Currently, there are multiple trials against Johnson & Johnson for many of its medications and products. These products are severely injuring consumers. The main ones are Transvaginal Mesh, Talcum Powder, Pinnacle Hip Implants, Risperdal, Invokana, and Power Morcellators. Right now, tens of thousands of cases are pending all over the U.S. against them. Despite this and the near $1 billion verdict against the company last year, Johnson & Johnson still refuse to settle or admit any wrongdoing.
This month alone, three trials began.
Transvaginal Mesh
Surgeons implant transvaginal mesh patches to combat the effects of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). POP occurs when the pelvic muscles weaken, causing the pelvic organs to descend from their normal place and bulge through the vaginal wall. The popularity of surgically implanting transvaginal mesh patches to hold organs in place has increased since the device’s 2001 approval, but unfortunately, researchers linked the patch to many painful and serious complications.
This is what happened to Peggy Engleman. Doctors implanted her mesh in 2007 to relieve her stress urinary incontinence. However, the implant failed and her condition returned. She then began experiencing pain and discomfort as the mesh from the implant eroded within her. Even through three separate surgeries, doctors were unable to remove all of the mesh.
The jury awarded Engleman $20 million. This is the third consecutive eight-figure award against Johnson & Johnson in a mesh case. An Indiana woman received a $12.5 verdict along with another jury awarding a New Jersey woman $13.5 million.
Xarelto
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, introduced in 2011. It is a huge financial success and created a new generation of anticoagulant medication. Despite its short time on the market, Xarelto may already be responsible for hundreds of patient deaths. The Food and Drug Administration has linked Xarelto to 2,081 serious complications in 2012, 680 complications in the first quarter of 2013 and 1,121 deaths reported to the FDA.
By stopping the blood from clotting, blood-thinners can prevent blood clots in people suffering from conditions such as atrial fibrillation. Due to the risk of unstoppable bleeding, researchers developed an “antidote” to stop this effect in the case of emergency in users of warfarin, the most popular anticoagulant for decades. Xarelto users aren’t so lucky. There is no antidote to reverse the anti-clotting effect of Xarelto in an emergency. This means doctors and surgeons may have limited options. It means that what could be a treatable injury for most people can be a fatal one for Xarelto users.
Right now, the first of four Bellwether trials in the Xarelto MDL in New Orleans are underway. The first involved Joseph Bourdeaux who suffered severe internal bleeding after taking the drug. The trial concluded with a defense verdict for Johnson & Johnson. But, this is just the first of three more slated to go before a jury. This case was the weakest of the four selected by the court. This fight is just getting started.
Talcum Powder
Developed from talc or magnesium silicate, talcum powder is a soft, white powder composed primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. When it is finely ground, talc absorbs moisture and helps reduce friction. These properties make made it widely used as an ingredient in cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and many other common consumer goods.
A 2013 Journal of Cancer Prevention Research study showed that women who dusted their groin area with talcum powder had a 20-30% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who did not use talc products. Manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson knew of these risks and still have failed to warn consumers of the danger of talc powder. They continue to market its baby powder as a safe product for use in infants and women despite this growing body of evidence linking it to ovarian cancer.
Recently, a jury award Lois Stemp, diagnosed with ovarian cancer after 40 years of talcum powder use, over $110 million. The jury cited Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder as a contributing cause for Stemp’s cancer. Plus, they felt the company showed a reckless disregard for her health.
This is the fifth completed talcum powder case. The total awarded is a staggering $307 million. Yet, Johnson & Johnson still maintain their product is safe. On their own website, they say: “We continue to manufacture and sell Johnson’s Baby Powder with talc because we remain completely confident in its safety.”
Has Johnson & Johnson Injured You?
Have been injured by a product or medication manufactured by Johnson & Johnson? Specifically, if you have experienced ovarian cancer from talcum powder use, complications from transvaginal mesh, uncontrollable bleeding from Xarelto, diabetic ketoacidosis from Invokana, a hip implant that failed, power morcellator that spread cancer, or gynecomastia from Risperdal, you may be entitled to compensation.
When injured, you need an attorney with experience helping people who have been harmed by large manufacturers. The attorneys at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm know what it takes to go up against drug manufacturers to get clients what they need.
If a jury finds Johnson & Johnson to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. If you developed complications, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
Case evaluations are free of cost and without obligation. Call us today at (877) 513-9517 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your options. We may be able to get you the help you need.