This Is The History Of Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit In 10 Milestones

Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson

A man aged 24 with pericardial msothelioma claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is to blame for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first one to be held since J&J has dissolved its Talc business and filed for bankruptcy.

In the beginning of the year, substantial settlements were made in talc lawsuits in New Jersey and California. Plaintiffs linked their cancer to asbestos found in J&J's Shower Baby and Shower Powder products.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer, affects the mesothelium or lining around organs and cavities in the body. It is most prevalent in the lungs but can also be found in the abdomen and chest cavity. Asbestos is the most well-known cause of mesothelioma and those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing this disease.

The first trial after J&J declared bankruptcy over its talcum powder division opened in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were inspired 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 early use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.

J&J has been accused of hiding asbestos risks from consumers for a number of years. The company has a history of withholding asbestos findings from regulators and funding asbestos tests to get the results it wanted. The lawsuits have identified a number of the talcum-powder suppliers for the company, including Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and other companies.

Many women who used talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene in the genital area or on sanitary napkins or condoms have gotten cancer of the ovary, and a few have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawsuits claim that J&J knew for more than 40 years that using the powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, however, they failed to warn consumers of this risk.

Mesothelioma symptoms may include breathing difficulties, constant coughing, abdominal pain, fatigue and lumps or masses on the abdomen or chest. Doctors can diagnose the disease through a physical examination and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X rays.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, patients can undergo chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation. Depending on the location of their tumors, surgeons might be able to remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may be given an expected life expectancy of less than five years, but aggressive treatments like extracorporeal membrane transplantation and cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may prolong the duration of their survival.

What is the cause of Mesothelioma?

Like most cancers, mesothelioma is caused by DNA mutations. These mutations cause cells to multiply uncontrollably and develop tumors in tissues of the body. Asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause. The exposure to asbestos can occur in many different industries which include manufacturing, mining construction, and transportation. Asbestos exposure usually occurs between 20 to 40 years prior to the time symptoms begin to manifest. Mesothelioma is more common in males than women, and is most often diagnosed in those in their 50s and 70s. The type of mesothelioma a sufferer is usually determined by the region of their body in which they were exposed to asbestos. Most people with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma which affects the lungs. Some are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma is affecting the abdomen. In addition, some individuals are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are fatigue, shortness of breath and abdominal pain, as well as weight loss. In the later stages of mesothelioma, the tumors can spread to other parts of the body, which can cause severe discomfort and pain. Other signs of mesothelioma are fluid in the lungs, nausea, difficulty eating and swallowing. Mesothelioma can be fatal.

The talcum-powder case in Oakland involved a person who was 24 years old who was diagnosed with pericardial msothelioma after using J&J baby powder. mesothelioma settlements taxable argued that the company knew talc could contain asbestos, but did not warn consumers about it. They also cited a 1998 letter addressed to an J&J executive revealing the possibility of asbestos in their products.

This is the latest in a series of major verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum Powder caused ovarian mesothelioma in a woman. In March, a jury in Missouri handed down $55 million in the same case. In addition, seven new cases were added to the powder's MDL over the last month, bringing the total number of lawsuits pending to 37,522. The majority of these lawsuits are filed by women who used J&J talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene.

How do I know If I Have Mesothelioma?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be devastating. Patients should always consult a specialist to get the most precise diagnosis and to avoid misdiagnosis, which 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 be used to determine asbestos fibers in the blood or to assess the extent to which a patient's organs are functioning. The most precise method of diagnosing mesothelioma is a biopsy. Doctors remove tissues or fluids from an affected area and then examine them under a microscope for mesothelioma cancer cells.

The type of mesothelioma a person has can also influence the prognosis of a patient. Pleural mesothelioma, that forms in the thin lining that surrounds the lungs, is the frequent form of the disease and makes up the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a cancer that is found in the abdomen's lining, is less common. In addition, pericardial mesothelioma which is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the heart, is much less common and represents around one percent of cases.

Some of the first symptoms include breathlessness which gets worse with time and coughing up blood. Asbestos victims may also experience fluid buildup in the chest cavity, a condition known as pleural effusion. This can be drained by inserting a needle in the affected area of the chest cavity. In more severe cases doctors might perform pleurodesis. This is which is a procedure that seals the space to prevent the fluid from accumulating within the pleura.

A precise diagnosis of mesothelioma is essential to determining the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. There are many treatments available, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other options include immunotherapy. It is a type of treatment that boosts the immune system to fight mesothelioma cancer cells, and tumor treating fields, which employ an electromagnetic field to eliminate cancerous cells.

A mesothelioma specialist who is specialized can help patients understand the different mesothelioma cells, which determine how aggressive the cancer is and what the prognosis of the patient is. Patients should discuss with their doctor their experience with asbestos exposure to determine whether mesothelioma is an option and what treatment options are available.

How Can I get help?

If you used Johnson & Johnson talcum and you developed an ovarian disease or another like mesothelioma as a result of using the powder, you may be eligible for a significant amount of compensation. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case assessment. We can help you file mesothelioma claims against J&J and hold them accountable for their wrongful conduct.

Mesothelioma, an uncommon and fatal illness caused by asbestos exposure is a rare condition. Asbestos was utilized in a variety of industrial and consumer products like baby powder. The plaintiffs in talcum powder cases claim that inhaling talcum powder led to their asbestos exposure which led to mesothelioma as well as other health issues.

J&J was allegedly aware of the dangers of talcum powder and asbestos for decades but failed to warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages against J&J. These lawsuits have been combined 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 made national headlines and set a tone for the rest of the litigation. In the last month, a judge rejected a motion by J&J to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi.

J&J however, attempted again to halt the litigation. The company established an entity that was a subsidiary to assume its talc liabilities and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy stopped the talc lawsuits of thousands, but the 3rd Circuit rejected this strategy.

The lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi are founded on the same allegations as the individual lawsuits against J&J which allege that the company's inability to warn about the risks of ovarian cancer resulting from talcum powder was negligent, and constituted violations of state law.

J&J has resubmitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to an alternative bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June to determine if the lawsuits against J&J are able to continue. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a mesothelioma, or any other condition which could be caused by talcum powder you should seek legal assistance immediately. Our lawyers are experienced and will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.