Mesothelioma Lawsuit (January Update)

Our Experienced Lawyers Are Accepting Mesothelioma Lawsuits Nationwide

Last Updated: 01-11-2026

This is an active lawsuit and many of the allegations against the defendant(s) have been proven. The contents of this page reflect the allegations in the litigation.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Mesothelioma is a life-threatening form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Despite being aware of its risks, companies have continued using asbestos for decades, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not ban asbestos until 2024. If you or a loved one was exposed, filing a mesothelioma lawsuit provides an opportunity to recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Our lawyers are handling mesothelioma lawsuits nationwide. If you have a personal injury claim we can fight for just compensation on your behalf. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us for your free initial consultation today.

Update for December 12, 2025: Mesothelioma Lawsuits

The national multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding against Johnson & Johnson grew significantly in November. While there were 67,229 lawsuits pending in the MDL on November 3, there were 67,670 lawsuits pending on December 2, 2025.

This is an increase of nearly 450 lawsuits in just one month. That is a substantial figure. We are continuing to provide free consultations throughout the holiday season—and we encourage you to schedule an appointment if you have questions about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.

Previous Mesothelioma Lawsuit Updates

November 28, 2025 – According to reports, the family of a doctor in Florida has received a $20 million verdict in a mesothelioma lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson. Similar to other lawsuits we have discussed in recent updates, the family’s lawsuit reportedly involved allegations related to Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based Baby Powder. Reports indicate that the family claimed the doctor used Baby Powder from the 1960s until 2018, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2017, and tragically passed away in 2020.

November 14, 2025 – The Johnson & Johnson mesothelioma litigation remains the largest multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceeding in the country, with 67,229 lawsuits pending as of November 3, 2025. As we have discussed in previous updates, many individuals and families have filed mesothelioma lawsuits outside of the MDL—with these lawsuits resulting in multi-million-dollar verdicts in many cases.

With that said, every case is different. If you have grounds to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, there is no guarantee that your lawsuit will be successful. Engaging an experienced law firm can help improve your chances of success; and, if you have questions about seeking compensation for the consequences of asbestos exposure, we strongly encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can help you.

October 31, 2025 – Johnson & Johnson is facing another multi-million-dollar mesothelioma verdict—this time a $20 million verdict awarded to a family in Florida. As Insurance Journal reports, “[a] jury in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday awarded $20 million to the family of a physician who died in 2022, finding that his mesothelioma was caused by his longtime use of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder.” The publication also writes:

“Internal company documents and expert witnesses suggested that Johnson & Johnson knew of asbestos risk in talc products, used tests that were less likely to detect asbestos, and elected not to replace talc with alternatives, such as cornstarch . . . .”

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To schedule a free consultation at Oberheiden Law Group, contact us today.

October 24, 2025 – Do you have grounds to file a mesothelioma lawsuit? Unfortunately, this is a question that far too many people are forced to ask every year. Whether you were recently exposed to asbestos or you recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis related to exposure that occurred years or decades ago,  it will be worth talking to a lawyer if you have questions about your legal rights.

Family members whose loved ones have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can file lawsuits in many cases as well. At Oberheiden Law Group, we handle all types of mesothelioma claims. If you have questions about your legal rights, we can explain everything you need to know so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

October 17, 2025 – According to reports, judges in Connecticut and Louisiana have increased the verdicts awarded to mesothelioma plaintiffs in two separate lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. In Connecticut, the judge increased the plaintiff’s verdict from $15 million to $25 million. In Louisiana, the judge increased the plaintiff’s verdict from approximately $3 million to approximately $8 million.

In other news, Johnson & Johnson is now facing thousands of asbestos lawsuits in the United Kingdom in addition to the tens of thousands of lawsuits that are currently pending in the United States. This litigation is still going to be going on for a very long time; and, if you have questions about your legal rights, we encourage you to contact us to find out how much you may be entitled to recover.

October 10, 2025 – A jury in Los Angeles has awarded a landmark $966 million verdict to the family of a woman who died after using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder. The verdict includes $16 million in compensatory damages and $950 million in punitive damages. While Johnson & Johnson will almost certainly challenge the verdict on appeal, this is nonetheless a substantial victory—and it sends a clear message that the jury found Johnson & Johnson deserves to be held fully accountable.

October 3, 2025 – According to reports, the judge presiding over Avon’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding has signed off on the company’s bankruptcy plan—a plan which includes establishing a trust that will hold funds to compensate plaintiffs who file successful mesothelioma lawsuits against the company. Reports have indicated that Avon’s bankruptcy filing was due in large part to lawsuits related to the company’s talc-based products, which numerous plaintiffs have alleged are responsible for their mesothelioma diagnoses.

September 26, 2025 – Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. As the Purple Heart Foundation explains, “Every 26th of September, Mesothelioma Awareness Day (MAD) is recognized as a day to spread information about this rare disease and educate people about the dangers of its only known cause, asbestos exposure.”

