Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
INTHEUNITEDSTATESDISTRICTCOURT
NORTHERNDISTRICTOFILLINOIS
EASTERNDIVISION
TODALANMUSGROVE,Individually
andasPersonalRepresentativeofthe
EstateofPAMELAN.MUSGROVE,
Deceased.
Case Number:1:16cv6847
Plaintiff,
v.
JOHNSON&JOHNSON,and
JOHNSON&JOHNSONCONSUMER
COMPANIES,INC.,
Defendants.
JURYTRIALDEMANDED
COMPLAINT
COMES NOW Plaintiff, Tod Alan Musgrove, individually and as the personal
representative of the estate of Pamela N. Musgrove, deceased, by and through
undersigned counsel, who brings this action against Defendants Johnson & Johnson
(J&J)andJohnson&JohnsonConsumerCompanies,Inc.(J&JConsumer)asfollows:
INTRODUCTION
1.
ThisactionarisesoutofPamelaN.Musgrovesdiagnosisofuterinecancer
and her subsequent death. Mrs. Musgroves cancer and death were directly and
proximately caused by her regular and prolonged exposure to talcum powder,
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contained in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder (hereinafter J&J Baby Powder) and
Shower to Shower. Plaintiff Tod Alan Musgrove brings this cause of action against
Defendants for claims arising from the direct and proximate result of Defendants
and/or their corporate predecessors negligent, willful, and wrongful conduct in
connectionwiththedesign,development,manufacture,testing,packaging,promoting,
marketing, distribution, labeling, and/or sale of the products known as J&J Baby
PowderandShowertoShower(hereinaftercollectivelyreferredtoasProducts).
PARTIES
2.
Mrs.MusgrovewasbornonJune14,1965,andusedJ&JBabyPowderand
ShowertoShower,theProducts,fornearlyherentirelife.Asadirectandproximate
result of using the Products, Mrs. Musgrove was diagnosed with uterine cancer in
approximately 2012, and ultimately died of uterine cancer on June 29, 2014. Mrs.
MusgroveresidedinLeeCounty,Illinoisatthetimeofherdiagnosisanddeath,andshe
purchasedandusedtheProductsinLeeCounty,Illinois.
3.
Plaintiff Tod Alan Musgrove resides in Lee County, Illinois, and was
marriedtoMrs.Musgroveatalltimespertinentto theallegationsherein,includingat
the time of Mrs. Musgroves use of the Products, diagnosis with uterine cancer, and
death.OnJune22,2016,Mr.MusgrovewasdulyappointedastheRepresentativeofthe
estateofhislatewifeinLeeCounty,Illinois.
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4.
itsprincipalplaceofbusinessintheStateofNewJersey.
5.
Atallpertinenttimes,Johnson&Johnsonwasengagedinthebusinessof
manufacturing,marketing,testing,promoting,selling,and/ordistributingtheProducts.
Atallpertinenttimes,Johnson&Johnsonregularlytransacted,solicited,andconducted
businessinallStatesoftheUnitedStates,includingtheStateofIllinois.
6.
Defendant,Johnson&JohnsonConsumerCompanies,Inc.isaNewJersey
corporationwithitsprincipalplaceofbusinessintheStateofNewJersey.
7.
Atallpertinenttimes,Johnson&JohnsonConsumerCompanies,Inc.was
development, manufacture, design, testing, sale and marketing of the Products, and
introduced such products into interstate commerce with knowledge and intent that
suchproductsbesoldintheStateofIllinois.
JURISDICTIONANDVENUE
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9.
because complete diversity exists between Plaintiff and Defendants, and the matter in
controversy,exclusiveofinterestandcosts,exceedsthesumorvalueof$75,000.
10.
ThisCourthaspersonaljurisdictionoverDefendantsbecauseDefendants
areauthorizedtoconductanddoconductbusinessintheStateofIllinois. Defendants
havemarketed,promoted,distributed,andsoldtheProductsinthestateofIllinoisand
Defendants have sufficient minimum contacts with this State and/or sufficiently avail
themselvesofthemarketsinthisStatethroughtheirpromotion,sales,distributionand
marketing within this State to render the exercise of jurisdiction by this Court
permissible.
11.
because a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to Plaintiffs claims
occurredinthisjudicialdistrict.Venueisalsoproperunder18U.S.C.1965(a)because
DefendantstransactsubstantialbusinessinthisDistrict.
FACTSCOMMONTOALLCOUNTS
A. Background:TalcasaCarcinogenandDefendantsKnowledge
12.
inorganicmineral.
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13.
Talc is the main substance in talcum powders. The Johnson & Johnson
DefendantsmanufacturedtheProducts.TheProductsarecomposedalmostentirelyof
talc.
14.
