Missouri State Jury asked Johnson & Johnson to pay a sum of $72 million to the family of a woman who suffered from ovarian cancer and died after using Shower to Shower and Baby Powder of the company for years.
This verdict was announced on Monday late night and jurors awarded Jacqueline Fox’s family $62 million of punitive damages and $10 million of actual damages as per the court records and lawyers of the family. Lawyers stated that this verdict is the 1st by a U.S jury that awards damages over the claims.
The company faced claims that for boosting sales, it has failed to warn customers that cancer can be caused by its talc-based products. There have been over 1000 cases filed in Missouri state court and another 200 in New Jersey.
Fox, living in Birmingham, Alabama claimed that she used Shower to Shower and Baby Powder for feminine hygiene for over 35 years before she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 3 years ago. She died at an age of 62, in October. Johnson & Johnson was found liable for conspiracy, negligence and fraud, said the lawyers of the family. Deliberations lasted 4 hours, following this 3-week trial.
A lawyer for Fox’s family, Jere Beasley stated that the company lied to public and lied to regulatory agencies. A spokeswoman from Johnson & Johnson, Carol Goodrich stated that they are responsible towards the safety and health of the consumers and the outcome of the trial has disappointed them. The company sympathizes with the family but strongly stated that their cosmetic talc is supported by scientific evidence.
In October 2013, a federal jury in South Dakota found that by using Johnson & Johnson’s body powder products, Deane Berg had developed ovarian cancer. However, as per the records of the court, no damages were awarded.