Johnson & Johnson Hit With $8M Verdict in Massachusetts Mesothelioma Talc Lawsuit

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Suffolk County jury has awarded $8 million in favor of Janice Paluzzi, a Massachusetts woman who developed mesothelioma after decades of using Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE:JNJ) talcum powder products.

“Johnson & Johnson knew its talc Baby Powder could kill, and they chose to keep selling it anyway, despite the availability of safer cornstarch-based powders,” said Ben Braly. “We are grateful to the jury for holding them to account.”

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The jury found the pharmaceutical giant liable for negligence and breach of warranty, concluding that the company’s asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products caused Paluzzi’s terminal cancer.

During the trial, the Dean Omar Branham Shirley legal team, which represented Ms. Paluzzi, presented extensive evidence showing that Johnson & Johnson had internal knowledge of asbestos in its talc supply dating back decades yet continued to market the products as safe for daily use.

J&J ceased production and sale of all products containing talc in the United States in 2020. Ms. Paluzzi, a lifelong user of the company’s Baby Powder on herself and her children, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021.

“Johnson & Johnson knew its talc Baby Powder could kill, and they chose to keep selling it anyway, despite the availability of safer cornstarch-based powders,” said Ben Braly, one of Ms. Paluzzi’s attorneys. “We are grateful to the jury for holding them to account.”

Ms. Paluzzi, 84, raised seven children in single-bathroom homes for 20 years. Today, she has 10 grandchildren and is suffering through her illness.

The legal team included Ben Braly, Anthony Bianco and Aaron Chapman of Dean Omar Branham Shirley, along with Brian Kenney of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Mesienkothen, LLC and Amy Carter with the Carter Law Group.

“Johnson & Johnson sold their product as safe and took advantage of the trust of families like Ms. Paluzzi’s,” said Dean Omar Branham Shirley partner Trey Branham. “She used it every day on herself and her children. The jury saw that betrayal and delivered justice.”

The case is Janice Paluzzi v. Johnson & Johnson, Civil Action No. 21-2109, filed in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts.

About Dean Omar Branham Shirley
Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP, is a nationally recognized trial firm that handles cases across the country for individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries or have died as a result of irresponsible conduct of others. For more information, please visit http://www.dobslegal.com.