Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $18.8 million to California cancer patient in baby powder suit

Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $18.8 million to a California man who claimed that he developed cancer from using the company's baby powder. The jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Emory Hernandez Valadez, who alleged that he developed mesothelioma due to heavy exposure to J&J's talc since childhood. While the jury awarded damages for medical bills and pain and suffering, they did not grant punitive damages. However, due to a bankruptcy court order freezing most litigation over J&J's talc, Hernandez will not be able to collect the judgment for the foreseeable future. J&J plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining that their baby powder is safe and does not cause cancer.