There are thousands of injuries every year caused by defective or dangerous products. Product liability law is different from ordinary injury law, which sometimes makes it easier for an injured person to recover damages.
One of the largest settlements in the state of Alabama happened just this month. Johnson & Johnson, the makers of baby powder, were found liable for selling talcum powder even after studies had shown that it causes ovarian cancer.
A Birmingham, Alabama woman won a $72-million judgement against the company after it was determined that the use of baby powder had caused her ovarian cancer.
Johnson & Johnson was put on notice after the study was released but the company continued to manufacture the product for sale to consumers. This study shows that 10-20% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer can trace it back to talc or baby powder use.
Internal documents, presented at trial, show that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks, buried the information, and the Alabama woman died as a result of the company’s negligence. This case is a product liability case.
Because they have such a large market share, it is most likely that the powder or talc comes from Johnson & Johnson. According to internal emails that the jury saw, the company knew about the risks and didn’t even bother to put a warning on the label.
Product liability cases are very complex and thus very expensive to take to trial. Of course, it could be one of a number of things that causes someone to be injured. There are generally three types of defects:
- Manufacturing defects.
- Marketing defects; and
- Design defects.
If you or a loved one has been injured by the use of a potentially defective product, you will want to speak with an attorney. To find a lawyer in your area, please consult our Online Legal Directory.