Forexample,cornstarchisanorganiccarbohydratethatisquicklybrokendownbythe
bodywithnoknownhealtheffects.Cornstarchpowdershavebeensoldandmarketed
forthesameusesastheProductswithnearlythesameeffectiveness.
15.
cleanliness,andpurity.Duringthetimeinquestion,theJohnson&JohnsonDefendants
advertised and marketed this product as the beacon of freshness and comfort,
eliminating friction on the skin, absorbing excess wetness helping keep skin feeling
dryandcomfortable,andclinicallyprovengentleandmild.TheJohnson&Johnson
Defendants instructed women through advertisements to dust themselves with this
product to mask odors. The bottle of Johnsons Baby Powder specifically targets
womenbystating,Foryou,useeverydaytohelpfeelsoft,fresh,andcomfortable.
16.
advertisedandmarketedtheproductShowertoShowerassafeforusebywomenas
evidenced in its slogan A sprinkle a day keeps odor away, and through
advertisementssuchasYourbodyperspiresinmoreplacesthanjustunderyourarms.
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Use SHOWER to SHOWER to feel dry, fresh, and comfortable throughout the day.
AndSHOWERtoSHOWERcanbeusedalloveryourbody.
17.
betweentalcandovariancancer.ThisstudywasconductedbyDr.W.J.Hendersonand
othersinCardiff,Wales.
18.
In1982,thefirstepidemiologicstudywasperformedontalcpowderuse
inthefemalegenitalarea.ThisstudywasconductedbyDr.DanielCramerandothers.
This study found a 92% increased risk in ovarian cancer with women who reported
genitaltalcuse.Shortlyafterthisstudywaspublished,Dr.BruceSempleofJohnson&
JohnsoncameandvisitedDr.Cramerabouthisstudy.Dr.CrameradvisedDr.Semple
that Johnson & Johnson should place a warning on its talcum powders about the
ovariancancerriskssothatwomencanmakeaninformeddecisionabouttheirhealth.
19.
epidemiologic studies providing data regarding the association of talc and ovarian
cancer. Nearly all of these studies have reported an elevated risk for ovarian cancer
associatedwithgenitaltalcuseinwomen.
a. In 1983, a casecontrol study found a 150% increased risk of ovarian
cancerforwomenwhousetalcumpowderinthegenitalarea.Hartge,P.,
etal.TalcandOvarianCancer.JAMA.1983;250(14):1844.
b. In 1988, a case control study of 188 women diagnosed with epithelial
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ovarian cancer and 539 control women found that 52% of the cancer
patients habitually used talcum powder on the genital area before their
cancer diagnosis. The study showed a 50% increase in risk of ovarian
cancer in women that used talcum powder on their genital area and a
positive doseresponse relationship. Whittemore AS, et al. Personal and
environmental characteristics related to epithelial ovarian cancer. II.
Exposures to talcum powder, tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. Am. J.
Epidemiol.1988Dec;128(6):122840.
c. A 1989 study looked at 235 women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian
cancerand451controls,andfounda29%increasedriskinovariancancer
with women who reported genital talcum powder use more than once
eachweek.Booth,M.,etal.Riskfactorsforovariancancer:acasecontrol
study.BrJCancer.1989Oct;60(4):5928.
d. In 1992, a casecontrol study found a statistically significant 80%
increasedriskofovariancancerinwomenwithmorethan10,000lifetime
perineal applications of talc, demonstrating a positive doseresponse
relationship. Harlow BL, et al. Perineal exposure to talc and ovarian
cancerrisk.ObstetGynecol.1992Jul;80(1):1926.
e. Another 1992 casecontrol study reported a 70% increased risk from
genital talc use and a 379% increased risk of ovarian cancer of women
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whousedtalconsanitarynapkinsintheirgenitalarea.Rosenblatt,K.A.
et al. Mineral fiber exposure and the development of ovarian cancer.
GynecolOncol.1992Apr;45(1):205.
f. In 1995, the largest study of its kind to date found a statistically
significant27%increasedriskinovariancancerforwomenwhoregularly
usetalcintheabdominalorperinealarea.Purdie,D.,etal.Reproductive
and other factors and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer: An Australian
casecontrolstudy.SurveyofWomensHealthStudyGroup.IntJCancer.
1995Sep15;62(6):67884.
g. In 1996, a casecontrol study found a statistically significant 97%
increasedriskofovariancancerinwomenwhousedwhattheydescribed
asamoderateorhigheruseoftalcbasedpowdersintheirgenitalarea.
