In one of the most significant product defect verdicts in US history, American pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $4.7 billion in damages. This ruling comes after a six-week trial involving 22 women who claimed that the company's talcum powder caused ovarian cancer. The plaintiffs’ families argued that Johnson & Johnson knew as early as the 1970s that their talcum powder was contaminated with asbestos but failed to warn consumers.

During the trial, the families' lawyers emphasised the severe health risks associated with the talcum powder, pointing to evidence that suggested the company was aware of the contamination issues. They asserted that Johnson & Johnson neglected its duty to inform the public, leading to serious health consequences for many users. The jury's decision reflects a substantial condemnation of the company's practices and a major victory for the affected families.

Johnson & Johnson, however, maintains that these allegations are "not true," and they have announced plans to mount an appeal. This stance aligns with a previous legal battle where an appellate court overturned an original verdict that had awarded a woman $417 million. The ongoing legal struggles for Johnson & Johnson are extensive, with the company currently facing around 9,000 lawsuits related to its talcum powder products.

The verdict highlights the growing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by large corporations regarding product safety and transparency. As Johnson & Johnson continues to battle numerous cases, the outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for consumer safety standards and corporate accountability in the future.