Multinational cosmetics company Revlon Inc. was recently hit with a talc asbestos cancer lawsuit over allegations that the company used asbestos-contaminated talc in its cosmetics products, which caused the plaintiff's mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. The lawsuit was brought by a Maryland couple in New York state court and seeks tens of millions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages as well as damages for the emotional damages suffered by the victim's husband.
According to the asbestos talcum powder lawsuit, the plaintiff developed mesothelioma from using Jean Nate Silkening Body Powder and other Revlon products that her father provided for her while she was growing up. The victim claims that those products contained talc, a mineral often used in consumer cosmetics products, which was contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos fibers. The lawsuit alleges that Revlon, along with chemicals distributor Whittaker Clark & Daniels Inc., failed to warn consumers about the risks associated with exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc.
The victim's asbestos cancer lawsuit seeks $20 million in compensatory damages for medical bills and pain and suffering, $40 million in punitive damages for what she claims is especially negligent conduct on the part of the defendants, and an additional $5 million in damages for her husband for his mental anguish and loss of companionship as a result of his wife's mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer which commonly affects thin linings of tissue surrounding vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. The disease is directly linked to asbestos exposure, a known carcinogen which has no safe level of exposure. Several media reports over the years have detailed asbestos contamination in many different makeup and cosmetics products, including those marketed and sold to children in popular retail outlets.
Talc is naturally occuring mineral, just as asbestos is, and both can often be found side by side one another in deposits. Because of the proximity of the two minerals, companies mining and processing talc must take necessary precautions to prevent cross contamination and keep innocent consumers safe.
Currently, pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson faces an estimated 17,000 talcum powder asbestos cancer lawsuits brought by victims who claim they developed various forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, from years of using talc-based products like Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. Thus far, juries in state courts in Missouri, California, and New Jersey have awarded over $5 billion in total compensation to dozens of men and women who claim they developed mesothelioma and other cancers from using talcum powder cosmetics products. Unfortunately, many more consumers may receive a mesothelioma diagnosis from using contaminated talcum powder products due to a lack of oversight and testing for asbestos in the cosmetics industry.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one was 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 pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
