A Crisis in Confidence: Johnson & Johnson's Reputation

Johnson & Johnson is sparing no expense fighting claims that its talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer in thousands of women. An expensive stable of lawyers has been arguing in courts all over the country that they are not too blame, and that furthermore, they had no idea that talcum powder has been linked to certain cancers for years. When they lose, they simply appeal.

It should come as no surprise that Johnson & Johnson is fighting these cases with such urgency. Certainly, the size of some of the jury awards bears mentioning, but 70 million dollars won’t threaten to bankrupt a company of that size. Rather, it is the consumer goodwill that they are at risk of losing that is so important to them.

Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886, and some of the things they manufacture have been household staples for nearly a century. This is particularly true of items they market to young mothers. Some of these products include:

• Diaper rash powders
• Feminine powders
• Baby shampoos and baby washes
• Baby hair detanglers and conditioners

Johnson & Johnson has been a trusted name to many Americans for their entire lives. Knowing a company with such a quality reputation might have been responsible for thousands of women developing cancer is horrifying. Knowing that some people working for the company knew and did nothing is even worse.

It will be almost impossible for Johnson & Johnson to recover their reputation if it continues to be proved in court that their product caused cancer to so many. If the average American accepts the company endangered so many lives, there could be a crisis in confidence of the brand itself. Parents will not buy baby washes and diaper powders from a company responsible for women developing ovarian cancer. So it stands to reason that they will continue to fight these cases in court because admitting guilt might be seen as more dangerous than accepting their role.

If you or someone you love developed ovarian cancer due to the use of talcum powder, taking on a company the size of Johnson & Johnson all by yourself is basically impossible. Please, retain an experienced attorney who can help you prove that denial is not a corporate culture that Americans can support.