SeeShushan,A.,etal.Humanmenopausalgonadotropinandtheriskof
epithelialovariancancer.Fertil.Steril.1996Jan;65(1):138.
h. In1997,acasecontrolstudyof313womenwithovariancancerand422
withoutthisdiseasefoundthatthewomenwithcancerweremorelikely
to have applied talcum powder to their external genitalia area. Women
usingtheseproductshadastatisticallysignificant50%to90%higherrisk
ofdevelopingovariancancer.Cook,LS,etal.Perinealpowderexposure
andtheriskofovariancancer.Am.JEpidemiol.1997Mar1;145(5):45965.
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GSTT1,andNAT2Genes,andRiskofEpithelialOvarianCancer.Cancer
EpidemiolBiomarkersPrev.2008Sep;17(9):243644.
o. A2009casecontrolstudyofover1,200womenfoundtheriskofovarian
cancerincreasedsignificantlywithincreasingfrequencyanddurationof
talc use, with an overall statistically significant 53% increased risk of
ovarian cancer from genital talc use. That increased risk rose
dramatically, to 108%, in women with the longest duration and most
frequent talc use. Wu, AH, et al. Markers of inflammation and risk of
ovarian cancer in Los Angeles County. Int. J Cancer. 2009 Mar 15;
124(6):140915.
p. In 2011, another casecontrol study of over 2,000 women found a 27%
increasedriskofovariancancerfromgenitaltalcuse.Rosenblatt,KA,et
al. Genital powder exposure and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer.
CancerCausesControl.2011May;22(5):73742.
q. In June of 2013, a pooled analysis of over 18,000 women in eight case
controlstudiesfounda20%to30%increasedriskofwomendeveloping
epithelialovariancancerfromgenitalpowderuse.Thestudyconcluded
by stating, Because there are few modifiable risk factors for ovarian
cancer, avoidance of genital powders may be a possible strategy to
reduce ovarian cancer incidence. Terry, KL, et al. Genital powder use
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and risk of ovarian cancer: a pooled analysis of 8,525 cases and 9,859
controls.CancerPrevRes(Phila).2013Aug;6(8):81121.
20.
formofuterinecancer,andtheapplicationoftalcumpowdertotheperinealarea.
21.
In 2010, one such study analyzed data from a 1976 cohort study of over
66,000 women, and found a statistically significant 21% increased risk of endometrial
(uterine)cancerinpostmenopausalwomenwhohadeverappliedtalcumpowderinthe
perinealarea.Thisriskroseto24%forpostmenopausalwomenwhoappliedtalcinthe
perineal area regularly, defined as at least once a week. Karageorgi S., et al. (2010)
Perinealuseoftalcumpowderandendometrialcancerrisk.CancerEpidemiolBiomarkers
Prev.2010May;19:12691275.
22.
In1993,theUnitedStatesNationalToxicologyProgrampublishedastudy
onthetoxicityofnonasbestiformtalcandfoundclearevidenceofcarcinogenicactivity.
Talcwasfoundtobeacarcinogen,withorwithoutthepresenceofasbestoslikefibers.
23.
InresponsetotheUnitedStatesNationalToxicologyProgramsstudy,the
Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA)formed the Talc Interested Party
Task Force (TIPTF). Johnson & Johnson, Inc., and Johnson & Johnson Consumer
Companies, Inc. were members of the CTFA. The stated purpose of the TIPTF was to
poolfinancialresourcesofthesecompaniesinanefforttocollectivelydefendtalcuseat
all costs and to prevent regulation of any type over this industry. The TIPTF hired
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scientiststoperformbiasedresearchregardingthesafetyoftalc,membersoftheTIPTF
editedscientificreportsofthescientistshiredbythisgrouppriortothesubmissionof
these scientific reports to governmental agencies, members of the TIPTF knowingly
released false information about the safety of talc to the consuming public, and used
political and economic influence on regulatory bodies regarding talc. All of these
activities have been well coordinated and planned by these companies and
organizationsoverthepastfour(4)decadesinanefforttopreventregulationoftalcand
to create confusion to the consuming public about the true hazards of talc relative to
cancer.
24.
OnNovember10,1994,theCancerPreventionCoalitionmailedaletterto
thenJohnson&JohnsonC.E.O,RalphLarson,informinghiscompanythatstudiesasfar
backas1960s...show[]conclusivelythatthefrequentuseoftalcumpowderinthe
genital area pose[ ] a serious health risk of ovarian cancer. The letter cited a recent
study by Dr. Bernard Harlow from Harvard Medical School confirming this fact and
quotedaportionofthestudywhereDr.Harlowandhiscolleaguesdiscouragedtheuse
oftalc in the femalegenitalarea. Theletter furtherstatedthat14,000 womenperyear
diefromovariancancerandthatthistypeofcancerisverydifficulttodetectandhasa
lowsurvivalrate.TheletterconcludedbyrequestingthatJohnson&Johnsonwithdraw
talcproductsfromthemarketbecauseofthealternativeofcornstarchpowders,orata
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minimum, place warning information on its talcbased body powders about ovarian
cancerrisktheypose.
