Talc supplier Whittaker Clark & Daniels (WCD) faced another multi-million dollar loss as a Los Angeles jury ordered them to pay a mesothelioma victim $4.8 million in damages. 

This was the first civil jury verdict in Los Angeles county since the pandemic started early last year and shut down all of the courts. 

The plaintiff, 78-year-old Vietnam War Veteran Willie M. filed the lawsuit in 2018 after he was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. His mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, was caused by asbestos exposure. 

The original lawsuit included other major companies like Johnson & Johnson, Bendix and R.J. Reynolds and Shulton, Inc., the company that manufactured Old Spice Talcum Powder up until the 1990s. All of these companies settled with the plaintiff outside of court for unknown amounts of compensation, except Whittaker Clark & Daniels.

Evidence was presented in court that WCD was aware of asbestos contamination in their talc supply and failed to warn of the hazards. This linked the veterans 22-year daily use of Old Spice Talcum Powder to his mesothelioma diagnosis. 

WCD used to be one of the largest cosmetic talc suppliers in the United States for decades. They supplied talc to manufacturers for a variety of products, including Old Spice. Testimony presented in trial showed that their talc mine in North Carolina is known to have asbestos contamination.

Mr. M was awarded $1.8 million in compensatory damages and the following day, the jury awarded him an additional $3 million in punitive damages for WCD’s lack of concern for his well-being.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos contaminated talc cosmetics, the lawyers at BCBH Law are ready to fight your case. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to get you and your family the compensation you deserve. Fill out our free case evaluation to see how we can help you today.