In a landmark case, a Chicago family was awarded $45 million after proving Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder caused their loved one's fatal cancer. Theresa Garcia, a 53-year-old mother of six, died in 2020 from pleural mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
Theresa's family sued Johnson & Johnson, alleging their talcum powder caused her mesothelioma. Diagnosed in January 2020 after experiencing severe coughing since Christmas 2019, her case was unusual due to the rarity of mesothelioma outside industrial settings. She had used the talcum powder extensively from childhood until her diagnosis, Daily Mail reported.
Her symptoms began with a persistent cough that worsened, leading her to seek emergency help after a severe episode while driving home from work.
Medical tests soon revealed that doctors could not perform surgery on Theresa due to the advanced stage of her mesothelioma, leaving chemotherapy as the only option. Despite these efforts, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to hospice care within the same year.
Her family and friends were shocked by the diagnosis, especially given her long-term use of Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder. This prompted her family to sue, claiming that the talcum powder contained asbestos and caused her cancer.
The court awarded the Garcia family $45 million in compensation after a distressing trial that exposed the dangers of asbestos in consumer products.
Theresa deeply involved herself in her family's lives, planning her dream wedding in the year she died. "Everything she did was for someone else," her daughter, Stephanie Salcedo, noted, emphasizing the profound grief and loss that her family felt. The diagnosis and rapid decline devastated them.
While grappling with their grief, the family feared exposure to asbestos from talcum powder. "It's a concern always at the back of our heads," Stephanie admitted, worrying about potential health issues from contamination.
The case impacts more than just the Garcia family. Johnson & Johnson, facing numerous lawsuits, will pay $6.5 billion related to claims that its talcum powder caused various cancers, marking a significant acknowledgment of the dangers posed by these products.
Stephanie reflects on her mother’s ordeal and their legal victory with bittersweet emotions. “I feel like we did this for her and I wish that she was here to have experienced it,” she said, mourning the personal cost of their fight for justice. The legal and personal battle stemmed from the profound impact of Theresa's illness on the family.
The case secured significant compensation and raised public awareness about the risks of everyday products like talcum powder, highlighting the need for stricter regulatory oversight to prevent future tragedies.