25.
thegrowinghealthconcerns.
26.
Cancer(IARC)partoftheWorldHealthOrganizationpublishedapaperwherebythey
classifiedperinealuseoftalcbasedbodypowderasaGroup2Bhumancarcinogen.
IARC which is universally accepted as the international authority on cancer issues,
concluded that studies from around the world consistently found an increased risk of
ovariancancerinwomenfromperinealuseoftalc.IARCfoundthatbetween1652%of
womenintheworldwereusingtalctodusttheirperineumandfoundanincreasedrisk
ofovariancancerinwomentalcusersrangingfrom3060%.IARCconcludedwiththis
Evaluation:Thereislimitedevidenceinhumansforthecarcinogenicityofperineal
use of talcbased body powder. By definition Limited evidence of carcinogenicity
means a positive association has been observed between exposure to the agent and
cancer for which a causal interpretation is considered by the Working Group to be
credible, but chance, bias or confounding could not be ruled out with reasonable
confidence.
27.
ProductsActandassociatedControlledProductsRegulationsclassifiedtalcasaD2A,
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verytoxic,51cancercausingsubstanceunderitsWorkplaceHazardousMaterials
InformationSystem(WHMIS).AsbestosisalsoclassifiedasD2A.
28.
In2006,ImerysTalcbeganplacingawarningontheMaterialSafetyData
Sheets (MSDS) it provided to the Johnson & Johnson Defendants regarding the talc it
soldtothemtobeusedintheProducts.TheseMSDSsnotonlyprovidedthewarning
information about the IARC classification but also included warning information
regarding States Rights to Know and warning information about the Canadian
GovernmentsD2Aclassificationoftalcaswell.
29.
Defendants had a duty to know and warn about the hazards associated
withtheuseoftheProducts.
30.
DefendantsfailedtoinformcustomersandendusersoftheProductsofa
knowncatastrophichealthhazardassociatedwiththeuseoftheProducts.
31.
Inaddition,Defendantsprocuredanddisseminatedfalse,misleading,and
biasedinformationregardingthesafetyoftheProductstothepublicandusedinfluence
overgovernmentalandregulatorybodiesregardingtalc.
B. Mrs.MusgrovesUseoftheProducts
32.
Mrs. Musgrove was born in 1965, and was a resident of Lee County,
Illinoisforthelasttwenty(20)yearsofherlife.
33.
and she continued the practice of applying talcum powder based products to her
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perinealarea,includingtheProducts,onadailybasisfortherestofherlife,exactlyas
instructedandadvertisedbytheJohnson&JohnsonDefendants.
34.
Therewasneveranyindication,ontheProductspackagingorotherwise,
thatthisnormalusecouldandwouldcausehertodeveloputerinecancer.
35.
Mrs.Musgrovewasdiagnosedwithuterinecancerinoraround2012,and
underwentatotalhysterectomyandsubsequenttreatment.
36.
Mrs.MusgrovediedasaresultofuterinecanceronJune29,2014.Shewas
only49yearsold.
37.
survivingspouseandthepersonalrepresentativeofherestate.
38.
COUNTONESTRICTLIABILITY
(FAILURETOWARN)
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
39.
manufacturing,marketing,testing,promoting,sellingand/ordistributingtheProducts
intheregularcourseofbusiness.
40.
At all pertinent times, Mrs. Musgrove used the Products to powder her
perinealarea,whichisareasonablyforeseeableuse.
41.
knownthattheuseoftalcumpowderbasedproductsintheperinealareasignificantly
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increases the risk of cancer, including, but not limited to, ovarian and uterine cancer,
baseduponscientificknowledgedatingbackfordecades.
42.
At all pertinent times, including the time of sale and consumption, the
Had Mrs. Musgrove received a warning that the use of the Products
would significantly increase her risk of developing cancer, she would not have used
them. As a proximate result of Defendants design, manufacture, marketing, sale, and
distribution of the Products, Mrs. Musgrove was injured catastrophically, and was
caused severe pain, suffering, disability, impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of
care,comfort,economicdamages,anddeath.
44.
ThedevelopmentofuterinecancerbyMrs.Musgrovewasthedirectand
proximateresultoftheunreasonablydangerousanddefectiveconditionoftheProducts
at the timeof saleandconsumption,includingtheirlackofwarnings;Mrs.Musgrove
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suffered injuries anddamages including, but not limited to, physical and mental pain
andsuffering,medicalexpenses,anddeath.
