Legal Battle Intensifies Over J&J’s Talcum Powder Liability
Plaintiffs’ lawyers are intensifying their efforts in the legal battle against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) regarding the company’s talcum powder products. They are currently challenging J&J’s attempts to quash a subpoena served on PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), seeking all communications related to J&J’s contingent liability for its talcum powder products and the process of removing this liability from its balance sheets.
J&J has argued that the requested communications are protected under the attorney-client privilege and work-product doctrine and have objected to the subpoena’s relevance. However, plaintiffs argue that the information is crucial, particularly in light of J&J’s public threats to file a third bankruptcy case to resolve its talcum powder lawsuits, which could potentially halt ongoing litigation. They contend that the information sought is similar to what J&J had previously requested in related subpoenas, highlighting its importance in understanding the company’s ability to address talc liabilities.
