Johnson & Johnson is facing a lawsuit from cancer victims who allege that the company engaged in a series of corporate maneuvers to evade accountability for their asbestos-contaminated talcum powder. Filed in New Jersey federal court, the proposed class action suit aims to represent individuals with pending litigation as of August 11, 2023, claiming ovarian cancer or mesothelioma due to Johnson & Johnson talcum powder.
The lawsuit arises from Johnson & Johnson’s multiple bankruptcy filings across different states to address thousands of talcum powder cancer lawsuits. Recently, the company announced a third bankruptcy filing for a subsidiary, enabling progress toward a $6.475 billion settlement for victims. The settlement process involves a three-month voting period among claimants with talcum-related claims, primarily concerning ovarian cancer.
In response to the lawsuit, Erik Haas, Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide vice president of litigation, criticized the legal action as another obstruction to resolving the litigation. He questioned the motives behind preventing claimants from determining their best interests and proceeding with the settlement vote.
The complaint accuses Johnson & Johnson of executing fraudulent schemes, including a “Texas two-step” maneuver, asset stripping fraud, and bait-and-switch fraud, to impede victims’ lawsuits. Despite the allegations, Johnson & Johnson maintains its focus on settling the lawsuits and emphasizes its track record of prevailing in the majority of ovarian cancer trials.
The company has previously reached settlements with mesothelioma patients’ law firms and U.S. states over talcum powder safety concerns. While facing legal challenges, Johnson & Johnson remains committed to achieving a comprehensive resolution to the litigation. Haas dismissed the latest lawsuit as a frivolous attempt and reiterated the company’s intention to seek its dismissal.