45.
warningsand/orinstructions,andbreachedexpresswarrantiesand/orfailedtoconform
to express factual representations upon which Mrs. Musgrove justifiably relied in
electing to use the Products. The defect or defects made the Products unreasonably
dangeroustopersons,suchasMrs.Musgrove,whocouldreasonablybeexpectedtouse
andrelyuponsuchproducts.Asaresult,thedefectordefectswereaproducingcause
ofMrs.Musgrovesinjuriesanddamages.
46.
contain,adequatewarningsand/orinstructionsregardingtheincreasedriskofcancer,
including,butnotlimitedto,ovariananduterinecancer,withtheuseoftheirproducts
by women. Defendants continue to market, advertise, and expressly represent to the
general public that it issafe forwomentousetheirproductregardless ofapplication.
These Defendants continue with these marketing and advertising campaigns despite
havingscientificknowledgethatdatesbacktothe1960sthattheirproductsincreasethe
riskofovariancancerinwomenwhenusedintheperinealarea.
47.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
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48.
COUNTTWOSTRICTLIABILITY
(DESIGNAND/ORMANUFACTURINGDEFECT)
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
49.
DefendantscausedtheProductstoenterthestreamofcommerceandto
besoldthroughvariousretailers,whereMrs.MusgrovepurchasedtheProducts.
51.
The Products were expected to, and did, reach consumers, including
Mrs. Musgrove, without change in the condition in which it was manufactured and
soldbyDefendantsand/orotherwisereleasedintothestreamofcommerce.
52.
recommended,promoted,andmarketedbyDefendants.
53.
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54.
system,including,butnotlimitedto,theovariesandendometrialliningoftheuterus,
thereby substantially increasing the risk of cancer, including, but not limited to,
ovariananduterinecancer,renderstheProductsunreasonablydangerouswhenused
inthemanneritwasintendedandtoanextentbeyondthatwouldbecontemplatedby
theordinaryconsumer.
55.
Importantly,theProductsareaninessentialcosmeticproductthatdonot
treat or cure any serious disease. Further, safer alternatives, including cornstarch
basedpowders,havebeenreadilyavailablefordecades.
56.
Defendants have known, or should have known, that the Products are
unreasonably dangerous when used by a woman in her perineal area but have
continued to design, manufacture, sell, distribute, market, promote, and supply the
Productssoastomaximizesalesandprofitsattheexpenseofpublichealthandsafety
inconsciousdisregardoftheforeseeableharmtotheconsumingpublic,includingMrs.
Musgrove.
57.
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Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
58.
fullysetforthherein.
59.
InfailingtowarnMrs.Musgroveofthehazardsassociatedwiththeuseof
theProducts;
Infailingtoproperlytesttheirproductstodeterminetheincreasedriskof
ovariancancerduringthenormaland/orintendeduseoftheProducts;
InfailingtoremovetheProductsfromthemarketwhenDefendantsknew
orshouldhaveknowntheProductsweredefective;
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Infailingtoinstructtheultimateusers,suchasMrs.Musgrove,astothe
methodsforreducingthetypeofexposuretotheProductswhichcaused
increasedriskofcancer,including,butnotlimitedto,ovariananduterine
cancer;
InfailingtoinformthepublicingeneralandMrs.Musgroveinparticular
oftheknowndangersofusingtheProductsfordustingtheperineum;
Infailingtoadviseusershowtopreventorreduceexposurethatcaused
increasedriskforcancer,including,butnotlimitedto,ovariananduterine
cancer;
In marketing and labeling the Products as safe for all uses despite
knowledgetothecontrary.
Each and all of these acts and omissions, taken singularly or in combination,
wereaproximatecauseoftheinjuriesanddamagessustainedbyMrs.Musgrove.
60.
Atallpertinenttimes,theJohnson&JohnsonDefendantskneworshould
haveknownthattheProductswereunreasonablydangerousanddefectivewhenputto
theirreasonablyanticipateduse.
61.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
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a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
b. Noneconomic losses including physical and mental pain and
suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, and loss of
enjoymentandimpairmentofqualityoflife,pastandfuture,and
death.
COUNTFOURBREACHOFEXPRESSWARRANTY
62.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
63.
TheJohnson&JohnsonDefendantsexpresslywarranted,throughdirect
toconsumer marketing, advertisements, and labels, that the Products were safe and
effectiveforreasonablyanticipateduses,includingusebywomenintheperinealarea.
64.
they cause serious injury when used by women in the perineal area in the form of
cancer,including,butnotlimitedto,ovariananduterinecancer.
65.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
b. Noneconomic losses including physical and mental pain and
suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment
andimpairmentofqualityoflife,pastandfuture,anddeath.
