Mother of 3 With Mesothelioma Awarded $65.5 Million After Trial
A 37-year-old mother of three with pleural mesothelioma was awarded $65.5 million on December 19 from Johnson & Johnson after a trial claiming her disease was caused by the company’s baby powder. Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, attorneys represent those injured by talcum powder contaminated by cancer-causing asbestos fibers.
ABC News reports that jurors decided that Anna Jean Houghton Carley, 37, should be compensated by the company for using its baby powder throughout her childhood. Her mesothelioma is an aggressive and fatal cancer caused by asbestos fiber exposure.
The 13-day trial took place in Ramsey County District Court, where plaintiff’s attorneys claimed the company sold and marketed talc-based products to consumers despite the knowledge that they could have asbestos. They also stated she and her family were never warned of the product’s potential dangers, which was removed from the US market in 2020.
Johnson & Johnson announced it would appeal the verdict. Their worldwide vice president of litigation, Erik Haas, claimed their baby powder is safe, didn’t have asbestos, and doesn’t cause cancer. He said he expects that the decision will be reversed on appeal. Haas claims allegations that contaminated baby powder causes mesothelioma are “junk science,” contradicted by many scientific studies.
Other juries have ruled that their cases aren’t based on “junk science” and the plaintiffs proved their cases, including the following:
- A Los Angeles jury awarded $40 million in December to two women claiming the company’s talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer
- Another California jury in October ordered the company to pay $966 million to a woman’s next of kin. Her wrongful death case was based on allegations that her mesothelioma was caused by baby powder contaminated with asbestos
If you believe that baby powder use may have led to your cancer diagnosis or the death of a family member, contact us to learn more about your rights to compensation.
Take Action Now — Contact Our Firm
If you develop mesothelioma or another cancer after using baby powder, you and your family may receive compensation for the harm you suffer. Satterley & Kelley, PLLC can be your boots on the ground, seeking maximum compensation for what you’ve been through.
Call our Louisville office toll-free at 855-385-9532 or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation concerning your case.