“The statute of limitations should always be a concern.”
The nation was shocked a few weeks ago when a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million to the family of 62-year-old Jacqueline Fox, whose 2015 death by ovarian cancer was directly linked to her daily use of talcum-based Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products.
Dean Weitzman
(Photo credit: Courtesy of MyPhillyLawyer)
Attorney Dean Weitzman, managing partner of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., also known as “MyPhillyLawyer” and host of the weekly syndicated Sunday morning program Court Radio on Old School 100.3FM, weighs in on the recent case that may possibly affect women in the Delaware Valley.
What should people do next if they think they may have developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson and Johnson talc products?
Contact their attorney. If they do not have one they are welcome to contact our offices and receive a free consultation. Also, any evidence that they might have that establishes that they were regular users of these products should be preserved.
Is there a statute of limitations to sue on cases like the recent Johnson and Johnson ruling?
The statute of limitations should always be a concern. In Pennsylvania we have a 2 year statute that runs from when someone knows or should know that a product has caused them harm. Clearly now that this is in the news and the causal connection between ovarian cancer and this product has been made, the SOL [statute of limitations] is less than 2 years from now. These cases take a long time to investigate so anyone who has a family member that has died from ovarian cancer should immediately contact an attorney to begin this process.
Based on history of judgments such as this, will Johnson & Johnson more than likely appeal?
An appeal is a virtual guarantee. If for no other reason than to delay payment. Though in these complex matters, there are many trial rulings that both sides would want to test at the appellate level.
There are other products on the market that affect women’s health. Tell us about transvaginal mesh injuries.
A serious and unfortunate problem developed when many manufacturers of surgical mesh began implantation that was intended for sterile surgical sites into the vagina in an effort to support organs that were descending into the vagina causing urinary incontinence. This condition is common for women in midlife who have experienced child birth. Unfortunately the mesh not intended for this application began to erode, break apart and cause significant internal injuries to all of the surrounding organs and tissue. It is nearly impossible to safely remove it once it has become enmeshed into the body.
About Dean Weitzman
Attorney Dean Weitzman is the Managing Partner of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., known as MyPhillyLawyer. MyPhillyLawyer is a well-established personal injury law firm serving Greater Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
He also the host of the hour-long syndicated Court Radio show that discusses legal issues and gives free on air legal advice to callers every Sunday morning 7 AM to 8 AM live on Philadelphia’s Old School 100.3 FM, Praise 103.9FM and Boom 107.9FM. Court Radio helps local residents by talking with them about their rights in everything from car accidents, personal injury, domestic relations, wills, trusts and real estate and to worker’s compensation matters. Information: 215-227-2727 or www.myphillylawyer.com
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