Mesothelioma is a devastating disease, and far too many patients and families suffer its consequences unnecessarily. Since asbestos is its only known cause, companies that have manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products deserve to be held fully accountable. If you have questions about seeking accountability, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

September 19, 2025 – A jury has reportedly awarded $12.25 million to the sister of a woman who died from mesothelioma in 2023. According to reports, the victim lived next to a talc mine for “all of her adult life” and was exposed to extreme levels of asbestos as a result. Reports indicate that the award includes $4.5 million for the victim’s pain and suffering and $7.75 million in punitive damages.

Have you lost a loved one to mesothelioma? If so, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation. To speak with an experienced lawyer about your legal rights for free, contact us today.

September 12, 2025 – According to the Portland Business Journal, a former shipyard worker in Oregon has been awarded $34.2 million in an asbestos lawsuit. This adds to the tally of multi-million-dollar verdicts we have seen in recent months. Unfortunately, a big part of the reason why these verdicts are so substantial is because of the devastating effects that mesothelioma can have on patients and their families.

September 2, 2025 – In North Carolina, a judge recently ruled that surviving family members pursuing two asbestos-related workers’ compensation wrongful death claims were entitled to present evidence in support of their claims for benefits. The judge’s ruling reversed the decision of the state’s Industrial Commission, which had prevented the families from presenting evidence because the Commission had already denied similar claims in other cases. This is an important win for these families, and it is good to see that they will have the opportunity to seek financial compensation for their loved ones’ fatal mesothelioma diagnoses.

Have you lost a loved one to mesothelioma? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights, contact us today.

August 29, 2025 – According to reports, the widow of a refinery worker in the U.S. Virgin Islands is suing to recover damages for her late husband’s metastatic lung cancer diagnoses related to asbestos exposure. According to the widow’s lawsuit her late husband’s exposure occurred “in the late 1980s and early 1990s” while working for “various contractors” on St. Croix’s south shore.

Sadly, these types of cases are all too common. Far too many spouses lose their life partners to cancer diagnoses that could—and should—have been prevented. If you have questions about your legal rights, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation today.

August 22, 2025 – According to reports, Presperse and its parent company, Sumitomo Corporation, have received approval for a bankruptcy plan that will set aside $50 million to settle pending and future mesothelioma lawsuits involving asbestos exposure. Presperse supplies ingredients to cosmetics companies—and many cosmetics brands have been the subject of mesothelioma litigation in recent years. While $50 million is a relatively small sum in comparison to the amounts that companies like Johnson & Johnson have been forced to pay for plaintiffs’ asbestos claims, this is nonetheless a positive result that will help ensure at least some compensation for victims and their families.

August 15, 2025 – A couple in South Carolina is set to receive $65.8 million from their mesothelioma lawsuit—approximately $2.4 million more than the jury originally awarded last year. According to The Post and Courier, the adjustment is a result of a combination of factors, including a reduction in the jury’s punitive damages award and an increase in the liability assigned to companies other than Johnson & Johnson. 

We have seen lots of multi-million-dollar mesothelioma verdicts lately—a fact that underscores the substantial toll that this asbestos-related cancer can have on victims and their families. If you have questions about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit, contact us today.

August 8, 2025 – The Illinois Attorney General and the City of Chicago have reportedly filed a lawsuit against multiple companies alleging that they improperly handled asbestos-containing construction materials during their renovation of a building on Chicago’s Northwest Side. According to reports, the lawsuit alleges that the companies, “disturbed a significant amount of asbestos-containing material at the [construction] site and even left piles of possible asbestos-containing debris exposed to the atmosphere. . . . which [created] a significant threat to the health of the surrounding community.”

While asbestos is no longer used in construction materials in the U.S., asbestos exposure during renovations involving older buildings remains a very real concern. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and we encourage you to contact us to learn more about filing an asbestos lawsuit.

August 1, 2025 – Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $42 million to a Massachusetts man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma “after using the company’s talc products for decades.” As Reuters reports, the defendant and his wife, “sued the company in 2021, claiming Johnson & Johnson’s products contained asbestos and [the defendant] was sickened after he inhaled the fibers. They claimed J&J knew the product contained asbestos and would be inhaled when it was used, but did nothing to warn consumers about the risks.”

We have seen several multi-million-dollar verdicts in mesothelioma lawsuits over the past couple of months. Do you have a claim? If you have questions about your legal rights after a mesothelioma diagnosis, our lawyers can provide a free assessment of your legal rights.

July 25, 2025 – A jury in Delaware has reportedly awarded $9 million to the family of a hunter who the family claimed contracted mesothelioma after using asbestos-containing bullets manufactured by DuPont. The family reportedly alleged that DuPont not only failed to warn about the asbestos in its bullets, but also hid this information from consumers. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after using any product manufactured with asbestos, you may be entitled to hold the manufacturer accountable. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation today.

July 18, 2025 – According to reports, a group of nearly 200 current and former residents of Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West has filed a mesothelioma lawsuit. Reports indicate that the plaintiffs are suing the management company hired to maintain and repair the NAS’s living facilities rather than suing the federal government. Among other allegations, reports indicate that the plaintiffs are accusing the management company of lying about repairs supposedly made to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure.

July 11, 2025 – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which describes itself as, “the only U.S. nonprofit focused solely on preventing asbestos exposure,” recently published an article discussing the implications of the EPA’s effort to delay implementation of its 2024 final rule banning most uses of asbestos. The ADAO describes the EPA’s effort as, “a dangerous retreat from life-saving, science-based policy,” while noting that asbestos-caused disease, including mesothelioma, is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths every year.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation from one or more asbestos manufacturers. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation today.

