US: $117m judgment against baby powder giant could lead to more litigation

An enormous $117 million judgment against Johnson & Johnson in favour of a man who blamed his asbestos-related cancer on his use of J&J baby powder could lead to further litigation.

The multinational company is already fighting 6,000 cases against claimants who believe its baby powder product causes ovarian cancer, according to newspaper reports.

Stephen Lanzo, who won the $117 million case in New Jersey, blamed his mesothelioma on using the baby powder since 1972.

Mr Lanzo’s claim and the 6,000 ovarian cancer claims share the crucial allegation that the baby powder was contaminated with asbestos.

Elizabeth Burch, holder of the Charles H. Kirbo Chair of Law at the University of Georgia, told Reuters there uncertainty remains on the talc-asbestos connection and each case would turn on the facts.

However, Mark Lanier, one of the lawyers representing J&J customers, said the $117m judgment was “just the tip of the iceberg”.

He said plaintiffs would likely file thousands more mesothelioma and ovarian cancer cases in the weeks to come.