In a recent ruling, a SC jury awarded a victim of asbestos-containing cosmetic talc products $29 million in damages. This decision came only a few days after opening statements were presented. The victim, in this case, suffered malignant mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos through the asbestos-contaminated cosmetic talc products she has used since childhood.
What is Malignant Mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer. This cancer occurs in the thin layer covering most of a person's internal organs. Unfortunately, malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and fatal disease, and there is still no cure for it. However, there are treatment options for malignant mesothelioma, which include chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos, which is a group of minerals consisting of microscopic fibers. Asbestos fibers can easily get into the lungs or the stomach, where they can result in irritation that may cause mesothelioma. Unfortunately, mesothelioma can take up to 60 years or more to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos in Cosmetic Talc Products
Due to insufficient testing and regulation of talc-containing cosmetic products, a lot of cosmetics are contaminated with asbestos. As such, many consumers are exposed to asbestos.
The mineral ingredient called talc has been used in personal care products for a long time. Usually, talc is used to improve the texture and feel of products. Talc can be found in, for example, children's makeup, lipstick, face powder, and eye shadow. Because of how and where this mineral is mined, mineral deposits used to manufacture products are consistently contaminated with asbestos.
Over the years, more and more consumers of cosmetic products, especially women, have reported developing malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases after using cosmetic products with asbestos-contaminated talc. Fortunately, consumers who develop asbestos-related illnesses because of using asbestos-containing cosmetic talc products can recover compensation from liable parties.
More on the SC Case
The claimant in this case, Ms. P, has never worked with asbestos. She does not have an environmental history of exposure. Also, Ms. P has never suffered secondary asbestos exposure. Yet she got diagnosed with mesothelioma. Ms. P's malignant mesothelioma occurred because of the various cosmetic talc products she has used since childhood.
Originally, Ms. P named seven defendants in her mesothelioma claim. However, only two companies remained in the end. As is seen in many mesothelioma lawsuits, most of the other defendants were able to negotiate and reach agreements. One company evaded the claim due to a legal proceeding related to the company transferring its talc liabilities to another company. The jury then found that only one of the two remaining companies was liable. The jury ordered the liable company to pay the full award.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
