So far this year, in a single court in St. Louis, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been ordered to pay nearly $200 million to women who developed ovarian cancer after using its talcum powder products for feminine hygiene, or to the families of women who died.
That was just three cases, and there are about 2,500 more pending. Now, J&J wants to move the cases out of the Missouri state court, in St. Louis.
J&J’s Arguments
J&J plans to argue, as it has before that the St. Louis court does not have jurisdiction over the talcum powder lawsuits, and that the jury pool is tainted. It claims that the plaintiff’s lawyers spent nearly $10 million on television ads, and that a disproportionate number of those ads were aired in St. Louis.
Why J&J Talc Cases are Different
When a drug has been pulled from the market, it is common for the pharmaceutical company to take the safe route and settle with victims after large losses in court. But, J&J wants to protect the brand. Its talc products are still on store shelves. If J&J settles with victims, it would come across as admission that the products are harmful, and potentially damage the reputation of the brand. And, because the defective products are still being sold, a settlement would not limit potential liability.
If you or someone you love has developed ovarian cancer after regular use of baby powder or Shower to Shower for feminine hygiene, please talk to an experienced defective drug attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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