Lawyers from Dallas-based Simon Greenstone Panatier recently secured a $10.2 million jury verdict for a mesothelioma client in Minneapolis.
Daniel Heyer and his wife, Nicole Heyer, filed suit against several companies that manufacture talc products in 2025, alleging it was through his use of various cosmetic products that he was exposed to asbestos and contracted the fatal cancer.
From a young age, jurors were told during trial, Heyer had used a variety of baby powders, foot powders and body powders, including many store-brand varieties manufactured by St. Louis-based Vi-Jon, Gold Bond and Dr. Scholl’s.
Heyer, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in late 2024, testified at trial from a wheelchair and with the assistance of oxygen that those products caused his fatal diagnosis.
Five of six jurors agreed with the Heyers and issued a verdict May 15 assigning fault to the handful of companies as follows:
- Vi-Jon: 20 percent
- Gold Bond: 50 percent
- Johnson & Johnson: 5 percent
- Merck & Co.: 10 percent
- Perrigo Company of Tennessee: 15 percent
The jury awarded $1.8 million for past economic losses and $3.4 million for future economic losses. Nicole Heyer was awarded $5 million for loss of companionship. Vi-Jon was the main defendant in this case. Its legal team issued a statement to The Lawbook Wednesday saying it “respectfully disagrees” with the jury’s decision.
“Vi-Jon is currently evaluating its legal options, including potential next steps,” the statement reads. “This case involves serious issues, and we recognize the concerns raised. At the same time, Vi‑Jon remains confident in the safety and integrity of its products and is commitment to quality and consumer safety.”
The Heyers are represented by Shaine Weissman and Holly Peterson of Simon Greenstone Panatier and Chad Alexander of Sieben Alexander.
“This family is going through pain almost no one can understand and that did not need to happen,” Weissman said in a statement. “The jury in this case recognized that and acted accordingly.”
Vi-Jon is represented by Melissa Geist, Shana Russo and Steve McConnell of Reed Smith and David Schooler of Gordon Rees.
The case number is 62-CV-25-5182.