cause extreme discomfort and discomfort. Other symptoms that are common to mesothelioma include swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) loss of appetite, difficulties swallowing and a blockage in the small intestine referred to as a obstruction in the bowel. Mesothelioma is a terminal illness, and it is often fatal.
The talcum-powder case in Oakland involved a man of 24 years old who was diagnosed with pericardial msothelioma following the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that J&J knew that talc might contain asbestos and didn't warn consumers. They also cited an 1998 letter sent to a J&J executive that revealed the possibility of asbestos in their products.
This is the latest in a string of major verdicts against J&J. In March, a jury awarded $18.8 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma ovarian from J&J's talcum powder. Last month a jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in a different case that dealt with the same issue. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum powder over the last month, which brings the total to 37,522 the number of lawsuits in the process. Most of these lawsuits were filed by women who have used J&J talcum powder to maintain their feminine hygiene.
How Do I Know if I Have Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients must always consult a doctor to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and to prevent mistakes that could result in unnecessary treatment and the spread of cancer.
A physical examination and a blood sample can aid in identifying mesothelioma-related symptoms. These tests can detect asbestos fibers in blood or to look at how well a patient's organs are functioning. The most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma is by a biopsy, in which doctors remove tissue or fluid from the affected area and then examine it under a microscope in order to search for mesothelioma cancer cells.
Greensboro mesothelioma lawyer of mesothelioma that a person is suffering from also affects his or her prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease and accounts for the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal cancer that develops in the lining surrounding the abdomen is a less well-known type. In addition, pericardial mesothelioma is a rare kind that is found in the lining of the heart. It only accounts for one percent of all cases.
The first signs include shortness of breath which gets worse with time and a coughing up of blood. Asbestos sufferers may also experience fluid accumulation within the chest cavity. This is known as pleural effusion. It can be removed by inserting a needle in the affected region of the chest cavity. In more severe cases, doctors might undergo a procedure called pleurodesis, which seals the area to prevent the reaccumulation in the pleura.
A precise mesothelioma diagnosis is the best way to determine the patient's treatment options as well as their survival rate. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy. It is a form of treatment that enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma cancer cells and tumor-removing fields, which employ the power of magnets to eliminate cancerous cells.
A specialized mesothelioma specialist can also help patients understand the different mesothelioma cells which determine how invasive the cancer is and what the prognosis for the patient is. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to determine if they are a mesothelioma candidate and learn about the various types of treatment are available to them.
How Can I get help?
If you've used Johnson & Johnson talcum and developed ovarian or other illnesses like mesothelioma after using the powder, you may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. Contact us today to receive a no-obligation, free assessment of your case. We can help you bring mesothelioma lawsuit against J&J to make them accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal illness that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was once widely used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. The plaintiffs in talcum powder cases claim that inhaling talcum powder led to their asbestos exposure and subsequently mesothelioma and various other health issues.
J&J failed to warn the public about the dangers of talcum and asbestos, despite knowing them for many years. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages against J&J. These claims have been consolidated in state and federal multidistrict lawsuits, also known as MDLs.
In 2018, one of the largest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion settlement in favor of the plaintiff. This was a major news story and set the stage for the remainder of the litigation. In the last month, a judge rejected a request by J&J to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi.
However, in an effort to derail the litigation, J&J tried again. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J has filed for bankruptcy after the company incorporated an entity to take over its liabilities. The bankruptcy was able to halt the talc lawsuits of thousands, but the 3rd Circuit rejected this strategy.
The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based upon the same allegations that are in the background of the individual lawsuits brought against J&J. They assert that the company acted negligently in not warning of the possibility of ovarian carcinoma due to talcum-powder, and that this was an infraction of the law of the state.
J&J has resubmitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to an alternative bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to move forward. If you or someone around you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another condition that could have been caused talcum powder. You must seek legal advice immediately. Our lawyers are experienced and can help you receive the compensation you're entitled to.