Johnson and Johnson owes 65.6 million to Minnesota woman Anna Jean Houghton Carley with cancer after using talcum powder
Awarded $65.5 Million in Talcum Powder Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
A Minnesota jury recently awarded $65.5 million to Anna Jean Houghton Carley, a mother of three, in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. Carley claimed that the talcum products made by the company exposed her to asbestos, leading to her development of cancer in the lining of her lungs.
The jury found that Johnson & Johnson should compensate Carley for her illness, which was attributed to the use of their baby powder since childhood. The aggressive cancer, mesothelioma, is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.
Johnson & Johnson has stated that they will appeal the verdict.
During the trial, Carley’s legal team argued that Johnson & Johnson continued to sell talc-based products despite knowing the risks of asbestos contamination. They also claimed that the company failed to warn consumers about the potential dangers.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson removed the talc-based products from shelves in the US.
Carley’s attorney, Ben Braly, emphasized that the case was about seeking truth and accountability, not just compensation.
On the other hand, Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide vice president of litigation, Erik Haas, maintained that their baby powder is safe, asbestos-free, and does not cause cancer. He expects the appellate court to overturn the decision.
The verdict adds to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the link between talc in Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder and various cancers. Johnson & Johnson ceased worldwide sales of talc-based powder in 2023.
Haas dismissed the lawsuits as based on “junk science” and reiterated the safety of their products. However, recent jury decisions have favored plaintiffs, including a $40 million award in Los Angeles and a $966 million verdict in California.
