In early 2017, Johnson & Johnson continues, unsuccessfully, to deter and avoid trials holding it accountable for the carcinogenic properties of its products containing talcum powder, such as its talc-based Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Absorbent Body Powder®. When used for feminine hygiene, the particles of the mineral talc in these products travel up to a woman’s ovaries where they can accumulate and cultivate ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson is now facing numerous suits across the U.S., which state that they were aware of the dangers of these products yet continued to market them as safe. In 2016, plaintiffs won multimillion dollar verdicts against Johnson & Johnson.
Delay Denied in Missouri Trial
In St. Louis, Johnson & Johnson’s bid for a delay on the upcoming trials was denied. The judge ruled against its claim that because the majority of the plaintiffs are not from Missouri, the St. Louis court had no jurisdiction to hear the cases. Plaintiff attorney Ted Meadows explained in a statement that “Anyone has the constitutional right to bring a case in any jurisdiction,” and that St. Louis was chosen as a practical, central location in service to the women, many of whom are currently very unwell and “deserve to have their claims heard fairly, quickly and efficiently” (law360.com).
Early Trial Date Soon to be Determined for California Plaintiff
Eva Echeverria’s counsel is asking for a preferential expedited trial date in Los Angeles Superior Court because she is currently suffering from terminal ovarian cancer, which has spread throughout her body. Echeverria’s doctors have submitted declarations to the court stating she likely has less than six months to live. Several of the over 300 plaintiffs in the proceeding have already passed away.
Judge Maren Nelson has not yet set a trial date and stated she needed more information and wants a few questions answered, including if Echeverria’s health condition will enable her to be deposed. While she has not yet ruled on the Motion for Preferential trial, she recognizes that an early trial date is reasonable for the dying plaintiff and others like her and proposed completing the scheduling within January. She also asked plaintiffs to refine a procedure for scheduling clients with declining health and one of the plaintiff’s attorneys, Raymond Boucher, said they “had already begun work on establishing a committee to coordinate and manage trial priority going forward” (law360.com).
The Miller Firm is seeking justice for the victims of Johnson & Johnson’s deception about the dangers of using talcum powder for feminine hygiene, has filed cases nationwide, and is presently accepting clients who developed Ovarian Cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder. If this has happened to you, please visit our Talcum Powder Lawsuit page to request a free consultation. Or, you can call the Miller Firm at 1-800-882-2525.