July 4, 2025 – From Philadelphia schools to Los Angeles landfills, this week we’ve seen news stories about asbestos exposure across the country. While asbestos hasn’t been used in construction for a while now, the materials used to build schools, homes, and other structures constructed decades ago can still present serious health risks. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to significant compensation, and we invite you to contact us for more information.

June 27, 2025 – According to reports, one of the most recent mesothelioma lawsuits involves claims filed by a 74-year- old woman who alleges that she was exposed to asbestos while working with typewriters and other equipment sold by IBM from the 1960s to the early 2000s. This type of lawsuit is more common than you might think. Many people have been exposed to asbestos for decades, and many of them have only recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. If this describes you, you may have grounds to take legal action. To learn more, schedule a free consultation today.

June 20, 2025 – A jury in Boston has reportedly awarded $8 million to an 84-year-old woman in a mesothelioma lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. According to reports, the plaintiff alleged that her “lifelong” use of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder was responsible for her mesothelioma diagnosis. This is yet another substantial verdict in the long line of successful mesothelioma lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies.

Of course, not all mesothelioma lawsuits are successful; and, if you file a lawsuit, there is no guarantee that you will receive any financial compensation. If you think you may have a claim, our lawyers can assess your likelihood of success and provide a preliminary assessment of how much you may be entitled to recover.

June 13, 2025 – A Jury in New Orleans has reportedly awarded $3 million to the family of a woman who passed away after filing the lawsuit last year. The defendants in the lawsuit included Johnson & Johnson and Pecos River Talc, among other companies. According to reports, the verdict came after the woman (and subsequently her family) alleged that the defendants’ talc products were to blame for the woman’s mesothelioma diagnosis.

June 6, 2025 – A couple in New York has reportedly received a $117 jury verdict in their mesothelioma lawsuit. This includes $78 million awarded to the husband who worked at the World Trade Center and $39 million awarded to his wife for loss of consortium.

In other news the Supreme Court of Washington recently issued a ruling that will make it easier for employees in the state to pursue mesothelioma lawsuits against their employers (or former employers). While Washington law previously required evidence that the employer knew that mesothelioma would occur as a result of asbestos exposure, now it is enough if plaintiffs can show that their employers should have known that mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure was a possibility.

May 30, 2025 – An appellate court in New York has reportedly upheld a $38 million verdict in favor of a former boiler worker and his spouse. The defendant, Burnham, LLC, had reportedly challenged the verdict, alleging issues with the expert testimony presented at trial. However, reports indicate that the appellate court found the company’s arguments unpersuasive and further found that the verdict was not excessive under the circumstances of the case.

May 23, 2025 – Here is a recent article from a local news outlet discussing the need for a national mesothelioma registry for veterans. As the author explains, “[t]his centralized database would enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify individuals with documented or likely asbestos exposure, trace their service-related risks using military records, and proactively refer them for diagnostic imaging and specialized care.” While this seems like a good idea (and while the author says that the idea is “well within reach”), we expect that veterans—and all mesothelioma patients—will need to continue to be their own advocates for the foreseeable future.

May 16, 2025 – A recent article in The Oxford Eagle discusses the long-term risks associated with asbestos exposure. The article, titled After decades, asbestos still has a deadly toll on Mississippi veterans, focuses specifically on the long-term consequences asbestos exposure in the military, but the consequences of asbestos exposure are far more wide-reaching. Regardless of where or when you were exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you have recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis. Contact us to learn more.

May 9, 2025 – A recent episode of NPR’s Fresh Air podcast explores the issues underlying the ongoing mesothelioma litigation against Johnson & Johnson. In the episode, titled The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson, an investigative journalist discusses his findings and conclusions regarding Johnson & Johnson’s business practices related to its talc-based products.

In other news, a jury in Louisiana has reportedly awarded a family $3 million in damages in a mesothelioma lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. Do you have grounds to file a mesothelioma lawsuit? Contact us to find out for free.

May 2, 2025 – According to Bloomberg Law, Johson & Johnson is seeking to renew a lawsuit against a doctor who allegedly misrepresented the potential causes of 33 patients’ asbestos exposure. As the publication reports, the doctor targeted in the lawsuit is the author of “a frequently-cited study connecting exposure to talc products to cases of mesothelioma.”

Regardless of the merits of the lawsuit, it highlights an important point: Mesothelioma can have a variety of different causes. When filing a lawsuit for mesothelioma, it is critical to target the right asbestos company (or companies), and this makes it critical to rely on experienced legal representation.

April 25, 2025 – From homes to office buildings to classrooms, asbestos can be found in numerous types of buildings constructed during the 20th century. While relatively few people are aware of the risks of asbestos exposure, those who are dealing with its consequences know the risks all too well.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation. There are various options for seeking mesothelioma compensation, and an experienced lawyer can help you choose the option that is right for your specific circumstances. To learn about your options for free, contact Oberheiden Law Group today.

