J&J talc trials keep going while its settlement waits on support
Juries keep splitting on J&J's cosmetic talc. In early November a Boston jury found J&J's baby powder caused the mesothelioma of Missy Haddad and awarded about $3.3 million, according to her lawyers (other outlets reported lower figures), and J&J says it will appeal. A California jury in Alameda County awarded $34.21 million to Kevin Reikes, putting 40% of the fault on J&J and 60% on the maker of Dr. Scholl's, which settled before trial, so it isn't clear yet how much J&J itself would pay. Meanwhile a jury in Plymouth, Massachusetts sided with the company in a separate case. A Connecticut trial is still under way. Separately, J&J's proposed deal to resolve roughly 70,000 ovarian cancer claims, reported at $5.5 billion, only goes forward if at least 95% of claimants take part, and there is no word yet on whether it has. J&J says its talc never contained asbestos, and the claims in the open trials are unproven.
Why it matters
It connects to FDA's withdrawn talc testing rule, which still has no replacement date. This is news coverage, not legal or medical advice.
The story so far
A mesothelioma trial opens in Connecticut.
A mesothelioma trial opens in Massachusetts.
An Ohio jury sides with J&J in a separate trial.
A Boston jury's verdict for the Haddad family is reported at about $3.3 million; J&J says it will appeal.
A California jury returns a $34 million verdict against J&J.
A jury in Plymouth, Massachusetts sides with J&J in a separate mesothelioma case.
The plaintiff's lawyers say the California jury put 40% of the fault on J&J and 60% on Dr. Scholl's maker, which settled before trial.