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COUNTFIVEBREACHOFIMPLIEDWARRANTIES
66.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
67.
distributed and/or sold the Products, the Johnson & Johnson Defendants knew of the
uses for which the Products were intended, including use by women in the perineal
area,andimpliedlywarrantedtheProductstobeofmerchantablequalityandsafefor
suchuse.
68.
DefendantsbreachedtheirimpliedwarrantiesoftheProductssoldtoMrs.
Musgrove because they were not fit for their common, ordinary and intended uses,
includingusebywomenintheperinealarea.
69.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
b. Noneconomic losses including physical and mental pain and
suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment
andimpairmentofqualityoflife,pastandfuture,anddeath.
COUNTSIXPUNITIVEDAMAGES
70.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
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71.
recklesslyinoneormoreofthefollowingways:
a. Defendants knew of the unreasonably high risk of cancer, including, but
not limited to, ovarian and uterine cancer, posed by the Products before
manufacturing, marketing, distributing and/or selling the Products, yet
purposefullyproceededwithsuchaction;
b. Despite their knowledge of the high risk of cancer, including, but not
limited to, ovarian and uterine cancer, associated with the Products,
Defendants affirmatively minimized this risk through marketing and
promotionaleffortsandproductlabeling;
72.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
b. Noneconomic losses including physical and mental pain and
suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment
andimpairmentofqualityoflife,pastandfuture,anddeath.
COUNTSEVENNEGLIGENTMISREPRESENTATION
73.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
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74.
medical and healthcare community, Mrs. Musgrove, and the public, that the Products
had been tested and found to be safe and effective for use in the perineal area. The
representationsmadebyDefendants,infact,werefalse.
75.
concerning the Products while they were involved in their manufacture, sale, testing,
quality assurance, quality control, and distribution in interstate commerce, because
Defendants negligently misrepresented the Products high risk of unreasonable,
dangerous,adversesideeffects.
76.
DefendantsbreachedtheirdutyinrepresentingthattheProductshaveno
serioussideeffects.
77.
misrepresentationofDefendantsassetforthherein,Defendantsknew,andhadreason
toknow,thattheProductshadbeeninsufficientlytested,orhadnotbeentestedatall,
and that they lacked adequate and accurate warnings, and that it created a high risk,
and/orhigherthanacceptablerisk,and/orhigherthanreportedandrepresentedrisk,of
adversesideeffects,including,butnotlimitedto,ovariananduterinecancer.
78.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
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79.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
80.
andaccuratelydiscloseallmaterialfactsregardingtheProducts,nottoconcealmaterial
defects related thereto, not to place these defective products into the stream of
commerce, and to fully and accurately label product packaging. To the contrary,
Defendants explicitly and/or implicitly represented that the Products were safe and
effective.
81.
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purposeofdeceivinganddefraudingMrs.Musgroveandwiththeintentionofhaving
heractandrelyonsuchmisrepresentationsand/oromissions.
83.
omissionswerematerial,andthattheywerefalse,incomplete,misleading,deceptive,
anddeceitfulwhentheyweremade.Alternatively,Defendantsconcealedinformation,
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and/or made the representations with such reckless disregard for the truth that
knowledgeofthefalsitycanbeimputedtothem.
84.
conductthatcausedMrs.Musgrovetopurchaseandhabituallyuseadangerousand
defectiveproduct.
85.
Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamagesasaforeseeable,direct,
andproximateresultofDefendantsactsand/oromissions:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
b. Noneconomic losses including physical and mental pain and
suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment
andimpairmentofqualityoflife,pastandfuture,death.
COUNTNINEFRAUD
(INTENTIONALMISREPRESENTATION)
87.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
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88.
saleanddistributionofpersonalhygieneproducts,includingtheProducts,owedaduty
toprovideaccurateandcompleteinformationregardingsaidproducts.
89.
andeffective,specifically:
a. Johnson&Johnsonswebsitecallsitamisconceptionthattalcin
babypowdercanbeabsorbedintothebody;
b. Johnson&Johnsonprintadvertisementsdirectedatadultwomen
assertedthat,becauseJohnson&JohnsonBabyPowderisusedon
babies,womencantrustthatJohnson&Johnsonwilltakejust
asmuchcareoftheirskin;
c. MisleadingconsumersinadvertisementsthatthetalcinJohnson&
JohnsonBabyPowderissafebecauseitcomesfromnatureand
ispure;
d. Johnson & Johnson, on its website, claims that 30 years of
research by independent scientists, review boards and global
authorities [] have concluded that talc can be used safely in
personalcare products, failingto mentionthedozensof studies
demonstrating a relationship between feminine talc use and
ovariancancer,aswellasthedecisionbyIARCtolabelfeminine
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talcpowderuseaspossiblycarcinogenic;and
e. On the Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder bottle, Defendants
includeaconspicuouswarningtomotherstopreventbabiesfrom
inhaling the powder and the inclusion of this lone warning
implies to the consumer that Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder is
safeinallothermannersofuse.