April 18, 2025 – In one of the most-recent mesothelioma lawsuits to go to verdict, a Florida jury awarded the plaintiff an $18 million verdict. The jury found Johnson & Johnson and Hennessy approximately 25% liable for the plaintiff’s peritoneal mesothelioma, with the remaining liability split among more than a dozen other companies.

This highlights a key point: To file a mesothelioma lawsuit, you don’t necessarily need to know which specific company is responsible for your diagnosis. If you are entitled to just compensation, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will be able to help you seek the financial compensation you deserve.

April 11, 2025 – Despite the well-known and significant risks linked to asbestos exposure, multiple recent reports have indicated that companies and government agencies still aren’t doing enough to protect their employees and the public at large. For example, a real estate developer in Florida is facing fines for failing to comply with federal asbestos regulations, while the New York Comptroller recently issued a report indicating that the city’s Department of Education failed to inspect 82% of its buildings for several years.

These types of instances highlight the fact that asbestos exposure continues to be a very real concern. If you or a loved one has been (or may have been) exposed, you should seek treatment promptly. If you or a loved one has received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should talk to a lawyer about your legal rights.

April 4, 2025 – According to reports, the judge presiding over Johnson & Johnson’s Texas bankruptcy case has denied the company’s attempt to settle tens of thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits for more than $8 billion. While the company reportedly received enough votes from plaintiffs to allow its proposed bankruptcy plan to go through, the judge found that at least half of the votes “cannot count” because the plaintiffs were not given enough time to make an informed decision.

This is a major development, and it will take some time to digest the full extent of its implications for plaintiffs (and prospective plaintiffs) with mesothelioma claims against Johnson & Johnson. We will continue to provide updates here as we have them.

March 28, 2025 – In one of the most recent mesothelioma lawsuits to go to verdict, a Florida jury awarded a woman $18 million after finding that exposure to asbestos-containing brake dust was to blame for her mesothelioma diagnosis. The jury also reportedly assigned liability for a portion of the verdict to Johnson & Johnson, “whose talc-based Baby Powder was raised as a possible cause for [the plaintiff’s] disease.”

While the verdict in this case is substantial, it is not unusual. Mesothelioma can be a devastating disease, and it can leave patients and their loved ones facing a lifetime of financial and non-financial losses.

March 21, 2025 – An article published this week in Lawyer Monthly discusses some of the challenges involved in filing a successful mesothelioma lawsuit. While these challenges certainly exist, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure, you should not let this type of information deter you from talking to a lawyer about your legal rights.

Filing a successful mesothelioma lawsuit has always been challenging. Yet, patients and their families have recovered billions of dollars in financial compensation. If you have grounds to file a lawsuit, our lawyers are prepared to do what it takes to seek the financial compensation you deserve.

March 14, 2025 – Investors have filed a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson alleging that the company “concealed asbestos contamination in its baby powder and other talc products, fraudulently inflating its [stock] value.” Johnson & Johnson recently filed a motion challenging the lawsuit, arguing among other things that its talc-based products (including Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder) do not cause mesothelioma.

However, the company has already entered into numerous settlements and faced several substantial verdicts involving customers’ mesothelioma claims. While Johnson & Johnson is continuing to deny that its talc-based products can cause mesothelioma, the science is not on the company’s side.

March 7, 2025 – We recently published several new resources for patients and family members who have questions about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. These include resources discussing mesothelioma settlements and asbestos trust fund claims, among others. Scroll to the bottom of this page for a complete list, and then contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights.

February 28, 2025 – Even though asbestos is banned in the United States, the risk of asbestos exposure remains a very real concern for many people across the country. Three recent news stories highlight some of the ongoing risks:

• Colorado Contractor Sentenced for Exposing Community to Asbestos
• U-Haul Facility in Washington Fined for Exposing Workers to Asbestos
• Ohio Seeks to Address “Ongoing Asbestos Crisis”

If you have concerns about asbestos exposure, you should not ignore them. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, you should speak with a lawyer right away. Our lawyers handle mesothelioma lawsuits nationwide, and we handle these lawsuits at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients.

February 21, 2025 – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) are reportedly challenging Johnson & Johnson’s efforts to resolve its pending mesothelioma lawsuits via bankruptcy, arguing that the plan will unfairly shift the costs of treatment to taxpayers. With billions of dollars at stake, this litigation is extraordinarily complicated, and there are lots of interests involved. For patients who are suffering, the key is to hire an experienced lawyer who can help make sure your interests are protected.

February 14, 2025 – According to The Guardian, lawyers in the United Kingdom are preparing to file thousands of cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson related to the company’s ubiquitous Johnson’s Baby Powder. Johnson & Johnson has been facing similar lawsuits in the United States for years. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after using Johnson’s Baby Powder, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and we encourage you to contact us for more information.

February 7, 2025 – While most people know that asbestos was used in building materials for decades, manufacturers have also historically used asbestos in a wide range of other products. From automotive parts to appliances, numerous products can present risks for asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, any of these products could potentially be to blame—and we are continuing to see new lawsuits involving all types of asbestos-containing products.

