The past two weeks have seen a flurry of activity related to talc litigation, between Avon's payout in Illinois and J&J's new trial in South Carolina. In addition, J&J's second rejected bankruptcy attempt was affirmed, and Clubman Pinaud Talc and King's Men Talc lawsuits were highlighted. Following are brief updates.
The past two weeks have seen a flurry of activity related to talc litigation, between Avon's payout in Illinois and J&J's new trial in South Carolina. In addition, J&J's second rejected bankruptcy attempt was affirmed, and Clubman Pinaud Talc and King's Men Talc lawsuits were highlighted. Following are brief updates.
See related trends in beauty, including talc-free makeup.
1. Avon's $24.4 M Talc Payout in Illinois
Avon was ordered by an Illinois jury on July 26 to pay $24.4 million to Cipriano Ramirez after a trial linking asbestos to talc found Avon Products, Inc., at fault, according to Harris Martin. Per the source, Ramirez allegedly served at Avon's Morton Grove, IL, facility as a janitor in the 1980s and later developed mesothelioma. Sokolove Law noted Ramirez regularly worked around talc that may have been contaminated with asbestos.
2. J&J Takes the Stand in a South Carolina Talc Trial
According to Drugwatch, a new trial in South Carolina is under way alleging J&J's talc-containing baby powder is responsible for Plaintiff Michael Perry's mesothelioma. The defendants countered with the argument that Perry may instead have been exposed to asbestos from brake pads while working in a garage.
3. J&J's Second Rejected Bankruptcy Attempt Affirmed
About Lawsuits reported a U.S. Appeals Court affirmed J&J's second rejected bankruptcy attempt, which initially was rejected by a lower court. Per the source, the appeals court stated the bankruptcy was not proposed "in good faith," considering the company sought to force the litigation into a bankruptcy court "rather than attempting to negotiate with the individual women" making the claim. The company reportedly is planning a third attempt.
4. Clubman Pinaud Talc and King's Men Talc Lawsuits
Lastly, two additional companies are in the headlines for talc/cancer lawsuits. According to Schmidt & Clark, LLP, Clubman Pinaud Talc products have not contained talc since the 1970s but consumers who used the company's products prior to that may have been exposed and could be at risk.
In addition, the source reports lawsuits are being filed by men who developed mesothelioma and other forms of cancer after being exposed to asbestos in King’s Men Talc and other similar talc powder-containing aftershave products.
