A Broward County jury has awarded a $20 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson over the 2022 death of a South Florida doctor linked to the company’s talc-based Baby Powder products.
The verdict follows a six-week trial that found Johnson & Johnson liable for design and manufacturing defects leading to the mesothelioma death of Dr. Alberto Casaretto, Sr., a respected South Florida nephrologist.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Casaretto used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products daily for years, and it was alleged that asbestos in the talc contributed to his mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and often fatal cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs.
Johnson & Johnson argued that its products are safe and not responsible for Dr. Casaretto’s mesothelioma. During closing arguments, company counsel Scott Richman, Esq., of Nelson Mullins, highlighted evidence that some bottles of talc-based products Dr. Casaretto used—and that were later tested—may have been compromised, potentially affecting the test results.
Richman further emphasized that Johnson & Johnson ensured the safety of its talc products through extensive quality control measures and multiple independent testing agencies, all of which confirmed the absence of asbestos in its talc.
The Casaretto family’s attorney disputed those findings, arguing that the testing methods Johnson & Johnson relied on were outdated and based on an “improper” definition of asbestos contamination. He maintained that more advanced and sensitive testing procedures had detected asbestos in the company’s talc, and that any level of exposure posed a significant health risk.
After the verdict, the attorney characterized the decision as a meaningful outcome for the family and reiterated that products containing asbestos—regardless of amount—should not remain on the market.
In a statement, Johnson & Johnson said it plans to appeal the verdict and criticized the scientific basis of studies linking talc to asbestos contamination.
Across the country, thousands of cases have been filed alleging that Johnson & Johnson’s talc products caused mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other health conditions. The company withdrew talc-based products from the U.S. and Canadian markets in 2020 and discontinued sales globally in 2023, following an announcement in 2022.
Talc is a naturally occurring silicate mineral often found near asbestos, a known carcinogen. Due to its ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction, talc has been used for over a century in personal care products such as baby powder. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can remain in the body and accumulate over time, significantly increasing the risk of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
If you have used talc-based products and have experienced serious health issues, the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates can review your situation. Our firm is led by Dr. Wilson, a physician and licensed attorney, who provides guidance informed by both medical and legal experience in cases involving talc, asbestos, medical malpractice, and other complex matters.
To learn more or schedule a free consultation, call 202-223-4488 or complete our online form. Located in Washington, D.C., the firm serves clients throughout the surrounding areas.
