Lee v. Johnson & Johnson

Summary

Plaintiff Kyung Lee developed mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson baby powder throughout her life. This powder, found to contain asbestos by the FDA in 2019, was voluntarily recalled from shelves.

Lee claims that her lifetime use of baby powder caused her mesothelioma. This use allegedly led to her breathing in asbestos fibers within the powder for years. Her representatives also allege that Johnson & Johnson knew about their contaminated baby powder but failed to disclose its asbestos content to the public.

Defendant Johnson & Johnson claims that these studies are based upon faulty science. Representatives for the company allege that J&J rigorously followed safety guidelines for their products. They suggest that Lee’s mesothelioma stemmed from her exposure to chemicals from a neighboring textile plant in her childhood home of South Korea.

Outcome

Verdict for plaintiff.
Total damages: $260 million
Including $60 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages.

Apportionment of fault
Johnson & Johnson: 99.9%
LLT Management LLC: .01%