Do you have grounds to file a mesothelioma lawsuit? Contact us for a free case evaluation at Oberheiden Law Group

January 31, 2025 – Yesterday the Mayo Clinic published an article titled, Understanding the Types of Mesothelioma, that discusses the differences between pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, as well as the importance of receiving an accurate diagnosis. It’s worth reading if you have questions or concerns. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma, it will be worth speaking with a lawyer, as well, and our lawyers are more than happy to explain everything you need to know.

January 24, 2025 – A recent article in Newsweek discusses the risk of asbestos exposure that many Southern California residents are facing as a result of the Palisades fire and Eaton fire. As the article explains, “Despite the dangers, the full extent of the threat is difficult to measure. Tools like the Air Quality Index (AQI) may not account for all the toxic substances released during urban fires, which can vary depending on what materials are burning.”

At Oberheiden Law Group, we represent individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma following asbestos exposure nationwide. If you need to speak with a lawyer about filing a claim, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation today.

January 17, 2025 – We recently published a new page for victims of the Palisades fire in Southern California. Unfortunately, not only are many of the fire’s victims facing the complete loss of their homes, but some are likely now facing the risks of asbestos exposure as well. Firefighters and others who have jumped into help may also be at risk. We strongly encourage all of these individuals to take care of themselves, and to seek medical attention at the first sign of any potential concerns. You can learn more about the financial and non-financial costs of asbestos exposure below.

January 10, 2025 – How long do you have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit? The short answer is, “It depends.” Statutes of limitations vary by state; and, generally, the statute of limitations starts to run when a patient learns (or reasonably should have learned) about his or her diagnosis.

This is why many people who were exposed to asbestos well over a decade ago still have time to file. If you or a loved one has recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, we encourage you to speak with one of our lawyers about your legal rights.

January 3, 2025 – This article from the Associated Press (AP) provides some additional information about the FDA’s proposed asbestos testing rule for cosmetics. As the AP explains, “[t]he proposal from the [FDA] and mandated by Congress is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products. . . . [and] follows years of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies alleging links between talc-based baby powder and cancer.”

Importantly, while the article cites “mixed evidence of a potential link between cancer and talc,” many of the mesothelioma lawsuits filed to date do not focus on talc itself, but rather on asbestos in talc. Multiple studies have found asbestos in talc, and there is no question that asbestos causes mesothelioma.

December 27, 2024 – Yesterday, Reuters reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to establish standardized testing protocols for cosmetic products containing talc. According to the news outlet, the FDA is taking the position that these products “should be tested using standardized methods to detect asbestos.”

While the FDA’s proposal is still in its early stages, if it becomes final, it could help protect consumers who might otherwise be exposed to asbestos through contaminated talc in the future. Unfortunately, it won’t do anything for those who have already been exposed. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after using talcum powder or any other talc-based cosmetic product, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you will want to talk to a lawyer about your legal rights.

December 20, 2024 – A recent article from 10 News San Diego highlights the ongoing risk of asbestos exposure that many workers face on a daily basis. According to the article, “[c]ity workers were photographed handling asbestos pipes without respirators at least four times . . . raising questions about the protection given to city workers who are sent to repair and replace crumbling asbestos pipes that deliver drinking water.”

This is just one of countless examples. Even though the federal government finally banned asbestos earlier this year, asbestos exposure will remain a concern for decades to come. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, we strongly encourage you to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights.

December 13, 2024 – While mesothelioma lawsuits are pending across the country, these lawsuits generally involve claims under state law. As a result, if you have a lawsuit, where you file your lawsuit matters. For example, the Ohio House recently passed a bill that adds new time-sensitive requirements for plaintiffs seeking just compensation from asbestos companies responsible for manufacturing asbestos-containing products. While the bill still needs to pass the state senate and receive approval from the governor, this type of law can have a significant impact on new claims—and this is one of several reasons why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side.

December 6, 2024 – If you were exposed to asbestos at work, are you limited to filing a workers’ compensation claim instead of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit? The short answer is, “It’s complicated.”

Generally, employers are immune from employee lawsuits arising out of toxic exposure at work. But, there are exceptions. Since the financial and non-financial costs of mesothelioma can far exceed what employees can collect through workers’ compensation, if you have recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, it will be well worth talking to a lawyer about your legal rights.

November 22, 2024 – According to reports, a law firm that represents 2,000 plaintiffs in the United Kingdom is preparing to file the country’s first talc powder lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. While the company responded that, “independent science makes clear that talc is not associated with the risk of ovarian cancer nor mesothelioma,” this ignores the fact that asbestos in talc is well-known to cause mesothelioma and other cancers.

In other news, asbestos is reportedly continuing to show up in cosmetics and other products sold in the United States and elsewhere. If this is true, consumers are going to continue to be harmed, and the mesothelioma litigation is going to continue for a very long time.

November 15, 2024 – One of the issues (among many) associated with mesothelioma has always been that it is difficult to diagnose in its early stages. This is why some people don’t end up filing mesothelioma lawsuits for years, and in some cases decades, after being exposed to asbestos.

But a new test could change this. The Mayo Clinic recently reported that it has developed “an innovative testing strategy for mesothelioma that could potentially increase the detection rate of cancer DNA in the blood.” As the highly reputed healthcare provider goes on to explain, this new testing strategy “could lead to earlier diagnoses and new avenues for targeted therapies.” While it’s still too soon to know for sure, this could be welcome news for people who have been exposed to asbestos at some point during their lifetime.

