What Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit Experts Want You To Learn

Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson

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

Earlier this year, jury awards in New Jersey and California led to big settlements in talc-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs linked 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, but it can also be found in the abdomen, heart and chest cavity, as well as the testicles. Asbestos, the sole 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 its Talcum Powder division bankrupt began this week and jurors in Oakland, California were emotional when they heard the story of the plaintiff. In 2022, the plaintiff, who was just 24 years old at the time, old at the time, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium. He blamed the cause of his condition to his early use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $26 million.

J&J has been accused of concealing asbestos risks from consumers since decades. The company has a long history of keeping asbestos information from regulators, and paying for asbestos tests that did not yield the results they desired. The lawsuits have identified a number of the company's talcum-powder suppliers which include Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and others.

Some women who used talcum for feminine hygiene, such as sanitary pads or condoms or in the genital region have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits allege that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder led to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, but failed to warn customers of this danger.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal pain and abdominal lumps, abdominal swelling, and persistent coughing. Doctors can identify the disease through a physical examination and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X-rays.

After a mesothelioma is diagnosed patients can undergo chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. Depending on the site of their tumors, surgeons may be able remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may be given a life expectancy of less than five years, however aggressive treatments like extracorporeal membrane transplant and cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may prolong the life expectancy.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, like most cancers is caused by DNA changes in a cell. The mutations cause the cells to multiply uncontrollably and develop tumors in tissues of the body. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is common in a variety of industries, including mining, manufacturing and transportation. Asbestos is usually exposed for between 20 and 40 years prior to the onset of symptoms developing. Mesothelioma affects men more than women, and it is most commonly diagnosed in those in their 50s to 70s. The type of mesothelioma a person is usually determined by the region of their body that were exposed to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with pleural msothelioma, which affects the lung. Other patients are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. one type of mesothelioma which affects the abdomen. Additionally, some patients 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.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, breathlessness and abdominal pain, as well as weight loss. In the latter stages of mesothelioma, the tumors can spread to other parts which can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Other typical symptoms of average mesothelioma settlements include swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, difficulties swallowing and a blockage in the small intestine, referred to as a bowel obstruction. Mesothelioma can be fatal.

The talcum powder trial in Oakland involved a man aged 24 who developed pericardial mesothelioma average settlement from the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers claimed that J&J knew that talc contained asbestos, but did not warn consumers. They also cited an 1998 letter addressed to a J&J executive that revealed the possibility of asbestos being present in their products.

This is only the latest in a long line of major verdicts against J&J. In March, a jury handed down $18.8 million to a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian mesothelioma from J&J's talcum powder. Then, last month the jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in another case involving the same issue. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum-powder over the past month, bringing to 37,522 the total number of lawsuits pending. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who used J&J talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene.

How Can I Tell if I Have Mesothelioma?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating. Patients should always seek out a specialist for the most accurate diagnosis and to avoid false diagnosis, which could result in unnecessary treatment and spread of cancer.

A physical exam and a blood test is an excellent way to determine whether mesothelioma may be causing symptoms. These tests can be used to look for asbestos fibers in blood or the health of a patient's internal organs. The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is by a biopsy, where doctors remove tissue or fluid from the affected area and examine the area under a microscope to detect mesothelioma-related cells.

The type of mesothelioma Settlements taxable is present in a patient can influence the prognosis of a patient. Pleural mesothelioma, that forms in the thin lining around the lung, is the most common form of mesothelioma and makes up the majority of diagnosed cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the abdomen's lining is not as common. The pericardial mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that occurs in the heart's lining, is much rarer and only represents around one percent of cases.

Some of the first symptoms include breathlessness which gets worse with time and coughing up blood. Asbestos patients may also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. This condition is called the pleural effusion. It can be removed by inserting a needle into the affected region of the chest cavity. In more serious cases, doctors may perform pleurodesis, which is a procedure that seals the space in order to prevent the accumulation of fluid within the pleura.

A reliable diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial to determine the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy. It is a form of treatment that enhances the immune system to fight mesothelioma cancer cells and tumor-targeting fields, which use the power of magnets to eliminate cancerous cells.

A specialist in mesothelioma can also help patients understand the different mesothelioma cell types which determine how invasive the cancer is and what the patient's prognosis is. Patients should discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician to determine if they're mesothelioma-related and learn about the various types of treatment are available to them.

How Can I Get Help?

If you have used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and then developed ovarian cancer, or another disease such as mesothelioma, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case assessment. We can help you bring mesothelioma suits against J&J to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligence.

Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and fatal condition caused by asbestos exposure is a rare disease. Asbestos was once widely used in a variety of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. Plaintiffs in talcum powder cases claim that inhaling talcum powder caused to their asbestos exposure which led to mesothelioma and other health problems.

J&J believed to have known about the dangers of asbestos and talcum powder for decades but failed to warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages against J&J. These claims have been combined into federal and state multidistrict litigations or MDLs.

In 2018, one of the first large Talc trials ended in an $4.7 billion settlement for the plaintiff. The news made headlines across the country and set the tone for the remainder of the litigation. Last month, a judge denied a motion by J&J to dismiss the lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi.

However, in an effort to halt the litigation, J&J tried again. The company established an entity that was a subsidiary to assume its talc liabilities and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy ended hundreds of talc suits however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.

The lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi are based on the same allegations that were a part of the individual lawsuits against J&J which allege that the company's inability to warn about the risks of ovarian cancer caused by the talcum powder was negligent and was a violation of state law.

J&J has submitted its motion to dismiss lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June to determine if the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to be pursued. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a mesothelioma or other disease that could have been caused by talcum powder, you should seek legal advice immediately. Our lawyers are experienced and can help you receive the compensation you deserve.