$3 Million Verdict in Mesothelioma Death of New Orleans Woman

NEW ORLEANS - A jury has awarded $3 million to the family of Jeanine Henderson, a 72-year-old mother from New Orleans who died from mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure, after a lifetime of using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.

After a two-month trial, attorneys from Dean Omar Branham Shirley and The Law Office of Phillip C. Hoffman successfully proved that Ms. Henderson’s daily use of the talc-based powder was directly linked to her illness. The legal team also presented clear evidence that Johnson & Johnson knew of the potential dangers and intentionally concealed the risks associated with use of its product.

“Jeanine used this product on her children, and she and her family placed their trust in Johnson & Johnson,” said DOBS Of Counsel Jay Stuemke, who represented Ms. Henderson’s family alongside DOBS attorney Darren McDowell. “We are grateful the jury saw through the company’s deception and held them accountable.”  Also representing the Henderson family was Philip C. Hoffman of Law Offices of Philip C. Hoffman. “Ms. Jeannine suffered for two long years prior to her death and was finally able to get justice against Johnson & Johnson,” said Philip Hoffman.

Ms. Henderson died in January 2024 after her original trial began.  After her death, the trial was reset for March of this year. 

“Johnson & Johnson delayed this trial with tactics that ultimately meant she couldn’t be here today to share her story,” said DOBS partner Trey Branham.  “We continue to hope that Johnson & Johnson will begin to respect the jury system and honor this jury’s verdict.”

Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson tried for a third time to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying damages in cases like Ms. Henderson’s. A judge in Texas denied that request.

The jury awarded $3 million in compensatory damages in this case, which Johnson & Johnson is liable for over 95% of the verdict based on Louisiana law.