When a company knowingly promotes a dangerous product

As early as 1971, reports began to circulate within the Johnson & Johnson organization about potential dangers lurking in one of its most popular products: baby powder. The main ingredient in the product, talc, could allegedly become infiltrated by asbestos, which readers of this Kentucky personal injury blog likely know can cause cancer in those who are exposed to it. Despite this knowledge, Johnson & Johnson allegedly did nothing to prevent the exposure of its consumers to a product that it knew could be dangerous.

Over the years Johnson & Johnson has been sued countless times by consumers who believe that their use of baby powder made by the company caused their cancers. Just this year, nearly two dozen women who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder successfully sued the company and secured a judgement in excess of $4.5 billion.

Although the company has denied that it has ever found asbestos in its product through its testing, victims wish for Johnson & Johnson to take responsibility for the harm it has inflicted on so many people. One victim hopes that its baby powder will be taken off of the market or for warning labels to be put on it regarding its possible contamination with asbestos.

As shown through this story, victims who suffer harm from the illegal and wrongful practices of corporations have options and, more importantly, legal rights. The realm of products liability law exists to provide victims of product-based harm with legal avenues that may allow them to pursue their losses and hold accountable the entities that created their pain and suffering.