A settlement was reached with Johnson & Johnson in April regarding the class action lawsuit filed because of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims that arose from their talcum powder products. The company agreed to pay out $8.9 billion to the many people who joined in, saying the products were defective and caused their serious health problems. The lawsuit has been ongoing for over 10 years, however, claimants are required to vote if they favor the plan for settlement, which would be paid through their subsidiary, LTL Management LLC.
LTL Management LLC Has Once Again Filed for Bankruptcy
The original bankruptcy filing by LTL Management was in October 2021. However, the Court of Appeals for the U.S. Third Circuit dismissed the case. The same day J&J reached a settlement with those who had filed claims, LTL once again filed for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy of this subsidiary would allow J&J to pay the current and future claims.
Potential Problems With the Defective Talcum Powder Settlement
The settlement cannot be finalized concerning the defective talcum powder product claims until the court accepts the newly filed bankruptcy by LTL Management, the J&J subsidiary. In addition, J&J has to get enough of the injured parties who have placed a claim to accept the offered settlement. In addition, the money would be paid over a period of 25 years.
Can I Still File a Talcum Powder Claim?
Yes. If, in the last one to six years, you received a diagnosis of mesothelioma or epithelial ovarian cancer, you may join the claim if you had used J&J baby powder products for a minimum of four years. By contacting a lawyer who handles mass tort defective product lawsuits, you can get started.
How Does Mesothelioma Affect the Body?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin membrane that lines and covers the internal organs in the chest (the pleura) or abdomen (the peritoneum). It can also affect the sac that encases the heart (the pericardium). As this cancer grows, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Patients may experience a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and extent of the cancer. Some common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and difficulty swallowing. As the cancer progresses additional symptoms can occur such as fever, coughing up blood or fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion), hoarseness, difficulty breathing and anemia.
In addition to these physical symptoms, mesothelioma can also have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of patients and their loved ones, as well as creating financial difficulties due to the costs associated with treatment and care.
How Does Ovarian Cancer Affect the Body?
Ovarian cancer can spread beyond the ovaries, traveling to different organs in the abdomen and pelvis. It may also spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs or liver. When this happens, it is known as “metastasis.” In late stages of ovarian cancer, tumors can cause:
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Pressure in the abdomen
- Bloating or swelling of the abdomen
- Changes in bowel habits/urinary frequency
- Nausea, vomiting, or appetite changes
- Fatigue and weakness.
Either of these diseases can have a significant impact on the individual as well as their family. Financial well-being is often devastated also. By contacting a product liability lawyer who handles cases involving J&J’s defective talcum powder, you might be able to recover compensation that can help you move forward.
The Diaz Law Firm: Product Liability Law
The Diaz Law Firm offers a free consultation to those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or other trauma due to the exposure to contaminated talcum powder. Call for a free consultation at 800-459-2222 or contact us online. We are a national law firm that serves clients across the country.