New Mexico Becomes First State to Sue Over Talc

New Mexico Attorney General files case against Johnson & Johnson for asbestos-related illnesses

Lawsuit News from OnderLaw

Monday, January 6, 2020 – New Mexico Sues over TalcThe State of New Mexico has become the first in the nation to sue Johnson & Johnson and three other manufacturers over talc products believed to contain asbestos. New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas filed the suit January 3, 2020 in the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico against four corporations: Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Corporation; and Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America, LLC.

“Our office will take immediate action any time a corporation misleads a New Mexican consumer or endangers the health and safety of our families,” Balderas said in a statement issued by his office. “These products have been targeted at minority groups, especially Black and Hispanic women and children, with false messages about their safety, and I will hold these companies accountable.”

The lawsuit alleges these manufacturers have known for more than four decades that their baby powders and other talc products contained asbestos, which has been linked to increased risk of ovarian and other types of cancer, yet they hid risks from both the FDA and consumers.

Over 15,000 women who have suffered ovarian cancer they believe is linked to talcum powder use have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. The vast majority of those cases are being represented by OnderLaw . To-date, OnderLaw clients have won over $300 million in the handful of cases that have been litigated so far.

The New Mexico suit marks the first time a state has taken action against Johnson & Johnson for its talc products, although the company is facing multiple lawsuits filed by states over its manufacture and sale of opioids.

If you used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower for more than four years and were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, contact OnderLaw for a free consultation.