10 Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit Tricks All Pros Recommend
Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A man who is 24 years old and has pericardial mesotheliom claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is the cause of his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma case is the first trial to be held since J&J filed for bankruptcy and split off its Talc division.
In the beginning of the year, huge settlements were made in talc lawsuits in New Jersey and California. Plaintiffs attributed their cancer to asbestos found in J&J's Shower Shower and Baby Powder products.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, which is a fatal type of cancer is a disease of the mesothelium lining around organs and cavities within the body. It is most often found in the lungs but it can also occur in the abdomen, the heart and chest cavity, as well as the testicles. Asbestos, the only known cause of this disease, is asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at an increased chance 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 as they heard the testimony of the plaintiff. 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 $25 million.
J&J has been accused of concealing asbestos risks from consumers for a number of years. The company has a long history of concealing asbestos-related information from regulators, as well as paying for asbestos tests that produced the results they desired. A number of the company's talcum powder suppliers have been named in these lawsuits and include Whittaker, Clark & Daniels and Imerys Talc America.
Women who used talcum to provide feminine hygiene, such as sanitary pads or condoms, or in the genital region have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The lawsuits assert that J&J was aware for more than 40 years that the powder could cause ovarian cancer and other illnesses, but failed to warn consumers.
Symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, abdominal lumps, and persistent coughing. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by an examination and imaging scans. They can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRIs and PET or X-rays.
When mesothelioma is discovered patients can undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Depending on the location of their tumors, surgeons may be able to remove the affected tissue. Some patients with mesothelioma have a lifespan less than five. However, aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal tissue transplantation and cytoreduction using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can prolong the life of patients.
What is the cause of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA mutations in a cell. The mutations cause the cells to multiply uncontrollably and form tumors in the tissues of the body. Asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos exposure is common in many different industries including manufacturing, mining and transportation. Asbestos is typically exposed 20 to 40 years prior to symptoms becoming apparent. Mesothelioma is more common in males than women, and is most commonly diagnosed in people who are in their 50s and 70s. The type of mesothelioma a person gets is often determined by the part 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. Finally, some people are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. It is the most rare form of the disease that affects the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the organ itself.
Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, abdominal pain and weight loss. In the later stages of mesothelioma tumors can spread to different areas of the body creating extreme pain and discomfort. Other typical symptoms of mesothelioma are fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite, difficulties swallowing, and a blockage of the small intestine, referred to as a obstruction in the bowel. Mesothelioma can be fatal.
The trial involving talcum powder in Oakland involved a man aged 24 who was diagnosed with pericardial cancer due to the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued that J&J knew that talc contained asbestos but did not inform customers. They also cited an 1998 letter addressed to a J&J executive revealing the possibility of asbestos in their products.
This is the latest in a series of large verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum powder caused ovarian mesothelioma to a woman. In the same month, a jury in Missouri handed down $55 million in a similar case. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum-powder over the past month, bringing it to 37,522 the number of lawsuits pending. Most of these lawsuits are filed by women who used J&J talcum powder to maintain feminine hygiene.
How Do I Know if I Have Mesothelioma?
The diagnosis of mesothelioma could be devastating. Patients should always consult an expert for the most accurate diagnosis possible and avoid misdiagnosis which could lead to unnecessary treatment and let cancer spread more.
A physical examination and a blood test can be an excellent way to determine whether mesothelioma has caused symptoms. These tests can be used to check for asbestos fibers in blood or to assess the health of a patient's internal organs. The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma is the procedure of a biopsy. Doctors remove tissue or fluids from the affected area and then examine them under a microscope to look for mesothelioma cancer cells.
The type of mesothelioma a sufferer has also impacts the likelihood of a positive outcome. Pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the thin lining around the lungs, is the common form of mesothelioma and accounts for the majority of cases diagnosed. Peritoneal cancer, which develops in the lining surrounding the abdomen is a less prevalent type. In addition, pericardial mesothelioma is a rare type that develops in the lining of the heart. It is only 1% of all cases.
Shortness of breath, which gets worse with time, and bloody coughing are a few of the initial symptoms. Asbestos sufferers can also experience fluid accumulation in the chest cavity, which is known as pleural effusion. Round Rock mesothelioma attorney can be removed from the chest cavity by inserting a needle into the affected region. In more severe cases, doctors might use a procedure known as pleurodesis, which seals the area to prevent reaccumulation of fluid in the pleura.
A mesothelioma accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the patient's survival rate as well as treatment options. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, which increases the immune system to fight mesothelioma as well as tumor treating fields that use a magnetic field in order to kill cancerous cells.
A mesothelioma expert can also assist patients in understanding the various mesothelioma cell types, which determine the extent of the cancer as well as the outlook for patients. Patients should discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor to determine if they're mesothelioma-related and discover what kinds of treatment options are available to them.
How Can I Get Help?
If you have used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and then developed ovarian cancer, or another illness like mesothelioma or other cancers, you could be eligible for substantial compensation. Contact us today to receive an obligation-free, no-cost consultation. We can help you file mesothelioma lawsuits against J&J and make them accountable for their negligence.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was utilized in a variety of consumer and industrial products including baby powder. In talcum powder cases, plaintiffs claim that asbestos exposure from inhaling the powder led to the development of mesothelioma, or other health issues.
J&J failed to inform the public about the dangers of asbestos and talcum even though they were aware of them for many years. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits seeking punitive damages as well as compensatory damages against the company. These claims have been consolidated in state and federal multidistrict litigations, or MDLs.
In 2018 one of the biggest talc cases led to a $4.7 billion settlement in favor of the plaintiff. This was a national news story that set the tone for the rest. In the last month, a judge denied J&J's request to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state.
J&J however, tried again to halt the litigation. The company set up a new subsidiary entity to take on its talc liability, and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy ended hundreds of talc suits however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.
The lawsuits filed by Mississippi are based on the same allegations as those of the individual lawsuits filed against J&J. They allege that the company acted negligently in failing to warn consumers of the possibility of ovarian carcinoma due to talcum-powder, and that this constituted a violation of state law.
J&J has resubmitted its motion to dismiss the lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J can be pursued. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another condition that could have been caused by talcum powder. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys can assist you in obtaining the justice you deserve.