Asbestos litigation continues to make headlines. This is because, today, we’re still dealing with the consequences of asbestos companies‘ actions.
These consequences are far-reaching. Workers, veterans, consumers and many others faced asbestos exposure risks caused by these companies. Many have developed asbestos diseases. To address the past and ongoing effects of widespread asbestos use, a large legal framework has sprung up.
Asbestos lawyers, government agencies, advocates, journalists and others continue to work to protect people and compensate victims. Recently, their work has generated some major news stories.
States and Consumers Seek Justice From Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has spent the past several years facing asbestos-related legal troubles on a number of fronts. These troubles relate to asbestos contamination in its talcum powder products. News about misleading marketing and injuries to consumers have made recent headlines.
In January 2024, J&J found itself on the hook for $700 million to end investigations into the company’s problematic marketing. Over 40 states had sued J&J for violating consumer protection laws. The cases focused on whether J&J should have warned consumers about potential asbestos contamination.
Recently, personal injury cases against J&J have resumed. Two cases have resulted in wins for asbestos victims.
- In June, an Oregon jury ordered J&J to pay $260 million to a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2023. The 48-year-old said asbestos-contaminated talcum powder caused her to develop the disease.
- In April, a Chicago jury awarded the family of a deceased mesothelioma patient $45 million. The victim was a lifelong user of Johnson’s Baby Powder.
J&J’s talc liabilities are an ongoing story. The company still faces more than 61,000 talc lawsuits. Current news stories have focused on J&J asking the people suing them to agree to a bankruptcy settlement package.
BNSF Liable for $4 Million for the Deaths of Two Mesothelioma Patients
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway is just one company involved in what the U.S. government called “the worst case of industrial poisoning of a whole community in American history.” The government was referring to the asbestos contamination caused by a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.
W.R. Grace owned the mine. BNSF hauled asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the mine. In April, a jury found the company liable for the deaths of two mesothelioma patients. It awarded $4 million each to the patients’ estates.
At trial, lawyers presented evidence that BNSF knew the vermiculite in Libby Railyard was dangerous and failed to act accordingly. Both patients lived near the rail yard.
The mine closed down in 1990, but the activities of BNSF, W.R. Grace and other companies continue to cause harm.
Ben Nye Files for Bankruptcy
Asbestos has been found in a number of brands’ talc-based makeup products. In April, Ben Nye filed for bankruptcy. In its filing, the cosmetics company cited financial strain caused by past and ongoing asbestos liabilities. The bankruptcy proceedings have paused litigation against the company.
Ben Nye may set up an asbestos trust fund to pay present and future victims. Many asbestos companies that go through bankruptcy have set up these types of funds.
Mesothelioma lawyers can help patients and their families explore their legal options. People continue to receive compensation from companies that exposed families to asbestos.
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