Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A 24-year-old man with pericardial mesothelioma has alleged Johnson and Johnson's baby powder caused his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case marks the first trial that has been held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and split off its Talc division.
In the spring of this year, jury awards in New Jersey and California led to big settlements in talc-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs have linked cancer to asbestos that was found in J&J products Shower to Shower and baby powder.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, or the lining surrounding organs and cavities inside the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen, the heart and chest cavity, as well as the testicles. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and people who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing this disease.
The first trial after 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 just 24 years old at the time, old at the time was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium. He blamed the reason for his illness to his use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.
J&J has been accused of hiding asbestos-related risks from consumers for a number of years. The company has a long tradition of hiding asbestos information from regulators, as well as paying for asbestos tests that did not yield the results they desired. Some of the company's Talcum powder suppliers have been named in these lawsuits and include Whittaker, Clark & Daniels and Imerys Talc America.
Many women who used talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene in the genital area or on sanitary napkins or condoms have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and some have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The lawsuits claim that J&J was aware for more than forty years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer and other illnesses, but did not take the time to warn consumers.
Mesothelioma symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing fatigue, abdominal pain and lumps or masses on the abdomen or chest. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma through a physical exam and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X-rays.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Depending on the location of their tumors, surgeons may be able to remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may be given a life expectancy of less than five years, but aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal membrane transplant and cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can extend the life expectancy.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA changes in cells. These mutations cause uncontrolled cell growth that creates tumors in the tissues. Asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause. Asbestos exposure can occur at work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, mining construction, transportation and construction. Asbestos exposure usually occurs between in the 20 to 40 years preceding symptoms appear. Mesothelioma affects men more than women, and is most commonly diagnosed in people who are in their 50s to 70s. The type of asbestos-related mesothelioma that a person develops is usually determined by where on their body they were exposed. Most people with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung. Some are diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. This kind of mesothelioma affects the abdomen. Some patients are diagnosed with pericardial msothelioma. This is an extremely rare form of cancer that affects both the lining (pericardium) and the organ itself.
A lack of breath, fatigue and abdominal pain are all signs of mesothelioma. In the later stages of mesothelioma, tumors may grow to other areas, causing severe discomfort and discomfort. Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid in the lung, a loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing and eating. Mesothelioma can be fatal.
The talcum powder trial in Oakland involved a man aged 24 who was diagnosed with pericardial cancer due to the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that the company knew talc could contain asbestos, but did not warn consumers about it. They also cited an 1998 letter to an 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, J&J's Talcum powder caused ovarian mesothelioma in a woman. In March, a jury in Missouri awarded $55 Million in the same case. In addition, seven cases were added to the talcum powder MDL over the course of the month which brought the number of pending lawsuits to 37,522. The majority of these lawsuits concern women who have used J&J's talcum powder for feminine hygiene reasons.
How Can I tell whether I have mesothelioma not?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be devastating. Patients should always consult an expert to obtain the most accurate diagnosis possible and avoid misdiagnosis which could lead to unnecessary treatment and allow cancer to expand further.
A physical examination and a blood sample can aid in identifying mesothelioma signs. These tests can be used to check for asbestos fibers in blood or to assess the health of a patient's internal organs. The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is by a biopsy, in which doctors remove fluid or tissue from the affected area, and then examine it under a microscope in order to detect mesothelioma-related cells.
The type of mesothelioma a sufferer has also impacts the prognosis of their patient. Pleural mesothelioma, that forms in the thin lining of the lungs, is the frequent form of the disease and makes up the majority of diagnosed cases. Peritoneal cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen is a less well-known form. The pericardial msothelioma, in turn, is a rare type that develops in the lining of the heart. It only accounts for 1percent of all cases.
Shortness of breath, which gets worse with time, and bloody coughing are a few of the initial symptoms. Asbestos patients may also experience fluid accumulation within the chest cavity. This condition is called Pleural effusion. The fluid can be removed from the chest cavity by inserting an needle into the affected area. In more severe cases, doctors might perform pleurodesis. This is a procedure that seals the space to prevent the fluid from accumulating in the pleura.
A reliable diagnosis of mesothelioma is essential to determining a patient's survival rate and treatment options. There are a variety of treatments available that include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other options include immunotherapy. It is a form of treatment that enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma cancer cells, and tumor treating fields, which use an electromagnetic field to destroy cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma specialist who is specialized can 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 mesothelioma candidates and learn about the various types of treatment options are available to them.
How Can I Get Help?
If you have used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and developed ovarian cancer or another disease such as mesothelioma, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Contact us today for an absolutely free consultation. We can help you file a mesothelioma lawsuit against J&J and hold them accountable for their wrongful conduct.
Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and fatal condition caused by asbestos exposure, is a rare disease. Asbestos was a time when it was widely used in a variety of consumer and industrial products, including baby powder. In talcum powder cases plaintiffs assert that exposure to asbestos through inhalation of the powder caused them to develop mesothelioma, or other health issues.
J&J was allegedly aware of the dangers of asbestos and talcum powder for a long time, but failed to warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the company seeking punitive and compensatory damages. These lawsuits have been amalgamated into federal and state multidistrict litigations, or MDLs.
In 2018, one of the first major trial involving talc resulted in a $4.7 billion settlement for the plaintiff. It was a national news story and set the precedent for the rest. Last month, a court denied J&J's motion to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state.
However, in an effort to stop the litigation, J&J tried again. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J was forced to file for bankruptcy after the company created an entity that would take on its liabilities. The bankruptcy stayed thousands of talc lawsuits, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected this strategy.
The lawsuits filed by Mississippi are based on the same allegations that are in the background of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They allege that the company was negligent in failing to warn consumers of the risk of ovarian carcinoma from talcum powder and that this constituted an infraction to the law of the state.
J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing has been scheduled for June to decide whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to proceed. If lake charles mesothelioma lawsuit or someone you love is diagnosed with mesothelioma or other disease that could be caused by talcum powder you should seek legal advice immediately. Our skilled attorneys can assist you in obtaining the justice you deserve.