Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma, following a jury’s finding that the company’s talc products caused her cancer.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) faces a significant financial blow after a Los Angeles jury ordered the company to pay $966 million to the family of Mae Moore, a California resident who died from mesothelioma in 2021. The jury’s decision marks a pivotal moment in ongoing litigation concerning the safety of J&J’s talc products, which have been linked to cancer allegations.
The lawsuit was initiated by Moore’s family in the same year she passed away, asserting that J&J’s talc baby powder contained asbestos fibers that contributed to her rare cancer. The jury awarded $16 million in compensatory damages and an additional $950 million in punitive damages, according to court documents.
In response to the verdict, Erik Haas, J&J’s worldwide vice president of litigation, criticized the plaintiff’s case, claiming it relied on “junk science” that should not have been presented to the jury.
While the jury’s ruling is substantial, it may be subject to reduction upon appeal. The U.S. Supreme Court has previously established that punitive damages should typically not exceed nine times the amount of compensatory damages awarded.
Founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson and his brothers, Johnson & Johnson has grown into a multinational healthcare giant headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Originally focused on producing sterile surgical dressings, the company has diversified its offerings to include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products.
As of October 2023, J&J reported annual revenues of $90.63 billion, with a market capitalization of approximately $453.15 billion, underscoring its significant role in the healthcare industry. In 2024, the company achieved adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $9.98, reflecting a modest increase of 0.6% from the previous year. J&J continues to invest heavily in research and development, allocating over $17 billion in 2024, which represents 19.4% of its total sales.
J&J’s diverse portfolio includes notable products such as the cancer treatment Darzalex, the immunology drug Tremfya, and the cardiovascular device company Abiomed. Despite its strong global presence and extensive healthcare offerings, the company faces ongoing legal challenges that threaten its reputation and financial stability.
In the past year, J&J has encountered several significant verdicts in mesothelioma cases, with Moore’s case being one of the largest. The jury’s decision underscores the heightened scrutiny surrounding the safety of J&J’s talc products and may lead to further litigation. Although the company disputes the scientific basis of the claims and intends to appeal, the substantial punitive damages awarded indicate increasing pressures for accountability.
This case serves as a reminder of how longstanding product liabilities can impact even the most established industry leaders, highlighting the critical importance of regulatory compliance and transparent communication with consumers.
Source: Original article
