Johnson & Johnson $18 Million Verdict for 24-Year-Old

Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $18.8 million to Emory Hernandez Valadez who developed cancer from their baby powder.

Valadez filed suit last year in California state court against J&J, seeking monetary damages. Hernandez, 24, developed mesothelioma around his heart because of heavy exposure to the company’s talc since childhood.

Hernandez is entitled to compensation for his medical bills and pain and suffering.

Tens of thousands of other plaintiffs have sued J&J, alleging that their baby powder and other talc products often containing asbestos and causing ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

J&J said in bankruptcy court filings that the costs of its talc-related verdicts, settlements and legal fees have reached about $4.5 billion.