10 Unexpected Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit Tips
Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson A man aged 24 with mesothelioma of the pericardium has claimed that Johnson and Johnson's baby powder caused his cancer. corona mesothelioma law firm is the first trial that has been held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and spun off its Talc division. In the beginning of this year, large settlements were made in talc cases in New Jersey and California. Plaintiffs have linked cancer to asbestos that was found in J&J products Shower to Shower and baby powder. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a deadly type of cancer is a disease of the mesothelium the lining that surrounds organs and cavities inside the body. It is most common in the lungs, but can also be found in the abdomen and chest cavity. Asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause and those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing this disease. The first trial since J&J declared its talcum powder division bankrupt opened this week and jurors in Oakland, California were emotional when they heard the plaintiff's story. The plaintiff, who is only 24 years old was diagnosed with malignant pericardial cancer in 2022. He blamed the cause of his condition 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 withholding asbestos findings from regulators and even funding asbestos tests to generate the results it wanted. These lawsuits have named several of the company's talcum-powder suppliers such as Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Imerys Talc America, and others. Women who used talcum for feminine hygiene on sanitary pads or condoms or in the genital region have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits assert that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder led to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, but failed to warn customers of the danger. Mesothelioma symptoms may include breathing difficulties, constant coughing abdominal pain, fatigue, and lumps or masses on the abdomen or chest. Doctors can identify the disease by a physical examination and imaging scans. They can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRIs and PET or X-rays. If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, patients can undergo chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. Depending on the location of their tumors surgeons might be able to remove the affected tissue. Patients with mesothelioma may have a life expectancy lower than five. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal tissue transplantation or cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong survival. What Causes Mesothelioma? Like many cancers, mesothelioma develops when a cell's DNA experiences mutations. These mutations can cause uncontrolled cell growth that creates tumors in the tissues. Asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. The exposure to asbestos can occur at work in a variety of fields such as mining, manufacturing construction, and transportation. Asbestos is typically exposed between 20 and 40 years prior to the onset of symptoms appearing. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. It is also found most often in people between the ages 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma that a person is usually determined by the region of their body in which they were exposed to asbestos. The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung. Others are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a mesothelioma type that affects the abdomen. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and abdominal pain are all signs of mesothelioma. In the final stages of mesothelioma tumors can spread to other parts of the body, creating extreme pain and discomfort. Other common symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and a blockage in the small intestine referred to as a obstruction of the bowel. Mesothelioma is a terminal illness that is often fatal. The trial involving talcum powder in Oakland involved a man of 24 who was diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma due to the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that J&J knew that talc contained asbestos, but didn't warn customers. They also cited an 1998 letter to an J&J executive that revealed the possibility of asbestos being present in their products. This is just the latest in a series of high-dollar verdicts against J&J. In March, a jury awarded $18.8 million to a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma ovarian from J&J's talcum powder. Then, last month, a jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in a separate case that dealt with the same issue. In addition, seven cases were added to the powder talcum MDL in the last month which brought the total number of pending lawsuits to 37,522. Most of these lawsuits were brought by women who have used J&J talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene. How do I know whether I have mesothelioma or not? The diagnosis of mesothelioma could be devastating. Patients should consult an expert for the most accurate information possible and avoid misdiagnosis which could lead to unneeded treatment and let cancer spread more. A physical exam and a blood test can be an excellent way to determine whether mesothelioma has caused symptoms. These tests can be used to determine asbestos fibers in the blood or to determine the way in which the organs of a patient are functioning. The most reliable method of diagnosing mesothelioma involves taking a biopsy. Doctors remove tissue or fluids from the affected area, and examine them under a microscope for mesothelioma tumor cells. The type of mesothelioma that sufferers have can influence their prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type of disease, and accounts for the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen is a less well-known type. Lastly, pericardial msothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the lining of the heart. It's only 1% of all cases. Some of the first symptoms include a shortness of breath that becomes worse over time, and then coughing up blood. Asbestos patients may also experience fluid accumulation within the chest cavity. This condition is called Pleural effusion. The fluid can be removed from the chest cavity by inserting an needle into the affected region. In more severe cases, doctors might perform pleurodesis. This is an operation which seals the area to prevent the fluid from accumulating in the pleura. A reliable diagnosis of mesothelioma is essential to determining the patient's survival rate as well as treatment options. There are a myriad of options for treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other options include immunotherapy which boosts the immune systems to fight mesothelioma and treatment fields for tumors that utilize the power of magnets to kill cancerous cell. A mesothelioma specialist can help patients understand different mesothelioma cells that determine the extent of the cancer and the patient's outlook. Patients should discuss with their physician their history of asbestos exposure to determine whether mesothelioma could be a possibility and what treatment options are available. How Can I get help? If you've used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and developed ovarian cancer or a different illness such as mesothelioma, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today to receive an absolutely free assessment of your case. We can assist you in filing mesothelioma claims against J&J and make J&J accountable for their wrongful conduct. Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a time when it was widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer products including baby powder. In talcum-powder lawsuits plaintiffs assert that asbestos exposure from inhaling the powder caused them to develop mesothelioma and other health issues. J&J allegedly knew 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 the company. These claims have been consolidated into state and federal multidistrict litigations or MDLs. In 2018 one of the biggest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion verdict in the favor of the plaintiff. This was a major news story and set the tone for the remainder of the litigation. Last month, a court denied J&J's request to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state. J&J however, tried again to stall the litigation. LTL Management, a subsidiary of J&J has filed for bankruptcy after the company created an entity that would take on its obligations. The bankruptcy stopped the filing of thousands of talc lawsuits, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy. The lawsuits brought by the state of Mississippi are based on the same allegations that were a part of the individual lawsuits brought against J&J that claim that the company's inability to warn about the risks of ovarian cancer from talcum powder was negligent, and constituted violations of state law. J&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 will be allowed to proceed. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a mesothelioma or another condition that could be caused by talcum powder you should seek legal representation immediately. Our experienced attorneys can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.