$966M Verdict: J&J Liable in Mae Moore Talc Case

Case Background

Mae K. Moore, an 88-year-old California woman and pastor’s wife, died in 2021 from mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Her three daughters Joy Moore, Kathryn Pratt, and Carol Farquharson carried on her lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, claiming she developed the disease from lifelong use of the company’s talcum powder products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower.

Judge Ruth Ann Kwan presided over the Los Angeles trial, which drew national attention as part of a long-running series of asbestos and talc-related lawsuits. The Plaintiffs accused Johnson & Johnson of knowingly selling asbestos-contaminated powders and misleading consumers about their safety.

Cause

The lawsuit alleged that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based powders were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, due to the natural co-existence of asbestos in talc deposits sourced from Vermont and Italy. Internal documents and test data were presented showing that the company had been aware of contamination risks for decades but continued selling the products without warnings.

Injury

Mae Moore was diagnosed with mesothelioma in late 2020. She had used talcum powder daily for personal hygiene since the 1930s. Dust from the powders routinely covered her and her children, and according to the lawsuit, prolonged exposure led to the disease that eventually claimed her life.

Damages Sought

The Plaintiffs sought compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and wrongful death. They also pursued punitive damages, accusing Johnson & Johnson of acting with malice, oppression, and fraudulent concealment by continuing to market its baby powder as safe despite mounting evidence of asbestos contamination.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

Plaintiffs: Mae K. Moore’s surviving daughters,

·       Counsel for Plaintiff: Benjamin H. Adams | Dean Omar Branham Shirley LLP | Nideffer Conor Roe | Sandoval Leonard | Dean Jessica Michelle

·       Experts for Plaintiff: Arnold R. Brody | Steven E. Haber | David Madigan | Marty S. Kanarek | Mark Bailey |  Ronald E. Gordon |