Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
Individuals in Washington, D.C. who use Johnson & Johnson baby powder might have been exposed to serious risks by using the company’s talc-based baby powder. The company, which produces a wide range of household products, is currently being sued by the state of New Mexico for misleading consumers about the safety of its baby powder and other talc-based products. If true, the allegations could have a serious impact on Washington, D.C. consumers who use the company’s products.
The lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson accuses them of concealing the dangers of their talc-based products, which allegedly contain carcinogenic asbestos. According to a major news report covering the suit, the products at issue have been associated with certain types of cancer and lung disease. The suit, brought by New Mexico’s Attorney General on behalf of the state, alleges that Johnson & Johnson is continuing to market these products to consumers, despite their dangers. This type of suit is what is commonly called a “failure to warn” case. All companies, regardless of size, are generally required by law to warn consumers about any potential dangers posed by their products. For example, a company producing hairdryers must include a warning about how the product can cause electric shock if dropped in water while turned on, and cigarette companies are required to include warnings about lung cancer on the boxes of their cartons.
Similarly, if talc-based products pose a danger to consumers, Johnson & Johnson has a legal duty to warn consumers of such. If instead of warning consumers, companies conceal information or fail to disclose it, they can be held liable under tort law. These lawsuits are typically high profile and can be very expensive, sometimes resulting in penalties of over one billion dollars.
Johnson & Johnson is no stranger to product liability lawsuits. The company has recently won suits accusing their products of causing mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. However, the company has also famously lost many suits; in 2018 they were ordered to pay 4.69 billion dollars to a group of plaintiffs who allegedly developed ovarian cancer from using the company’s baby powder. It remains to be seen how the company will fare in this most recent suit.
Have You Been Injured by a Defective or Unsafe Product?
If you or a loved one suspect that your injuries or illnesses were caused by a defective or unsafe product, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Assessing these claims can be difficult and confusing, so let Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers help. With decades of experience, our attorneys are knowledgeable in Washington, D.C. product liability law and can help you with every step of the case, from the initial filing all the way through trial. We represent plaintiffs in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and are not afraid to take on major companies and their expensive legal teams. To learn more and to schedule a free, no-risk and no-obligation consultation, contact us today at 800-654-1949 or by filling out our online form.