Lawmakers are taking notice as more information comes to light about the link between Johnson & Johnsons’ talcum powder and asbestos-related injuries. Recently, U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen called for a federal investigation into the healthcare costs associated with treating patients who have suffered injuries from asbestos in talcum powder products sold by Johnson & Johnson. The call for an investigation comes after the Congressman sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of federal spending used to take care of individuals diagnosed with injuries like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, with a possibility that they may have been caused by asbestos in Johnson’s Baby Powder and other products.
“These deadly and debilitating conditions were entirely avoidable… Taxpayers have the right to know the public price of this corporate malfeasance.”- Rep. Steve Cohen
The letter claims that Johnson & Johnson knew its talcum powder products caused asbestos injuries and cancer since the 1970s. Yet, the company continued to sell their talcum powder products. The Congressman is seeking to determine how much money has been spent by the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, the Justice Department, and Health and Human Services on health care and medical treatments for those diagnosed with talcum powder-related ailments since 1972.
Government v. Johnson & Johnson
If the litigation results in talcum powder lawsuit payouts or settlements by the manufacturer, the U.S. government would be entitled to recover their portion of medical expenses covered by Medicare and Medicaid. However, the litigation has been prevented from moving forward over the past year, after Johnson & Johnson decided to pursue a talcum powder bankruptcy scheme, known as the “Texas Two Step”, even though the company has billions in assets to cover the damages caused by their actions. Seeking to stall the more than 38,000 Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower lawsuits, each involving similar claims brought by individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma and other injuries after exposure to toxic asbestos particles. However, a big win for our Talcum powder Plaintiffs was announced on January 30, 2023 when the court rejected Johnson & Johnsons attempt to file for bankruptcy.
Litigation Cost
According to a recent bankruptcy filing, Johnson & Johnson has already spent $1 billion defending against talc ovarian cancer claims, in addition to paying out $3.5 billion in Baby Powder settlements and verdicts. Industry analysts predict that the total cost of resolving all cancer-related lawsuits could exceed $10 billion. However, if these cases go before a jury, the company could face even more substantial individual talcum powder lawsuit payouts. It is crucial for those who have suffered from asbestos-related injuries after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products to seek legal counseling from a trusted law firm that can help them receive the compensation they deserve.
Our Firm Support Talc Victims Suffering from Ovarian Cancer and Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma
Here atRheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman, we stay up to date on all new developments in the talcum powder litigation and are ready to fight for the rights of our clients. Our experienced attorneys have a record of success in product liability cases we are committed to helping those who have been harmed by Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. If you or a family member has used Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Powder, contact us for a free consultation for a potential case.
