A jury in Los Angeles awarded the family of a physician $12.75 million for developing and dying from mesothelioma cancer. The jury ruled that third-party cosmetic manufacturer Port Jervis Laboratories is responsible for the victim’s exposure to asbestos.
According to a press release published on PRNewswire, the physician, Dr. Rosalinda Soto, used a cosmetic product manufactured by a company called Kolmar Laboratories from 1980-1996. That company later became Port Jervis Laboratories, Inc.
The verdict found that the company failed to warn users about the dangers of the company’s talc-based cosmetic products. The reason for the danger? Asbestos is present in the talcum powder.
Explaining Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used for decades in construction, insulation, automobile manufacturing, and more. It’s also capable of causing cancer when sharp fibers separate from the main mineral source.
Asbestos can cause lung cancer and ovarian cancer. Asbestos is also the only known cause of mesothelioma cancer, which is the disease Dr. Soto developed and died from.
Asbestos can contaminate talcum powder because asbestos and talc are both natural minerals found in the same geographic areas. Mining for talc can lead to bringing in asbestos by accident. Turning talc into talcum powder can result in loose fibers hidden in the powder.
Company Failed to Warn of Asbestos
The verdict, which was delivered on March 4, ruled that Kolmar Labs knew for decades of asbestos contamination in talc products known as “Jafra” yet failed to warn consumers. There are records showing knowledge of asbestos contamination in talc as far back as the 1930s.
Many companies involved in manufacturing talc products chose during the 20th century not to warn consumers of asbestos risks. Johnson & Johnson is the most well-known company to face legal and public scrutiny for intentionally withholding information about asbestos in the company’s baby powder products.
Dr. Soto was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2017. She died in April 2021.
Lawsuits for Talc and Mesothelioma
Companies that manufactured talc should be punished for exposing consumers to asbestos. Many of these companies knew asbestos was present. Some even tested their products for asbestos and did not reveal the results. They should be held accountable and pay victims compensation for asbestos exposure.
Victims are eligible to file personal injury or wrongful death mesothelioma lawsuits against the responsible companies, such as Port Jervis Laboratories. In this case, the surviving loved ones of Dr. Soto filed the lawsuit for their family’s loss. They received a wrongful death mesothelioma verdict to cover their pain and suffering, along with any medical bills or other financial debt.
If you have mesothelioma, or if a family member has passed away from this cancer, please contact our team. Email Carl Jewett at cjewett@mesotheliomaguide.com to learn your options. You could receive money from an asbestos trust fund or a lawsuit, which can set up yourself and your family despite the hardships faced with this cancer diagnosis and the medical costs.
Sources & Author
- Los Angeles Jury Returns $12.75M Talc-Asbestos Cancer Verdict Against Port Jervis Laboratories, Inc. (formerly Kolmar Labs). PRNewswire. Retrieved from: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-angeles-jury-returns-12-75m-talc-asbestos-cancer-verdict-against-port-jervis-laboratories-inc-formerly-kolmar-labs-302707032.html. AccessedL 04/05/2026.
