Patient Safety News: Johnson & Johnson to Pay $4.69 Billion in Talcum Power Case

According to a New York Times article, a Missouri jury awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. The families claimed that the talcum powder in the products contained asbestos, a flame-retardant fibrous mineral, that is also known to cause cancer.

The Missouri jury chose to award $4.14 billion in punitive damages and $550 million in compensatory damages to the affected women and their families. Six of the women have died from cancers associated with continuous use of the product.

In a statement issued by Johnson & Johnson, the company continues to claim that, “its products do not contain asbestos and do not cause ovarian cancer and intends to pursue all available appellate remedies.”

Berman & Simmons attorney Susan Faunce is handling dangerous drug and medical device claims involving women who developed ovarian cancer after use of products containing talc.

“It’s disappointing that manufacturers continue to claim their product is safe for their own gain,” Faunce said. “This situation is another example of why we must hold the corporations accountable for harming consumers.”