The news agency Reuters recently issued a report claiming executives at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) know the talcum used in the company’s signature baby powder products contains asbestos, and have known for decades. The report also alleges that the manufacturer intentionally failed to inform federal authorities. An article on the report and its findings can be found here.
The Manufacturer’s Position
According to statements from Johnson & Johnson media relations, the attorneys involved are “out for personal financial gain.” J&J counter that any suggestion that the company “knew or hid information about the safety of talc” is false. They further suggest that the plaintiffs’ attorneys are actively “distorting historical documents and intentionally creating confusion.” The company insists their products are pure and safe—despite thousands of lawsuits to the contrary. The full Reuters report can be found here.
The Claims
Currently, Johnson & Johnson faces several lawsuits alleging the talc used in the company’s baby powder products caused plaintiffs to develop harmful diseases—including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Within the past year, a jury awarded $4.9 billion to the families of 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using J&J talcum powder. The manufacturer intends to appeal.
The Report
After looking through trial depositions, witness testimony, and other documents, Reuters maintains J&J has been aware as early as 1971 that their talc products tested positive for asbestos. Reuters’ findings allege executives, doctors, lawyers, managers, and scientists knew, yet did not disclose the information to the public or to federal regulators. Reuters suggests J&J tried to change regulations to limit asbestos in cosmetic products and influence research on potentially negative effects.
We Can Help.
If you or someone you love has experienced harmful side effects after using a potentially defective or dangerous product, contact Daggett Shuler Law for help. An experienced Product Liability Attorney can handle your entire case and work to secure fair and just compensation for you.
If you have questions about a dangerous product, call Daggett Shuler at 800-815-5500. When you call, you will speak with a Winston-Salem, North Carolina Defective Product Liability Attorney absolutely FREE. We will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to secure the compensation you deserve.
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