Jury Orders Johnson & Johnson to Pay $3 Million in Mesothelioma Death of New Orleans Woman

A jury has awarded $3 million to the family of Jeanine Henderson, a 72-year-old mother from New Orleans who died from mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure, after a lifetime of using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder.

After a two-month trial, attorneys from Dean Omar Branham Shirley successfully proved that Ms. Henderson’s daily use of the talc-based powder was directly linked to her illness. The legal team also presented clear evidence that Johnson & Johnson knew of the potential dangers and intentionally concealed the risks associated with use of its product.

“Jeanine used this product on her children, and she and her family placed their trust in Johnson & Johnson,” said DOBS Of Counsel Jay Stuemke, who represented Ms. Henderson’s family alongside DOBS attorney Darren McDowell. “We are grateful the jury saw through the company’s deception and held them accountable.”

Ms. Henderson died in January 2024 after her original trial began. After her death, the trial was reset for March of this year.

“Johnson & Johnson delayed this trial with tactics that ultimately meant she couldn’t be here today to share her story,” said DOBS partner Trey Branham. “We continue to hope that Johnson & Johnson will begin to respect the jury system and honor this jury’s verdict.”

Also representing the Henderson family was Philip C. Hoffmann of the Law Offices of Philip C. Hoffmann in New Orleans.

Earlier this year, a federal bankruptcy court judge in Texas denied Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt to declare bankruptcy to avoid trials in cases brought by women and their families in ovarian cancer cases tied to Baby Powder.

Last year, the DOBS legal team secured several verdicts against Johnson & Johnson, including a $63.4 million verdict on behalf of a South Carolina man who used the company’s Baby Powder in place of deodorants. The firm’s 2024 wins also include $45 million for a mother of six in Chicago.

Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP, is a nationally recognized trial firm that handles cases across the country for individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries or have died as a result of the irresponsible conduct of others. For more information, visit www.dobslegal.com.

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