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 responsible for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case marks the first trial to be 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 massive settlements in talc lawsuits. Plaintiffs attributed their cancer to asbestos found in J&J's Shower Baby and Shower Powder products.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a deadly type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, or lining around organs and cavities in the body. It is most common in the lungs, but it can be found in the abdomen and chest cavity.  dearborn mesothelioma law firm , which is the only known cause of this disease is asbestos. People who have been exposed are at a higher risk of developing it.

The first trial since J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum-powder division began 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 mesothelioma in 2022. He blamed the cause of his illness to his childhood use Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $26 million.

J&J has been accused of obfuscating asbestos risks from the public for decades. The company has a history of obstructing asbestos research from regulators and even funding asbestos tests to get the results it desired. Some of the company's Talcum powder suppliers have been named in these lawsuits which include Whittaker, Clark & Daniels and Imerys Talc America.

Women who used talcum to provide feminine hygiene, such as sanitary pads or condoms as well as in the genital region have developed ovarian and mesothelioma. The lawsuits assert that J&J was aware for more than forty years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer as well as other illnesses, but did not take the time to warn consumers.

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

When a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, patients can undergo chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Depending on the site of their tumors, surgeons may be able to remove the affected tissue. Some patients with mesothelioma have a lifespan less than five. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal transplantation of tissue and chemotherapy for cytoreduction that uses hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy can prolong the duration of survival.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Like all cancers, mesothelioma occurs when a cell's DNA experiences mutations. These mutations can cause uncontrolled cell growth that creates tumors in the tissues. Asbestos is a frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can be found in a variety of industries, including mining, manufacturing and transportation. Asbestos exposure usually occurs between in the 20 to 40 years preceding symptoms develop. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. It is also found most often in those between the ages of 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma that a person is usually determined by the part of their body that were exposed to asbestos. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural melanoma, which affects the lung. Others are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a type of mesothelioma that affects the abdomen. In addition, some individuals are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, the most rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself.

Insomnia, fatigue and abdominal pain are all symptoms of mesothelioma. In the late stages of mesothelioma tumors may spread to other areas of the body, causing severe discomfort and pain. Other typical symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and a blockage within the small intestine called a obstruction in the bowel. Mesothelioma can be fatal.

The talcum powder trial in Oakland involved a man of 24 who developed pericardial mesothelioma from the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers claimed that J&J knew talc could contain asbestos, but did not warn consumers about it. They also cited a 1998 letter to a J&J executive which revealed 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 to a woman. Last month, another jury in Missouri awarded $55 Million in the same case. In addition, seven new cases were added to the powder talcum MDL in the last month, bringing the total number of pending lawsuits to 37,522. The majority of these lawsuits concern women who used J&J's Talcum powder for feminine hygiene reasons.

How Can I tell whether I have mesothelioma or not?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be devastating. Patients should always consult an expert for the most accurate diagnosis possible and avoid misdiagnosis that could lead to unnecessary treatment and allow cancer to spread more.

A physical examination and blood test is a good start to identify whether mesothelioma has caused symptoms. These tests can be used to determine the presence of asbestos fibers in the blood or to assess the way in which the organs of a patient are functioning. The most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma is by a biopsy, where doctors remove fluid or tissue from the affected area, and then examine the area under a microscope to search for mesothelioma cancer cells.

The type of mesothelioma is present in a patient can influence their prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of the disease and accounts for the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal cancer, which develops in the lining of the abdomen, is a less common type. Lastly, pericardial msothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the lining of the heart. It is only 1% of all cases.

The first signs include a shortness of breath which gets worse with time and a coughing up of blood. Asbestos sufferers may also experience fluid buildup in the chest cavity, which is known as pleural effusion. The fluid can be eliminated from the chest cavity by inserting a needle into the affected area. In more serious cases, doctors may opt to perform pleurodesis, an operation that seals the cavity to stop the accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

A reliable diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial in determining a patient's survival rate and treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy which enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma as well as cancer treating fields that employ a magnetic field in order to kill cancerous cells.

A mesothelioma specialist can help patients understand various mesothelioma cell types that determine the severity of the cancer and the patient's outlook. Patients should discuss with their physician their experiences with asbestos exposure to determine if mesothelioma is possible and what treatment options are available.

How Can I get help?

If you've used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or a different illness such as mesothelioma, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation. We can help you bring mesothelioma lawsuit against J&J to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligence.

Mesothelioma, a rare and fatal disease caused by asbestos exposure is a rare disease. Asbestos was a time when it was widely used in a range of industrial and consumer products including baby powder. In talcum-powder cases plaintiffs assert that exposure to asbestos through inhalation of the powder led to the development of mesothelioma and other health issues.

J&J failed to warn the public about the dangers of talcum and asbestos, despite knowing them for decades. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against J&J seeking compensatory and punitive damages. These lawsuits have been combined into federal and state multidistrict litigations, also known as MDLs.

In 2018, one of the largest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion verdict in favor of the plaintiff. It was a national news story that set the stage for the rest. Last month, a court denied J&J's request to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state.

In an attempt to halt the litigation, J&J tried again. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J was forced to file for bankruptcy after the company established a new entity to assume its liabilities. The bankruptcy ended thousands of talc suits, but the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.

The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based on the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They claim that the company was negligent in failing to warn consumers of the possibility of ovarian cancer due to talcum-powder, and that this constituted a violation of state law.

J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss lawsuits to a different bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June in order to determine if the lawsuits against J&J are able to be pursued. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another condition which could have been caused by talcum powder. You should seek legal counsel immediately. Our skilled lawyers will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.