November 8, 2024 – One of the most recent mesothelioma lawsuits targets Fairmont State University (FSU), its Board of Governors, and its insurance company. In the lawsuit, a former student alleges that she was exposed to asbestos while attending FSU from 1998 to 2004.

This lawsuit shows just how broad the ongoing mesothelioma litigation truly is. While many of the lawsuits filed to date target companies like Johnson & Johnson, these are far from the only potential (and current) defendants in this litigation. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are now dealing with the life-altering consequences of a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact us for a free consultation about your legal rights today.

November 1, 2024 – A judge in Texas will decide whether to approve Johnson & Johnson’s $8.2 billion settlement offer that would resolve thousands of asbestos-related mesothelioma lawsuits against the company, including primarily lawsuits involving talcum powder. However, a resolution in these cases could still be a long way away.

According to reports, some plaintiffs who voted against the settlement have claimed that the voting process was rigged; and, according to a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, “if the legitimacy of those votes is called into question, th[e] timeline goes out the window.” We’ll see what happens; but, for now, plaintiffs (and potential plaintiffs) should continue to be diligent about protecting their legal rights.

October 25, 2024 – Two recent articles discuss the long-term risks of asbestos exposure. The first, titled How asbestos exposure continues to be a dire health risk – 25 years after it was banned, explains why individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may still be at risk today.

The second article provides an overview of a clinical study that examined the risks of developing pleural mesothelioma (PM), a malignant form of the cancer that can go undetected for years. As the authors explain, PM is “explicitly associated with asbestos and erionite exposures, [and] has become a global health problem due to limited treatment options and a poor prognosis.”

October 18, 2024 – We saw yet another multi-million-dollar mesothelioma verdict this week. As Reuters reports, Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $15 million to a plaintiff who was diagnosed with mesothelioma following his use of talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder. Talc, while not necessarily dangerous on its own, is often contaminated with asbestos. Despite Johnson & Johnson’s efforts to avoid liability, the jury ruled against the company, awarding both compensatory and punitive damages. This is an important case for others who may have similar claims based on their use of Johnson’s Baby Powder—even if they used the ubiquitous product years or decades in the past.

October 11, 2024 – A jury in Pennsylvania recently awarded $3.8 million to a plaintiff who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working for 10 weeks as a boilermaker for Foster Wheeler Corporation. The plaintiff, who is now 76 years old, was reportedly forced to undergo a surgical resection procedure as a result of his diagnosis—which can involve either full or partial removal of the lung depending on how much a patient’s cancer has spread. Sadly, these types of cases are not uncommon; and, while we are sure the plaintiff is grateful for the multi-million-dollar verdict he received, we are equally sure that no amount of money will truly replace what he has lost during his lifetime.

October 4, 2024 – Last month we saw multiple mesothelioma lawsuits end with substantial verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs involved. In one case, the plaintiff won $39 million from Cimbar Performance Minerals, including $21.5 million for future pain and suffering. In another case, the plaintiff won $24.4 million from Avon Products, Inc.

In both cases, the plaintiff’s asbestos exposure occurred at least a decade prior to their verdicts, and in the latter case the plaintiff’s exposure occurred in the 1980s. This shows that just about anyone who has been exposed to asbestos during their lifetime can potentially pursue a claim for substantial compensation.

September 27, 2024 – The ongoing mesothelioma litigation is among the largest consumer cases in history. Companies have already paid billions of dollars in compensation to patients and their families, and they will almost certainly pay billions more before the litigation is over. Due to the complexity and long-term nature of this litigation, understanding whether you should file a mesothelioma lawsuit can be challenging. Our lawyers are here to help, and we are handling all mesothelioma lawsuits at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients.

Understanding the Financial and Non-Financial Costs of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer. It can go undetected for years while spreading throughout a person’s internal organs. Additionally, the early signs of mesothelioma can be symptomatic of less-severe medical conditions as well, so patients’ concerns often do not lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis until it is too late.

According to Penn Medicine, “[t]he current five-year survival rate for [mesothelioma] is just 10 percent.” Most patients live just four to eighteen months following their diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the primary forms of treatment, and in some cases patients can reduce their symptoms “by coupling traditional treatments with alternative treatment options such as optimal nutrition, body-stress reduction techniques and palliative therapies.”

Of course, all of this is incredibly expensive, and even patients who are able to reduce their symptoms for a period of time typically experience a drastically reduced quality of life. Their diagnoses take a toll on their loved ones as well; and, when mesothelioma proves fatal, the financial and non-financial costs can be too much to bear.

This is why it is so critical that patients and their families take legal action. The companies that are responsible for contaminating homes and workplaces with asbestos deserve to be held accountable—and they can be held accountable through mesothelioma lawsuits. Settlements and verdicts in these cases are often substantial, with many patients and families receiving well in excess of $1 million. Secure the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation with us today.

The Financial Costs of Mesothelioma

We’ll talk about the financial costs of mesothelioma first. Once someone receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, their medical costs begin adding up immediately. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars per month. By the time you add in pain medications, palliative therapies, and other forms of supplemental care, it is not unusual for the cost of treating mesothelioma to be in the range of $200,000 to $400,000 annually.

