NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) talcum powder products are speaking out in support of the historic settlement plan that has been proposed and urging others to vote in favor before the July 26th deadline at 5pm ET.
J&J and a subsidiary have agreed to pay approximately $8 billion over the life of the trust ($6.475 billion net present value) to people who were harmed by talcum powder products. The plan would resolve years of frustrating litigation against J&J and would provide a way for people to receive compensation without the time, expense, and uncertainty of going to trial. To move forward, it requires approval from at least 75% of claimants casting votes.
"I used J&J baby powder my whole life,” said Nonnie Hightower, 53, of Milwaukee. “Now I'm angry - for myself, for my daughter, and for my granddaughter. I wonder if I potentially harmed my own family by using baby powder on them. I'm supporting this settlement because there are many women waiting for justice, and financially, I need to. It might be our only choice, but it's a step towards closure for all of us affected."
Under the plan, ovarian cancer claimants could receive an average of $75,000 to $150,000. J&J and a subsidiary have agreed to fund approximately $8 billion over 25 years to a trust that will pay current and future claimants to resolve claims.
"It's a democratic and efficient process that gives our clients a voice, for the first time, about whether the plan goes through or someone else decides for them," said Anne Andrews, Founding & Managing Partner of Andrews & Thornton, whose firm is representing over 10,500 J&J talc victims.
Rhonda McKey, 54, of Zachary, Louisiana, emphasized the urgency: "I've gone from being self-employed to being on disability, unable to work as I did before. I support this settlement because I’ve seen companies take years to resolve these issues. If you’ve damaged people’s lives, you should help in some way. I don't want to just survive. I want to live.”
Claimants can vote on the plan at www.OfficialTalcClaims.com or by calling 1-888-431-4056. The Ad Hoc Group of Supporting Counsel, representing over 77,500 individuals harmed by J&J talcum powder products, is urging immediate action before the fast-approaching deadline.