J&J Hit With $966 Million Verdict in Talc–Mesothelioma Case
A Los Angeles jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma caused by asbestos-contaminated talcum powder. The award includes $16 million in compensatory damages and an extraordinary $950 million in punitive damages, reflecting the jury’s findings about corporate misconduct.
This significant verdict is the latest in a long history of claims involving J&J’s talc-based baby powder products and the asbestos exposure risks they posed to consumers.
How Talcum Powder Can Lead to Mesothelioma
Talc has been used for generations in baby powder, cosmetics, deodorants, and other personal-care products. However, talc deposits can naturally form near asbestos, a highly toxic mineral. When talc is mined and refined, asbestos fibers can contaminate the finished powder, creating a hidden but serious danger.
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that often takes decades to develop. When asbestos-contaminated talc is applied to the skin or becomes airborne, microscopic fibers can be inhaled or absorbed, eventually causing disease.
What to Do If You Believe Talc Exposure Harmed You
Individuals exposed to talcum powder or other asbestos-containing products often have questions about their rights, medical options, and potential compensation. Important factors that may affect a claim include:
- How, where, and for how long you were exposed
- The severity and duration of your exposure
- Your diagnosis, medical stage, and prognosis
- Which manufacturers or suppliers produced the talc product
- Whether companies had prior knowledge of contamination risks
- The jurisdiction where exposure occurred
While some jury verdicts — such as this $966 million decision — reach extraordinary amounts, most settlements range from $100,000 to $1 million depending on the evidence. Compensation may be far higher if a company ignored known dangers or failed to warn consumers.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, taking swift action is essential. At Madeksho Law, we have spent more than fifty years helping families affected by asbestos exposure understand their rights and pursue justice.
With a proven track record and over $400 MILLION recovered for clients since 1972, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Call 888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.