The US Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear Johnson & Johnson’s bid to overturn a $2.1 billion verdict against it in favor of women who said the company’s talc products contain asbestos and can cause ovarian cancer.
Without comment, the justices turned away J&J’s appeal, leaving in place a Missouri state court ruling that favored women who blamed their ovarian cancer on the company’s talc-based products like baby powder.
The lawsuit is one of many filed on behalf of thousands of women who claim J&J’s talc-based products like baby powder contributed to their ovarian cancer. Other suits have claimed that the products caused mesothelioma.
“This was a victory not just for the amazing women and their families who we were privileged to represent, but a victory for justice,” Mark Lanier, the women’s lawyer, told The Post. “This result is exactly what separates America from the rest of the world. This decision sends a clear message to the rich and powerful: You will be held to account when you cause grievous harm under our system of equal justice under law.”
Deane Berg survived the ovarian cancer she allegedly received from a feminine hygiene product produced by Johnson & Johnson containing
