5 Arguments Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit Is Actually A Beneficial Thing

Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson

A man who is 24 years old and has mesothelioma pericardial has claimed that Johnson and Johnson's baby powder caused his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first trial that has been held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and split off its Talc division.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can be a deadly form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the lining that surrounds organs and body cavities. It is most often found in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen, heart and chest cavity as well as testicles. Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing agent and those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing this disease.

The first trial since J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum-powder division opened in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were moved by the story of the plaintiff. The plaintiff, who is just 24 years old, was diagnosed with malignant pericardial mesothelioma in 2022. He attributed the reason for his illness to his early use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.

J&J has been accused of concealing asbestos risks from consumers since decades. J&J has a history of withholding asbestos findings from regulators and funding asbestos tests to get the results it wanted. These lawsuits have identified several of the talcum-powder suppliers for the company such as Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and other companies.

Women who used talcum to provide feminine hygiene on pads or condoms as well as in the genital region have developed ovarian and mesothelioma. The lawsuits allege that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, however, they failed to warn consumers of this risk.

Mesothelioma symptoms can include breathing problems, chronic coughing and fatigue, abdominal pain and lumps or masses on the abdomen or chest. Doctors can diagnose the condition through a physical exam 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 site of their tumors, surgeons might be able to remove the affected tissue. Certain patients with mesothelioma have a life expectancy less than five. However aggressive treatments like extracorporeal tissue transplantation or cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong the life of patients.

What is the cause of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, like most cancers is caused by DNA changes in cells. These mutations lead to uncontrolled growth of cells, which creates tumors in the tissues. Asbestos is the most common cause mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can be found in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, mining and transportation. Asbestos exposure is typically seen 20 to 40 years before symptoms begin to manifest. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. It is also diagnosed most often among those between the ages of 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma that a person gets is often determined by the area of their body in which they were exposed to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung. Some are diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is affecting the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. It is the most rare form of the disease that affects the heart's lining (pericardium) and the organ itself.

Shortness of breath, fatigue and abdominal pain are all signs of mesothelioma. In the latter stages of mesothelioma the tumors can spread to other parts which can cause extreme discomfort and discomfort. Other signs of mesothelioma can include fluid in the lungs, loss of appetite, difficulty eating and swallowing. Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease, and can be fatal.

The talcum powder trial in Oakland involved a person who was 24 years old who was diagnosed with pericardial msothelioma following the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that the company knew that talc might contain asbestos, but did not warn consumers about it. They also cited an 1998 letter to an J&J executive, revealing the possibility of asbestos being in their products.

This is just the latest in a series of major verdicts against J&J. In March the jury awarded $18.8 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma ovarian from J&J's talcum powder. Then, last month, a jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in a separate case that involved the same issue. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum-powder over the past month, which brings the total to 37,522 the total number of lawsuits in the process. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who have used J&J talcum powder to maintain their feminine hygiene.

How Do I Know If I Have Mesothelioma?

The diagnosis of mesothelioma could be devastating. Patients should always consult an expert for the most accurate information possible and avoid misdiagnosis that could lead to unneeded treatment or allow cancer to grow.

A physical exam and blood sample can help identify mesothelioma-related symptoms. 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 a biopsy. Doctors take tissue or fluids from the affected area, and then look at them under a microscope to look for mesothelioma tumor cells.

The type of mesothelioma that is present in a patient can influence their prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the thin lining that surrounds the lung, is the most frequent form of the disease and makes up the majority of diagnosed cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a cancer that is found in the lining of the abdomen is less prevalent. In addition, pericardial mesothelioma which is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of the heart, is much less common and makes up approximately 1% of cases.

The first signs include shortness of breath which gets worse with time and coughing up blood. Asbestos victims can also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity, a condition called pleural effusion. The fluid can be eliminated from the chest cavity by inserting a needle into the affected area. In more severe cases doctors may perform pleurodesis, a procedure which seals the area to stop the accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

A precise mesothelioma diagnosis is the best method to determine the patient's treatment options as well as their survival rate. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy which increases the immune system to fight mesothelioma as well as treatment fields for tumors that utilize magnetic fields to kill cancerous cells.

A mesothelioma specialist can help patients understand different mesothelioma types which determine the severity of the cancer and the outlook of the patient. Patients should discuss with their physician their experiences with asbestos exposure to determine if mesothelioma is a possibility 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 talcum powder, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today for an obligation-free, no-cost assessment of your case. We can help you file mesothelioma claims against J&J and make J&J accountable for their actions.

Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal disease that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was once widely used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including baby powder. In talcum-powder cases plaintiffs assert that exposure to asbestos from inhaling the powder caused them to develop mesothelioma and other health issues.

J&J believed to have known about the risk of talcum powder and asbestos for decades, but did not warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages and compensatory damages against J&J. These lawsuits have been consolidated into state and federal multidistrict litigations, also known as MDLs.

In 2018, one of the first major Talc trials ended in a $4.7 billion settlement for the plaintiff. This was a major news story and set the precedent for the rest. In the last month, a judge denied J&J's motion to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state.

J&J, however, tried again to stall the litigation. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J was forced to file for bankruptcy after the company incorporated an entity that would take on its obligations. The bankruptcy was able to halt thousands of talc lawsuits but the 3rd Circuit rejected this strategy.

The lawsuits brought by Mississippi are based on the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They allege that the company acted negligently in not warning of the possibility of ovarian cancer from talcum powder and that this constituted a violation of state law.

San Antonio mesothelioma attorney &J has submitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to a different bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June in order to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J are able to continue. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with mesothelioma or another condition that could be caused by talcum powder, you should seek legal assistance immediately. Our skilled lawyers can help you receive compensation that you deserve.