90.
material, and that they were false, incomplete, misleading, deceptive and deceitful
whentheyweremade.
91.
conductthatfraudulentlyinducedMrs.Musgrove,andmillionsofotherconsumers,to
purchaseadangerousanddefectiveproduct.
94.
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damages.
95.
fraudulentmisrepresentationsbyDefendants,Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowing
damages:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
b. Noneconomic losses including physical and mental pain and
suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment
andimpairmentofqualityoflife,pastandfuture,anddeath.
COUNTTENVIOLATIONOFILLINOISCONSUMERFRAUDAND
DECEPTIVEBUSINESSPRACTICESACT(815ILCS505/1,etseq.)
96.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
97.
Mrs.MusgrovepurchasedandusedDefendantsProductsprimarilyfor
HadDefendantsnotengagedinthedeceptiveconductdescribedherein,
obtaining,underfalsepretenses,monetarygainfromMrs.MusgrovefortheProducts
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that would not have been paid had Defendants not engaged in unfair and deceptive
conduct.
100.
Defendantsengagedinunfairmethodsofcompetitionanddeceptiveacts
orpracticesthatwereproscribedbylaw,includingthefollowing:
a. Representing that goods or services have characteristics,
ingredients,uses,benefits,orquantitiesthattheydonothave;
b. Advertising goods or services with the intent not to sell them as
advertised;and
c. Engaging in fraudulent or deceptive conduct that creates a
likelihoodofconfusionormisunderstanding.
101.
Mrs.Musgrovewasinjuredbythecumulativeandindivisiblenatureof
Defendantshaveastatutorydutytorefrainfromunfairordeceptiveacts
ortradepracticesinthedesign,labeling,development,manufacture,promotion,and
saleoftheProducts.
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104.
HadDefendantsnotengagedinthedeceptiveconductdescribedabove,
Mrs.Musgrovewouldnothavepurchasedand/orpaidfortheproduct,andwouldnot
haveincurredrelatedinjuriesanddamages.
105.
representationsandmaterialomissionstoMrs.Musgrove,physicians,andconsumers,
constituted unfair and deceptive acts and trade practices in violation of the Illinois
ConsumerFraudAct.
106.
competitionorunfair,unconscionable,deceptiveorfraudulentacts,ortradepractices
inviolationoftheIllinoisconsumerprotectionstatute.
107.
acts or trade practices, or have made false representations in violation of the Illinois
ConsumerFraudAct.
108.
advertisers, and sellers, who are subject to liability under such legislation for unfair,
deceptive,fraudulentandunconscionableconsumersalespractices.
109.
protectconsumersagainstunfair,deceptive,fraudulentandunconscionabletradeand
business practices and false advertising, by knowingly and falsely representing that
Defendants the Products were fit to be used for the purpose for which it was
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intended, when in fact it was defective and dangerous, and by other acts alleged
herein.Theserepresentationsweremadeinmarketingandpromotionalmaterials.
110.
TheactionsandomissionsofDefendantsallegedhereinareuncuredor
conditionofDefendantsproductandfailedtotakeanyactiontocuresuchdefective
anddangerousconditions.
112.
omissionsindeterminingwhichproducttouse.
113.
andmaterialomissionstoMrs.Musgroveandotherconsumersconstituteddeceptive
actsandpractices.
114.
ByreasonoftheunlawfulactsengagedinbyDefendants,andasadirect
and proximate result thereof, Mrs. Musgrove, suffered ascertainable losses and
damages.
115.
consumerprotectionlaws,Mrs.Musgrovesustainedthefollowingdamages:
a. Economiclossesincludingmedicalcareandlostearnings;and
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116. Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
117.
defective nature of the Products as described above, Mrs. Musgrove suffered bodily
injuriesresultinginpainandsuffering,disability,disfigurement,mentalanguish,loss
of capacity of the enjoyment of life, shortened life expectancy, expenses for
hospitalization,medicalandnursingtreatment,lossofearnings,lossofabilitytoearn,
funeralexpensesanddeath.
118.
representative of the estate of Mrs. Musgrove under the Illinois Wrongful Death
Statute,740ILCS180/0.01etseq.
119.
hasincurredgrief,sorrow,mentalsuffering,aswellashospital,nursingandmedical
expenses, funeral expenses, and estate administration expenses as a result of Mrs.
Musgrovesdeath.Plaintiffbringsthisclaimforthesedamagesandforallpecuniary
lossessustained.
