The U.S. Justice Department is looking into whether Johnson & Johnson lied to the public and knowingly downplayed cancer risks associated with asbestos in its talcum products. 
The DOJ confirmed reports earlier this month that it is pursuing a criminal investigation into J&J, according to Bloomberg. J&J currently faces about 14,000 lawsuits claiming its talc products have caused customers ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The company had reported in February that it had been served subpoenas but did not confirm a criminal probe. The investigation is reportedly part of an ongoing grand jury process in Washington.
Reports from various media outlets indicate that in many lawsuits, memos have turned up indicating that as far back as the 1960s and 1970s J&J was receiving warnings from scientists about asbestos detected in baby powder and talc products.
Bloomberg indicated that aside from the DOJ, potentially the FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission may be looking into whether or not J&J’s public denials about the dangers of its talc-based products were truthful, or broke the law and/or regulations.
Over the past three years, jurors have awarded more than $5 billion to people who have filed lawsuits against the company claiming they were harmed by the talc products.
Law professors say that the grand jury inquiry could influence talks between J&J and plaintiffs, resulting in legal settlements and resolutions outside of court. In addition to the probe and injury lawsuits, the company is facing civil action from investors who claim it defrauded them and that shares were artificially inflated through alleged deceit.
Do You Have Cancer Due to Baby Powder Use?
If you become sick because you are exposed to asbestos through a talc product, our cancer and mesothelioma attorneys can help you fight back. We can investigate your claim and possibly obtain compensation that can help pay for costly healthcare treatment.
Contact us today for a free consultation, if you have been diagnosed with cancer and you believe it was the result of talc product use. Call (800) 637-6347 today or fill out our online case review form.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – Mesothelioma Attorneys
