There is a wide variety of uses for baby powder for consumers in Texas and around the country. While its name certainly associates the product with uses for babies, it is often utilized in health and beauty applications or other household situations. Unfortunately, problems can arise if the baby powder becomes contaminated. A major manufacturer recently lost a defective products lawsuit that claimed the product caused cancer after long-term usage.
Johnson & Johnson must pay $4 million in punitive damages to a woman who is the victim of mesothelioma, according to a court jury in another state. The total verdict against J&J is over $25.5 million when this amount was added to the previous compensatory damages of over $21.5 million. In April 2018, the company was ordered to pay $117 million in another talc powder case involving mesothelioma.
The most recent case involved a woman who bowled regularly for more than 25 years. She routinely used baby powder to keep her hands dry. She also used the product in caring for her children over the years. Her case claimed that her cancer was caused from breathing asbestos fibers over the years. A spokesperson from Johnson & Johnson defended the product and stated that it did not contain asbestos.
However, the woman's lawyers presented findings that claimed J&J officials were aware that the baby powder contained asbestos. A corporate document evidently stated that certain levels of the material were allowable in the baby powder. The jury found the company negligent for not properly warning users of the risks of asbestos and for making a product that caused the woman's disease.
Defective products, such as this contaminated baby powder, can cause serious illnesses, injuries or even death. Companies should be held accountable for allowing these products to reach consumers. A Texas personal injury attorney can assist those who have been injured or become ill as a result of using a faulty product.
Source: fairwarning.org, "Johnson & Johnson Dealt Another Loss in Talc-Ovarian Cancer Case", Myron Levin, May 24, 2018