Anderson also watched her husband while doing automotive work occassionally, which contributed to her exposure to asbestos.
Johnson & Johnson was liable for two-thirds of the compensatory amount and 100% of the punitive amount, according to the jury. The rest of the compensatory damages were distributed among other defendants in the case.
Johnson & Johnson knew that its baby powder contained asbestos
In a statement, Chris Panatier, one of the lawyers who represented Anderson, said, “In 1969, a Johnson & Johnson’s company doctor told them that if they didn’t get control of the mineral contaminants in their baby powder that they would end up in litigation years later.”
Additionally, Atty. Panatier said the company hid testing data from the FDA instead of pulling the product from the market. It altered reports to make it more favorable and lied to consumers.
On the other hand, David Greenstone, the other lawyer who represented Anderson, commented, “We are extremely pleased that our clients have found a measure of justice, although nothing can truly compensate them for what they have lost. Our clients are hopeful that this verdict can further bring light to this unbelievable example of corporate misconduct. Johnson’s Baby Powder has contained asbestos for decades. People need to know about this.”