Then, there are the other financial costs. For many people, a mesothelioma diagnosis represents the end of their working career—and, of course, for many, working is what led to their diagnosis. The physical effects of mesothelioma can make it painful, difficult, or impossible to work, and patients’ loss of income can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not more) as well.

Other financial costs resulting from a mesothelioma diagnosis can include transportation costs, the cost of hiring various service providers (from cleaners and landscapers to in-home care providers), and ultimately funeral and interment expenses.

These costs can be financially devastating for patients and their families. The Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle reports that, “the financial toxicity resulting from the high cost of cancer care is almost as deadly as cancer itself.” Cancer patients are about 2.5 times more likely than non-cancer patients to file for bankruptcy; and, even for those who don’t file, coping with the debts resulting from their (or their loved one’s) diagnosis can be a lifelong ordeal.

The Non-Financial Costs of Mesothelioma

Of course, the financial costs of mesothelioma only tell part of the story. Mesothelioma is a life-altering—and ultimately life-shortening—cancer, and it greatly affects all aspects of patients’ lives. It affects patients’ family members’ lives as well, both before and after their untimely passing.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and mesothelioma itself can cause severe pain and discomfort. Mesothelioma can also impair basic bodily functions and make it hard to breathe. As the disease progresses, it can limit patients’ mobility, and in some cases it can start to affect patients’ cognitive functioning.

As a result, mesothelioma frequently has a drastic effect on patients’ relationships with their friends and loved ones. This, combined with the understanding that their lives have been cut short, can leave patients suffering from anxiety and depression as well. For many, mesothelioma can truly be devastating—and this says nothing of what family members experience once their loved one is gone.

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Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)

Understanding the Causes of Mesothelioma

With these sobering realities in mind, it is worth taking a step back to understand the causes of mesothelioma. While there are other substances that can cause mesothelioma, the primary cause is asbestos exposure. As the American Lung Association explains:

“Mesothelioma, like all cancers, starts when a cell’s DNA experiences changes (mutations) that cause the cell to receive the wrong information and multiply unchecked. This out-of-control cell growth results in a tumor (mass). . . . [A]sbestos exposure is strongly linked to the development of mesothelioma.

“When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can travel into the smallest airways and irritate the lung lining, or pleura. This irritation results in inflammation and damage that can eventually lead to the creation of abnormal cancer cells. There are other areas in the body with a lining similar to the pleura that can also be affected, although much less commonly.”

Asbestos is a mineral that has been commonly used in building materials, automotive components, paints, and other products since the 1940s. By the 1970s, asbestos was ubiquitous, and companies have continued to manufacture and use asbestos-containing products into the 2020s. In fact, the EPA did not formally ban asbestos until 2024. While use of asbestos has become much less common over the past 30 years, it still remains in homes, offices, cars and trucks, and other items that remain from decades prior.

As a result, nearly everyone in the U.S. will likely be at risk for asbestos exposure at some time in their lives. For those who worked with asbestos, who lived in homes built with asbestos-containing materials, and who worked or lived near areas where asbestos was prevalent, mesothelioma is a very real concern. As identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary risk factors for mesothelioma are:

• “Being exposed to asbestos at work.”
• “Living with someone who works with asbestos.”
• “Living or working in a building where materials that contain asbestos have been disturbed.”
• “Living in an area with natural asbestos deposits or asbestos mines or factories.”

Regardless of how, when, or where you or your loved one was exposed to asbestos, if you are now coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should talk to a lawyer about your legal rights. If you have a mesothelioma lawsuit, you may be able to recover all of the costs of the diagnosis—both financial and non-financial—and you can hire a lawyer to handle your lawsuit at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Why You Should Think About Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, why should you think about filing a lawsuit? The main purpose of filing a lawsuit is to recover financial compensation. As we have detailed above, mesothelioma can have substantial financial and non-financial costs, and these are all costs that an experienced lawyer may be able to help you recover.

Another reason to think about filing a lawsuit now is that time may be running out to assert your legal rights. Once you receive a diagnosis or your loved one passes away, the unfortunate reality is that the clock starts ticking. All 50 states have statutes of limitations for mesothelioma lawsuits; and, if you wait too long, you could lose the ability to recover the financial compensation you and your loved ones deserve.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is different for cancer patients and family members who have lost loved ones to this devastating cancer. Choose the correct section below to learn more about the process and the damages you may be entitled to recover:

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit As a Cancer Patient

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your lawsuit will focus on ensuring that you have the financial resources you need for the remainder of your lifetime and that your loved ones have the financial resources they need for the future. When you hire an experienced lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will seek just compensation not only for the losses you have incurred to date, but also the losses that you and your loved ones will experience going forward as a result of your diagnosis. This means that your lawyer will seek just compensation for your past, present, and future:

• Medical bills for diagnosis and treatment (including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and alternative treatments)
• Other out-of-pocket expenses (including prescriptions, transportation, and necessary services)
• Loss of income and benefits
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Scarring and disfigurement from surgery or losing your hair
• Loss of consortium, companionship, and society
• Loss of enjoyment of life