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COUNTTWELVESURVIVALACTION(755ILCS5/276)
120. Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
121.
omissions of Defendants and the defective nature of the Products, Mrs. Musgrove
sufferedseriousinjuriesofapersonalnature,including,butnotlimitedto,greatpain
andsufferingbeforeherdeath,therebysubjectingDefendantstoliabilitypursuantto
755ILCS5/276,commonlyreferredtoastheSurvivalStatute.
122.
estateofMrs.Musgrove.
TOLLINGSTATUEOFLIMITATIONS
123.
Plaintiffincorporatesbyreferenceeachoftheprecedingparagraphsasif
fullysetforthherein.
124.
Mrs. Musgrove suffered an illness that had a latency period and did not
ariseuntilmanyyearsafterexposure.Mrs.Musgrovewasnotawareatthetimeofher
diagnosis or death that her uterine cancer and death were caused by her use of the
DefendantsProducts.Similarly,PlaintiffwasnotawareatthetimeofMrs.Musgroves
diagnosis or death that her uterine cancer was caused by her use of the Defendants
Products. Consequently, the discovery rule applies to this case and the statute of
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limitationshasbeentolleduntilthedaythatPlaintiffkneworhadreasontoknowthat
Mrs.MusgrovesuterinecancerwaslinkedtoheruseofDefendantsProducts.
125.
Furthermore,therunningofanystatuteoflimitationshasbeenequitably
physicians were unaware, and could not reasonably know or have learned through
reasonable diligence that she had been exposed to the risks alleged herein and that
thoseriskswerethedirectandproximateresultofDefendantsactsandomissions.
127.
limitationsbecauseoftheirconcealmentofthetruth,qualityandnatureoftheProducts.
Defendantswereunderadutytodisclosethetruecharacter,qualityandnatureofthe
ProductsbecausethiswasnonpublicinformationoverwhichtheDefendantshadand
continue to have exclusive control, and because the Defendants knew that this
information was not available to Mrs. Musgrove, her medical providers and/or her
healthfacilities.
128.
Defendantshadtheabilitytoanddidspendenormousamountsofmoney
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professionalscouldnothaveaffordedandcouldnothavepossiblyconductedstudiesto
determinethenature,extentandidentityofrelatedhealthrisks,andwereforcedtorely
onDefendantsrepresentations.
PRAYERFORRELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants on each of the
abovereferencedclaimsandcausesofaction,andasfollows:
a. Awarding compensatory damages in excess of $75,000, including, but not
limitedtopain,suffering,emotionaldistress,lossofenjoymentoflife,death
andothernoneconomicdamagesinanamounttobedeterminedattrialof
thisaction;
b. Awardingeconomicdamagesintheformofmedicalexpenses,outofpocket
expenses,lostearnings,funeralexpenses,andothereconomicdamagesinan
amounttobedeterminedattrialofthisaction;
c. Punitive and/or exemplary damages for the wanton, willful, fraudulent,
recklessactsoftheDefendantswhodemonstratedacompletedisregardand
reckless indifference for the safety and welfare of the general public and
Mrs. Musgrove in an amount sufficient to punish Defendants and deter
futuresimilarconduct;
d. Prejudgmentinterest;
e. Postjudgmentinterest;
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f. AwardingPlaintiffsreasonableattorneysfees;
g. AwardingPlaintiffthecostsoftheseproceedings;and
h. SuchotherandfurtherreliefasthisCourtdeemsjustandproper.
Dated:June29,2016
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Respectfullysubmitted,
TODALANMUSGROVE,Individuallyand
asPersonalRepresentativeoftheEstateof
PAMELAN.MUSGROVE,Deceased.
By: /s/DavidA.Golanty
Oneofhisattorneys
StewartM.Weltman(ARDCNo.3122196)
DavidA.Golanty(ARDCNo.6298397)
Boodell&Domanskis,LLC
OneN.Franklin,Ste.1200
Chicago,Illinois60606
T:312.938.4070
F:312.540.1162
E:sweltman@boodlaw.com
dgolanty@boodlaw.com
KoreyA.Nelson(LA#30002)
prohacviceapplicationtobefiled
AmandaK.Klevorn(LA#35193)
prohacviceapplicationtobefiled
BURNSCHARESTLLP
365CanalStreet,Suite1170
NewOrleans,Louisiana70130
T:504.799.2845
F:504.881.1765
E:aklevorn@burnscharest.com
knelson@burnscharest.com
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{00487443}
WarrenT.Burns(TX#24053119)
prohacviceapplicationtobefiled
DanielH.Charest(TX#24057803)
prohacviceapplicationtobefiled
BURNSCHARESTLLP
500NorthAkardStreet,Suite2810
Dallas,Texas75201
T:469.904.4551
F:469.444.5002
E:wburns@burnscharest.com
dcharest@burnscharest.com
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