Johnson & Johnson and Imery’s Talc America have been ordered to pay $37 million to a New Jersey man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma following years of talcum powder use.

Yesterday’s verdict in Middlesex County Superior Court followed more than two months of testimony and marked the first time a Plaintiff has prevailed in a talcum powder lawsuit involving Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and the often-deadly form of cancer. In the course of the trial, jurors were shown numerous internal documents indicating that, as early as 1969, the Defendants were concerned that Baby Powder could be tainted by asbestos.

The  seven person jury deliberated for less than a day before finding Johnson & Johnson 70 percent liable for the Plaintiff’s damages, while Imery’s was found 30 percent liable. Jurors will reconvene next week to decide whether the companies should be assessed any punitive damages.

“Our Firm is representing numerous women who allegedly developed ovarian cancer due to their long-term use of Johnson & Johnson talc-based powders for feminine hygiene purposes and we have been monitoring this proceeding very closely,” says Sandy A. Liebhard, a partner at Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing victims of defective medical devices, drugs, and consumer products. The Firm is offering free legal reviews to women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer that may be associated Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based powders.

(Source: Bernstein Liebhard LLP)