A New Orleans jury awarded $10 million in total damages to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma following a case involving her lifelong use of talc-containing Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
In Roy v. Johnson & Johnson, the jury found that Lynne Roy had significant exposure to asbestos in a product manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and that the exposure was a cause of her mesothelioma.
Johnson & Johnson was held responsible for approximately $2 million of the award, with the remainder attributed to other parties.
Landry & Swarr partner Matthew C. Clark represented the plaintiffs alongside Danny R. Kraft Jr. and Darren P. McDowell of Dean Omar Branham Shirley.
Who Was Lynne Roy?
Lynne Roy was a 77-year-old real estate professional who was well known throughout the New Orleans area. She was active in local Realtor organizations and had built a respected presence in her community.
In January 2020, Ms. Roy was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a serious cancer associated with asbestos exposure. She died approximately four months later.
Her family alleged that her lifelong use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder had exposed her to asbestos. The case also involved evidence concerning other talc-containing personal products and potential environmental exposures.
The lawsuit was filed before Ms. Roy’s death and continued on behalf of her two adult daughters.
What Was at Issue in the Johnson & Johnson Trial?
The plaintiffs alleged that Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder exposed Ms. Roy to asbestos and contributed to her mesothelioma.
Johnson & Johnson disputed those allegations. The company maintained that its product was safe, challenged the evidence connecting talc exposure to mesothelioma, and pointed to other potential sources of exposure.
During the three-week trial in Orleans Parish, both sides presented testimony addressing asbestos, talc, pathology, epidemiology, and the causes of mesothelioma.
The central question was whether Ms. Roy had significant exposure to asbestos in a product manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and whether that exposure was a cause of her disease.
After approximately four hours of deliberation, the jury answered yes.
Understanding the $10 Million Mesothelioma Verdict
The jury awarded a total of $10 million in damages, including:
- $3 million for physical pain and suffering
- $3 million for mental anguish
- $2 million for loss of enjoyment of life
- $1 million for each daughter’s consortium claim
The jury also considered other potential sources of asbestos exposure and allocated responsibility among multiple parties.
Johnson & Johnson was held responsible for approximately $2 million of the total $10 million award, with the remaining damages attributed to other parties.
The distinction matters because the $10 million figure represents the jury’s overall damages award, not an amount assessed solely against Johnson & Johnson.
Why This Louisiana Mesothelioma Verdict Matters
Mesothelioma cases often involve investigating potential asbestos exposures that occurred many years before a diagnosis.
For decades, asbestos litigation in Louisiana has frequently involved industrial settings such as shipyards, refineries, chemical plants, and construction sites.
The Roy case highlights why a complete exposure investigation may also involve consumer products.
Talc and asbestos are different naturally occurring minerals, but they can occur near one another geologically. As a result, certain talc deposits may be contaminated with asbestos.
In the Roy case, the jury considered competing evidence about potential exposure sources before finding that asbestos exposure associated with a Johnson & Johnson product contributed to Ms. Roy’s mesothelioma.
The verdict illustrates the importance of examining the available evidence rather than assuming a person’s exposure occurred in only one setting.
Helping Louisiana Families Affected by Mesothelioma
Landry & Swarr has focused on asbestos and mesothelioma litigation in Louisiana since 1999.
Our attorneys work with families throughout New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and communities across the state to investigate potential sources of asbestos exposure and understand their legal options.
A mesothelioma diagnosis can leave families facing difficult questions about how exposure occurred and whether legal action may be available.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call us today at (504) 299-1214 for a free consultation, or fill out our online form to get started.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This article provides general information and is not legal or medical advice.