On July 28, 2023, Johnson & Johnson failed once again to limit its exposure to tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its products caused cancer with a talcum powder bankruptcy case. On Friday, however, Judge Michael Kaplan of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the New Jersey District dismissed the talcum powder bankruptcy case, saying the company was not in immediate or imminent financial distress. An earlier attempt at declaring bankruptcy by the company was also dismissed. The latest ruling was the company’s third attempt at bankruptcy.
Subsidiary Created by J&J to Protect Itself
In an effort to protect itself from litigation arising from talc injury claims, the company formed a subsidiary, LTL Management, in 2021. The talc cancer claims were offloaded onto the new subsidiary, immediately leading to the company filing a talcum powder bankruptcy with the court. According to the proposal, all claims against the bankrupt subsidiary would be resolved for $8.9 billion. However, no future claims would have been allowed if the talcum powder bankruptcy had gone forward. Judge Kaplan also dismissed this case, citing the same reasons he did for the July 2023 bankruptcy attempt.
How Many Talc Cancer Claims Are Pending?
The number of talc cancer lawsuits pending against the company in July 2023 was numbered at over 37,500. These lawsuits allege that asbestos in J&J talcum powder products caused various types of cancers.
Mesothelioma Is Only Known to Occur Due to Asbestos Exposure
In the chest or abdomen, mesothelioma affects the membrane that covers and lines the internal organs. The sac that encloses the heart can be affected as well. Other parts of the body can be affected as this cancer grows.
The type and extent of cancer determine the symptoms patients experience. Breathing problems, chest pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, problems swallowing and weight loss commonly occur. Anemia, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, fever and cough can also occur as the cancer progresses.
Ovarian and Endometrioid Cancers
Exposure to asbestos has been shown in studies to increase the risk of ovarian and endometrioid cancers, such as by using a contaminated talcum product. Symptoms may include pain and pressure in the abdomen, nausea, lack of appetite, weakness, and vomiting.
Filing a Cancer Claim
Those injured by using J&J talcum powder products can still file claims, despite the company’s efforts to file a talcum powder bankruptcy. Those who were injured by using J&J talcum powder products are still able to file claims. If someone has been diagnosed with cancer, they may be able to seek compensation from Johnson & Johnson. An experienced attorney can help you determine if your case is eligible and walk you through the process of filing a claim. The lawyer can explain the legal process to you, protect your rights and represent your interests throughout the litigation.
Your Lawyer Will Help by Gathering the Evidence That Supports Your Claim
Just like filing any other type of injury claim, you will need to provide evidence that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products were the cause of your cancer. Your attorney can help you gather essential evidence for your case and develop a compelling legal strategy that supports your position. This includes obtaining medical records, researching scientific research, and gathering witness testimony.
If successful, this could mean receiving money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The Diaz Law Firm: Talcum Powder Cancer Claims
The Diaz Law Firm provides free consultations to those who have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other trauma after exposure to contaminated talcum powder. If you would like a free consultation, call 800-459-2222 or contact us online. As a national firm, we serve clients from all over the country.