Last week, a Florida jury began hearing details surrounding the death of Marilyn Seskin, a Florida anesthesiologist who passed away from a rare cancer similar to malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Her husband, Bob Sugarman, is suing Johnson & Johnson, claiming the company knowingly sold asbestos-contaminated baby powder, which he believes contributed to his wife’s death.
The Tragic Case of Marilyn Seskin
Marilyn Seskin had been using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder for over fifty years, following advertisements from the 1960s that suggested its use to mask natural body odors. She not only used it as a deodorant and antiperspirant but also placed it in her underwear and diaphragm. Despite undergoing four surgeries and five rounds of chemotherapy, she lost her battle with primary peritoneal carcinoma in 2019.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Over the past several years, the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder has been linked to numerous cases of ovarian cancer and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Individuals who inhaled the powder have also accused the company of causing their malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Accusations Against Johnson & Johnson
According to Bob Sugarman’s lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson was aware of the risks of ovarian tumors and other asbestos-related injuries from its products as far back as 1971. However, the company allegedly chose to sow doubt about these findings and oppose proposed regulations. Mr. Sugarman’s legal action, along with similar cases involving mesothelioma victims, accuses the company of deliberately concealing the hazards of its baby powder, leading to his wife’s death.
