How To Tell The Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit Which Is Right For You

Mesothelioma Lawyer Files Talc Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson

A 24-year-old with pericardial msothelioma claims that Johnson & Johnson baby powder is responsible for his cancer. The Oakland mesothelioma trial is the first to proceed since J&J has dissolved its talc business and filed for bankruptcy.

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 is a deadly type of cancer that affects the mesothelium or lining that surrounds organs and body cavities. It is most commonly found in the lungs but it can also be found in the abdomen, the heart and chest cavity, as well as the testicles. Asbestos is the most well-known mesothelioma-related cause, and people who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing this disease.

The first trial since J&J declared bankruptcy on its talcum-powder division opened in Oakland, California this week. Jurors were inspired by the story of the plaintiff. The plaintiff, who is just 24 years old, was diagnosed with malignant pericardial mesothelioma in 2022. He attributed the reason for his illness to his early use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The jury awarded him $25 million.

J&J has been accused of obfuscating asbestos risks from the public for decades. The company has a long history of keeping asbestos information from regulators, as well as paying for asbestos tests that gave the results they desired. These lawsuits have named several of the company's talcum-powder suppliers which include 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 allege that J&J knew for more than 40 years that the powder caused mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, however, they failed to warn consumers of the danger.

Mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal lumps, abdominal swelling and a persistent cough. Doctors can diagnose the disease through a physical examination and imaging scans. These include CT scans (computer tomography), MRIs, PET or X rays.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed patients may undergo surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The surgeons can remove affected tissue depending on the location of the tumors. Patients with mesothelioma may be given a life expectancy of less than five years, but aggressive treatments such as extracorporeal membrane transplant and cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can extend survival.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA changes in a cell. These mutations cause uncontrolled growth of cells, which forms tumors in tissues. Asbestos is a frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can be found in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, mining, and transportation. Asbestos exposure is typically seen 20 to 40 years before symptoms appear. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. It is also diagnosed most often in people between the ages 50 and 70. The type of mesothelioma a sufferer is usually determined by the region of their body in which they 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. This kind of mesothelioma is affecting the abdomen. Additionally, some patients are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare form of the disease that affects the heart's lining (pericardium) and the organ itself.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, shortness of breath abdominal pain and weight loss. In the later stages of mesothelioma, the tumors can spread to different areas of the body which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Other symptoms that are common to mesothelioma include swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and a blockage within the small intestine referred to as a obstruction in the bowel. Mesothelioma is a debilitating illness that is usually fatal.

The trial involving talcum powder in Oakland involved a 24-year-old man who was diagnosed with pericardial cancer due to the use of J&J baby powder. His lawyers argued the company knew that talc contained asbestos, but did not warn consumers. They also cited a 1998 letter to a J&J executive that highlighted the possibility of asbestos in their products.

This is only the latest in a series of high-dollar verdicts against J&J. In March, J&J's Talcum powder caused ovarian mesothelioma in a woman. Last month, another jury in Missouri awarded $55 million in the same case. Seven new cases have been added to the MDL talcum-powder over the past month, bringing to 37,522 the number of lawsuits pending. The majority of these lawsuits are filed by women who have used J&J talcum powder to maintain their feminine hygiene.

How can I tell if I have mesothelioma or not?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma could be devastating.  Birmingham mesothelioma attorney  should consult a specialist to get the most accurate information available and avoid misdiagnosis that could lead to unnecessary treatment or allow cancer to spread more.

A physical exam and a blood sample can aid in identifying mesothelioma symptoms. These tests can be used to check for asbestos fibers in blood or the health of a patient's internal organs. The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is the procedure of a biopsy. Doctors extract tissues or fluids from the affected area, and examine them under a microscope to look for mesothelioma cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelioma that a sufferer has also impacts the prognosis of their patient. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of the disease, and accounts for the majority of cases that are diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer that is found in the lining of the abdomen is less prevalent. In addition, pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the heart. It's only one percent of all cases.

A shortness of breath that becomes worse over time, and bloody coughing are among the first symptoms. Asbestos sufferers may also experience fluid buildup in the chest cavity, a condition known as pleural effusion. It can be eliminated by inserting a needle in the affected region of the chest cavity. In more severe cases doctors may perform pleurodesis, an operation which seals the area to prevent the fluid from accumulating within the pleura.

A mesothelioma accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the rate of survival for a patient and treatment options. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are all options. Other options include immunotherapy, a type of treatment that boosts the immune system to fight mesothelioma cancer cells and tumor-targeting fields, which employ an electromagnetic field to kill cancerous cells.

A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients in understanding different mesothelioma types which determine the extent of the cancer and the outlook for patients. Patients should discuss with their doctor their history of asbestos exposure to determine whether mesothelioma is a possibility and what treatment options are available.

How Can I get help?

If you used Johnson & Johnson talcum and you developed an ovarian disease or another like mesothelioma after using the talcum powder, you could be eligible for significant compensation. Contact us today for an absolutely free consultation. We can help you file mesothelioma lawsuits against J&J and hold J&J accountable for their negligence.

Mesothelioma is a rare but fatal disease caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was widely utilized in a variety of industrial and consumer products like baby powder. In talcum-powder lawsuits plaintiffs claim that exposure to asbestos through inhalation of the powder led to the development of mesothelioma or other health problems.

J&J was allegedly aware of the dangers of talcum powder and asbestos for decades but failed to warn consumers. Plaintiffs have filed mesothelioma lawsuits against the company seeking punitive and compensatory damages. These lawsuits have been consolidated into state and federal multidistrict litigations, also known as MDLs.

In 2018 one of the first large Talc trials ended in a $4.7 billion settlement for the plaintiff. This was a national news story and set the stage for the rest. Last month, a judge denied the motion of J&J to dismiss the lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi.

In an attempt to halt the litigation, J&J tried again. The company established an additional subsidiary entity to take over its talc liabilities, and LTL Management filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy stopped thousands of talc suits, however, the 3rd Circuit rejected that strategy.

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

J&J has filed a motion to dismiss lawsuits to another bankruptcy court. A hearing is scheduled for June to determine whether the lawsuits against J&J will be allowed to proceed. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other condition that could be caused by talcum powder, you should seek legal representation immediately. Our skilled lawyers can help you receive justice you deserve.