J&J Wants Supreme Court to Ax $2.1 Billion Missouri Talc Verdict

Johnson & Johnson asked the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a $2.1 billion Missouri talc verdict, calling the case “a stark illustration of the problems posed by mass litigation—and the reasons why the Court should grant review.”

A Missouri appeals court wrongly allowed claims on behalf of 22 women, including non-state residents, to be tried together, J&J and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. said Tuesday in a petition for certiorari. The excessiveness of the $1.6 billion punitive verdict also violates its due process rights, presenting another reason for review, the companies said.

Gail L. Ingham and 21 other women ...