Sentence imposed on Johnson & Johnson annulled

The US appeals court overturned the $223.8 million fine imposed on Johnson & Johnson in the “baby powder” case, which allegedly caused cancer.

The New Jersey appeals court rejected a verdict against Johnson & Johnson in a case in which four plaintiffs claimed they developed cancer due to exposure to asbestos used in talc-based baby powder.

The appeals court ruled that the lower court did not consider whether some of the statements by scientific experts that the plaintiffs presented to jurors at trial had a sound scientific basis.

The appeals court overturned the decision in the case and decided to hold a new hearing.

In April, Johnson & Johnson agreed to settle lawsuits filed over allegations that its talc-based baby powder caused cancer and pay $8.9 billion over the next 25 years. (AA)