The family of a Massachusetts woman who died in 2020 received a $3.3 million jury verdict from the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, after finding that asbestos-contaminated talc exposure contributed to her developing the deadly cancer mesothelioma.
Winifred “Missy” Haddad was 66 years old when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2020, and died six months later. Her family sued Johnson & Johnson after her death, claiming that her many years using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder led to her developing mesothelioma.
“We are incredibly grateful for the time and attention of the jury. Missy Haddad was a beloved wife, mother, nurse and writer who suffered terribly from a preventable cancer,” said Jessica Dean, one of the Haddad family’s attorneys. “Juries across this country have found J&J failed to respect basic safety laws and J&J refuses to admit any wrong. We hope they will admit fault and do better.”
More on the Mesothelioma Lawsuit
A jury in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts found Johnson & Johnson liable for Haddad’s mesothelioma, although the cancer was not ultimately ruled as her cause of death, thus limiting the punitive damages the family was able to receive.
The cause of death became a major point of contention in the trial – a point in Johnson & Johnson’s favor was the fact that heart failure was listed as Haddad’s cause of death on her death certificate. The nurse and mother of four had begun experiencing serious heart problems in the months leading up to her mesothelioma diagnosis.
However, while mesothelioma was not found as the cause of her death, Johnson & Johnson was still found responsible for her developing the disease. The total award consisted of $500,000 for Haddad’s pain and suffering, $750,000 to her husband for her loss, roughly $665,000 in medical expenses, and about $1.4 million in prejudgment interest.
Talc’s Link to Asbestos Cases
Talc has for decades been used in powders and cosmetics to absorb moisture and improve skin health. However, talc is often found near asbestos in the Earth’s soil, leading to potential contamination without careful mining practices.
Microscopic asbestos fibers may be present in contaminated talc and can become airborne when talc-based powder is used. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of the deadly cancer mesothelioma, and has been linked to several forms of lung and ovarian cancers.
It’s this connection that has led to a series of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. Plaintiffs have introduced internal company records and expert testimony that they contend show Johnson & Johnson knew about possible asbestos contamination of its popular talc-based baby powder product and failed to adequately warn consumers.
Johnson & Johnson disputes those allegations and continues to defend the safety of its former talc products, which were discontinued in the United States and Canada in 2020 amid declining demand and mounting litigation.
Mesothelioma compensation can cover the high costs of treatment and the challenges that come with lost wages from not being able to work due to declining health. Victims such as yourself or your loved one with cancer deserve this financial help, paid directly from the company responsible for bringing asbestos into your home.
Contact our patient advocates to learn about your compensation options. Email Carl Jewett at cjewett@mesotheliomaguide.com to learn if your cancer diagnosis and use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder could lead to a settlement or verdict.
Sources & Author
- Dean Omar Branham Shirley Secures $3,325,000 Verdict Against Johnson & Johnson in Mesothelioma Case. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/healthcare/articles/dean-omar-branham-shirley-secures-140000404.html. Accessed on 11/10/2026.
- Another Talc Trial Opens as J&J Gets Support for $5.8B Settlement. Law.com. Retrieved from https://www.law.com/2026/10/19/another-talc-trial-opens-as-jj-gets-support-for-58b-settlement/. Accessed on 11/10/2026.
