Justice Served: J&J Ordered to Pay Millions Over Cancer Claims

A California jury awarded $40 million to two women after blaming Johnson & Johnson's baby powder for their ovarian cancer. The jury found that J&J knew its talc products were dangerous but failed to warn consumers. J&J has announced plans to appeal, amidst ongoing lawsuits involving its talc products.

A California jury has awarded $40 million to two women claiming that Johnson & Johnson's baby powder was responsible for their ovarian cancer. In a ruling from the Los Angeles Superior Court, Monica Kent received $18 million, while Deborah Schultz and her husband were awarded $22 million.

The jury determined that Johnson & Johnson had prior knowledge of the potential dangers of its talc-based products but did not adequately warn consumers. Despite plans to appeal the ruling, Johnson & Johnson faces legal challenges from more than 67,000 plaintiffs asserting similar claims.

This case is one of the first to reach trial following failed bankruptcy proceedings aimed at resolving numerous lawsuits. Although J&J continues to defend the safety of its talc products, verdicts in cases across the nation have varied significantly, with some plaintiffs receiving significant compensation while others have seen verdicts overturned on appeal.

(With inputs from agencies.)