Colgate Prevails in First Kentucky Talcum Powder Trial; Mularczyk, Co-Counsel Secure Victory in $5M Meso Case Hayes v. Colgate-Palmolive Company, No. 16-CI-003503

In the first cosmetic talcum powder trial ever held in Kentucky, Peter Mularczyk of Foley & Mansfield’s Los Angeles office teamed with Edward Slaughter of Gordon & Rees’ Dallas office and Meredith Shaw of Quinn Emanuel’s New York office to successfully defend Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Following the closely-watched, three-week trial in the Jefferson Circuit Court in Louisville, Kentucky, the jury returned a complete defense verdict for defendants Colgate-Palmolive Company and Johnson & Johnson after less than one hour of deliberation. The Plaintiff sued both Colgate-Palmolive Company and Johnson & Johnson, claiming her mother’s mesothelioma and death were caused by exposure to asbestos through her use of allegedly contaminated talcum powder. During closing arguments, the Plaintiff requested more than $5 million in damages and a finding of punitive damages.

This is the second jury verdict that includes both companies as defendants in talc litigation.

Mularczyk was assisted by Jorge Salazar also with Foley & Mansfield’s Los Angeles office.