LOS ANGELES : The verdict is one of the largest against Johnson & Johnson in a talc-related case and comes as the healthcare giant continues to face thousands of similar lawsuits across the United States.

The lawsuit was brought by the family of a woman who regularly used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for years before being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Jurors found that the company knew its talc products contained asbestos but failed to warn consumers about the potential health risks.

Johnson & Johnson has denied wrongdoing, maintaining that its baby powder is safe and free from asbestos. The company said it plans to appeal the verdict, reiterating that “decades of independent studies” have shown its talc to be safe.

Despite the company’s defense, the case has reignited public concern about product safety and corporate accountability. Legal experts say the verdict could influence the outcome of thousands of pending claims against Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson has already set aside billions of dollars to settle talc-related lawsuits and announced plans to shift its baby powder line from talc-based to cornstarch-based formulations worldwide.

For many families affected, this verdict represents a moment of justice after years of battling one of the world’s most powerful healthcare companies.