Reuters recently released a report suggesting that Johnson & Johnson changed its marketing strategy to target minority and overweight women as concerns over its baby power product started to accumulate. Baby powder was not only used on babies but women use it as a genital antiperspirant and/or deodorant. Additionally, the New York Times reported at the end of 2018 that Johnson & Johnson had for years been concerned about asbestos in its baby powder. Executives of the company knew as early as 1971 that the company’s talc mines were contaminated with the cancer-causing asbestos substance. Knowing this, the company failed to take the product off the market. Further, knowing this, the company through the years changed its marketing strategy so that it could keep sales of its baby powder and talc up when concerns of the products began to cause sales to decline.
What does all this mean for you, the consumer of Johnson & Johnson baby powder or talc products? Here, we provide a brief overview. But to know specifics about what your options may be in your unique position, you will want to contact experienced asbestos or mesothelioma attorney in California.
What does Reuters Report say about Johnson & Johnson’s marketing strategy?
The Reuters report confirms that Johnson & Johnson knew about asbestos in its products and yet continued to market it first for babies, then to teens, and then to women, particularly minority and overweight women. Targeting for the latter began in the mid-2000s. Today, Reuters reports there are more than 13,000 plaintiffs who alleged Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, among other like products, caused either:
- ovarian cancer; or
- mesothelioma
Some plaintiffs have already won their cases against Johnson & Johnson, and more are to come.
What does this mean for women who have been detrimentally harmed by Johnson & Johnson?
The evidence is now in: Johnson & Johnson knew its products had asbestos and could, as a result, cause cancer. The evidence also shows that Johnson & Johnson, rather than warn consumers or take its products off the market altogether, re-devised its marketing strategy to sell more of its carcinogenic products. These acts are reckless and malicious. So, what this means for you is simple: if you used one of Johnson & Johnson’s product containing asbestos for any amount of time and later developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, then you are entitled to file a claim.
If you file a claim, you are entitled to all economic and non-economic damages. In California, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are damages granted to a plaintiff due to the outrageous and malicious acts of the defendant. The latter certainly applies in this case.
Who should you contact if you believe you or a loved one has been harmed in California by Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder?
When your life in on the line, you want the best help possible. Retaining not only the best in medical treatment is important, but retaining the best in legal representation is important. You likely have accumulated a lot of bills and other expenses. You may also have dependents who rely on you for emotional, intellectual, and financial support. Having an experienced attorney who is committed to your case is key with respect to the amount of compensation and possibly punitive damages you receive. At the Ledge Law Firm, our mesothelioma attorneys are both experienced and committed. Additionally, we have the resources and insight to advocate on your behalf strategically and competently. Contact our office today to learn more.
