A case that was scheduled for a six-week trial concluded in a confidential settlement before the end of its first week.
Verna Richards’ daughter, Bethany, filed suit against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson in 2022, claiming its baby powder was the cause of her life-ending mesothelioma cancer.
The trial began in Spokane, Washington, on March 9. By March 12, the parties reached a settlement.
Jessica Dean of Dean Omar Branham Shirley called the settlement “unexpected.”
Richards, 72, died of mesothelioma in 2018. Her daughter later learned of other lawsuits against J&J alleging that its product contained asbestos known to cause mesothelioma cancer and reached out to counsel about filing suit.
Dallas-based DOBS has brought several cases against J&J across the country. It has more trials against the company later this year.
Jonathan Holder of DOBS also represented Richards.
Kirkland & Ellis partners Bill Oxley and Brian Raphel represented J&J. They did not respond to a request for comment.
The case is Verna Richards v. Johnson & Johnson, 22-2-00902-32.