Defense Victory in Landmark Illinois Talcum Powder Litigation

Chicago, IL – Foley Mansfield is pleased to report a significant talcum powder litigation trial victory in Bassett v. Merck & Co., Inc., tried before a jury in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois under Honorable Gerald Cleary, Associate Judge.

The Plaintiff, a 43 year old male claimed that his peritoneal mesothelioma resulted from exposure to various alleged asbestos contaminated talcum powder products. Defendant, Merck & Co., Inc. contested causation, presenting evidence that the Plaintiff’s peritoneal mesothelioma was caused by genetic mutation, and not asbestos exposure. Following the Plaintiff’s request for $45 million dollars in damages, the jury returned an immediate and unanimous verdict in favor of Merck & Co., Inc.

The defense verdict on behalf of Merck & Co., Inc. is particularly notable given Illinois’ position as a leading jurisdiction for talcum powder litigation filings nationwide. The defense team successfully presented expert testimony of Dr. Michele Carbone and Dr. Jadee Neff establishing the presence of a genetic mutation in the Plaintiff, reinforcing a critical causation defense strategy for similar cases in this venue.

This matter involved collaboration among multiple law firms, with Foley Mansfield attorney Kasia Nowak serving as both, the trial counsel and local counsel, for Merck & Co., Inc. The Foley Mansfield trial team included attorney Alaina Jraige.