Johnson & Johnson、タルク関連で1兆円を超える和解金支払い
日本語
English
1年前のニュースではあるが、、、
ジョンソンエンドジョンソンは、タルクをもとにしたベビーパウダーが発がん性があるとして訴訟されており、1兆円をこえる和解金支払いに追い込まれた。アメリカでビジネスをするということは、大変な法的リスクがあることを意味する。日本ではここまでの支払いにはならないだろう。商品の安全性には極めて敏感である必要がある。
そのため、アメリカでは訴訟は"Big Business"と認識されており、だから米国弁護士は年収が高いのだ。日本の弁護士の2～3倍は稼げるだろう。
なお、「十分な数の原告が今回の合意に同意すれば、Ｊ＆Ｊはアスベストに汚染されたベビーパウダーや他の製品とがん発症を関連付けた訴訟への弁護から解放される。」これはどういうことか？どうも、以下のURLにある通り、J&Jはタルクにアスベストが含まれていると指摘した研究者とも訴訟に発展しているようだ。
Johnson & Johnson and Talcum Powder Lawsuits: A Case Study of Litigation Risk in the United States
Introduction
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been embroiled in a series of lawsuits alleging that its talcum powder products caused cancer. In April 2023, the company agreed to pay $8.9 billion to settle approximately 60,000 claims, making it one of the largest mass tort settlements in history. This case study examines the J&J talcum powder lawsuits and their implications for businesses operating in the United States.
Background
J&J has been selling talcum powder products, including Johnson's Baby Powder, for over a century. Talc is a mineral that is often mined near asbestos, a known carcinogen. In the 1970s, concerns emerged about the potential health risks of talcum powder, and J&J began facing lawsuits from women who alleged that its products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
The Lawsuits
The lawsuits against J&J allege that the company knew about the potential health risks of talcum powder but failed to warn consumers. J&J has denied these allegations and maintained that its products are safe. However, juries in several cases have found in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding them billions of dollars in damages.
The Settlement
In April 2023, J&J reached a $8.9 billion settlement to resolve the talcum powder lawsuits. The settlement includes a provision to create a trust to compensate future claimants. J&J has also agreed to stop selling talcum powder products in the United States and Canada.
Implications for Businesses
The J&J talcum powder lawsuits highlight the significant litigation risks that businesses face in the United States. The high cost of litigation and the potential for punitive damages can have a devastating impact on companies. Businesses must take steps to mitigate these risks, such as:
Conducting thorough safety testing of products
Providing clear and accurate warnings about potential health risks
Obtaining adequate insurance coverage
Conclusion
The J&J talcum powder lawsuits serve as a cautionary tale for businesses operating in the United States. The high cost of litigation and the potential for punitive damages can have a devastating impact on companies. Businesses must take steps to mitigate these risks by conducting thorough safety testing, providing clear warnings, and obtaining adequate insurance coverage.
References
Johnson & Johnson to Pay $8.9 Billion to Settle Talcum Powder Lawsuits: [無効な URL を削除しました]
The Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits: What You Need to Know: [無効な URL を削除しました]
Litigation Risk in the United States: [無効な URL を削除しました]
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