When Laws are Enforced, The State Wins: Supreme Court Shuts Down J&J’s Last-Ditch Effort to Overturn $2.1 Billion Verdict

St. Louis, MO – Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of the United States denied Johnson & Johnson’s bid to overturn the landmark $2.1 billion dollar verdict handed down in Ingham et al., v. Johnson & Johnson, Inc., et al., when rejected J&J’s certiorari petition.

The Supreme Court’s rejection of Johnson & Johnson’ arguments ends a years-long legal battle between 20 women who used J&J’s asbestos-laced Baby Powder products and got cancer.

“18 judges have now reviewed this case and have unanimously upheld our clients’ case at every level of the courts, now including the highest court in the land,” said Eric Holland, who, along with Mark Lanier, served as trial counsel in the case.

Holland called today’s victory “deeply satisfying for our clients who have lived to see this through” but pointed out that many did not, with 9 of the 20 passing away before today’s landmark win. Ovarian cancer is called the “silent killer” as it often develops without symptoms and, when detected, can be too late to treat effectively. The final $2.1 billion result is believed to be the largest product liability verdict in the United States history. The seven judges of the Missouri Supreme Court refused to hear J&J’s appeal in November of 2020, which then led to J&J’s petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this year.

As part of the collection of $2.5 billion dollars from J&J, the State of Missouri is entitled to a share of the punishment (punitive) damages. Under the law, this money goes into the Victims Compensation Fund and to Legal Services. Last week, The Holland Law Firm wired over $480,000,000 to the Missouri Attorney General as their share of the punishment money which will result in unprecedented funding for these vital programs. According to Holland, “The Holland Law Firm is dedicated to achieving justice, standing up for the voiceless, and representing Missouri with integrity because when laws are enforced, the State and people of Missouri win”.

The Holland Law Firm is a trial firm practicing nationwide from its firm headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The firm is a trusted partner to people who suffer devastating injuries from pharmaceutical drugs and devices, toxic exposure, explosions, railroad injuries, and other catastrophic events. The firm and its members have regularly been recognized by the media, their peers, and the judiciary as the top trial lawyers in the country, receiving awards, recognition, and requests to teach from coast to coast.