As we discussed above, these losses can be substantial. Settlements and verdicts in mesothelioma lawsuits are frequently in excess of $1 million, and multi-million-dollar awards are not uncommon. The amount that you are entitled to recover based on your unique circumstances, including your:

• Current age and life expectancy
• Medical treatment needs
• Occupation and salary
• Family circumstances
• Hobbies, activities, friends, and other personal circumstances

This underscores an important point: Every single mesothelioma lawsuit is unique. No two individuals’ circumstances are alike, and this means that no two lawsuits are the same. To ensure that you are seeking the maximum compensation you deserve for your mesothelioma diagnosis, it is imperative to have an experienced lawyer on your side.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit As a Family Member

If you have lost a loved one due to asbestos exposure, your asbestos litigation will involve a claim for wrongful death. State laws govern who can file a wrongful death lawsuit—whether individual family members can file claims directly or the patient’s personal representative must file a claim on behalf of his or her estate.

In any case, eligible family members can seek compensation for all of the financial and non-financial losses they endure as a result of their loved one’s untimely passing. This means that you may be entitled to compensation for losses including (but not necessarily limited to):

• Your loved one’s medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred prior to death
• Your loved one’s loss of income and benefits
• Your loss of inheritance due to your loved one’s premature death
• Funeral expenses, burial or cremation expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs your family incurs as a result of your loved one’s death
• Your personal loss of consortium, companionship, society, and enjoyment of life

Here, too, working with an experienced lawyer is extremely important. You only get one chance to assert your family’s legal rights. At Oberheiden Law Group, our lawyers will work with you one-on-one, and we will rely on our extensive experience to target a settlement or verdict that provides you and your family with the maximum compensation available.

What To Expect When Filing a Lawsuit for Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

Let’s say you have a mesothelioma lawsuit. What can you expect if you decide to move forward? Here’s what you can expect when you choose the team at Oberheiden Law Group to represent you:

1. Your Case Starts with a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Once you get in touch, we will arrange for you to speak with one of our lawyers in a free, no-obligation consultation. This is exactly how it sounds. Your initial consultation costs nothing, and there is no expectation that you will hire our law firm to file a mesothelioma lawsuit on your behalf. Rather, the purpose of this consultation is for you to start gathering the information you need to make informed decisions. If you are interested in moving forward after your initial consultation, we will guide you through your next steps while beginning to prepare your lawsuit. If you decide that you are not interested in moving forward for any reason, that is completely fine.

2. You Will Never Have to Pay Anything Out of Pocket

No matter what, you will never have to pay anything out of pocket for your legal representation. If you decide to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, our lawyers will represent you on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will not bill you anything while your lawsuit is pending, and we will not bill you anything at all unless we secure a mesothelioma settlement or verdict on your behalf. If your lawsuit is successful, our legal fees will be calculated as a percentage of your compensation. Schedule your free case review today.

3. Your Lawyer Will Thoroughly Investigate Your Claim

Filing a successful mesothelioma lawsuit requires proof of your (or your loved one’s) asbestos exposure. With this in mind, one of our first steps after your initial consultation will be to conduct a thorough investigation. We will focus on identifying the most likely cause of your (or your loved one’s) diagnosis, and then we will use the evidence we collect to file your lawsuit.

4. Your Lawyer Will Calculate the Damages You Are Entitled to Recover

Another key step in the process will be calculating the damages you are entitled to recover. As we discussed above, mesothelioma diagnoses can leave patients and their families facing substantial and long-term losses. We will make sure we are seeking the full compensation you and your loved ones deserve—including compensation for your family’s medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and all of the other losses you are entitled to recover.

5. Your Lawyer Will Fight for a Just Settlement on Your Behalf

While some mesothelioma lawsuits go to court, most successful lawsuits end with out-of-court settlements. Our lawyers will focus on negotiating a settlement that allows you and your family to move forward as quickly as possible. With that said, we will also be prepared to go to court if necessary; and, in many cases, by showing that we are prepared to go to court, we are able to convince companies and their insurers to make reasonable settlement proposals.

FAQs: Seeking Just Compensation for Mesothelioma

Talk to a Mesothelioma Lawyer About Your Legal Rights for Free

Do you have questions about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact our mesothelioma attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation. To discuss an asbestos exposure lawsuit and your legal rights with an experienced lawyer at Oberheiden Law Group in confidence, call us at 866-781-9539 or request an appointment online today.

Further Information About Mesothelioma Lawsuits from Oberheiden Law Group

• Asbestos Trust Fund
• Causes of Mesothelioma
• Do I Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer to File a Lawsuit?
• Mesothelioma FDA Warning & Recall Information
• Mesothelioma Prognosis
• Mesothelioma Settlements
• Mesothelioma Side Effects
• Mesothelioma Settlement Amounts
• Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations
• Stages of Mesothelioma
• Types of Mesothelioma
• Why Do I Need a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Geographic Locations for Our Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyer Services

• California
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Disclaimer:
The content on this site is informational only and describes mere allegations. The content does not suggest evidence, proof, or guaranteed liability. The merits of each case depend on specific facts. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. For more details, please see our FTC and general disclaimers. Oberheiden Law is the law firm in charge.