News Summary
Recent legal decisions in South Carolina signal a significant shift in mesothelioma litigation, emphasizing corporate accountability and victim compensation. The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled against Atlas Turner, revealing the importance of financial resources for families affected by asbestos exposure. The appointment of a special receiver to pursue insurance assets marks a crucial step in ensuring accessibility of compensation. This reinforces a broader trend towards fairness for victims, while other legal cases continue to shape the landscape of asbestos-related lawsuits and corporate responses.
South Carolina Court Ruling Shapes Future of Mesothelioma Litigation
Columbia, South Carolina — A landmark decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court has significantly impacted the landscape of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lawsuits. The court ruled against Atlas Turner, a company implicated in asbestos exposure cases, emphasizing that corporations cannot avoid financial responsibility for damages caused by asbestos-related illnesses.
Major Legal Development Against Atlas Turner
The court found Atlas Turner in default for its refusal to cooperate during a lawsuit filed by Donna Welch. The case pertains to Welch’s attempt to seek compensation for her husband, Melvin, who succumbed to mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, after exposure to asbestos in the 1960s. The ruling approves the appointment of a special receiver charged with locating and controlling Atlas Turner’s insurance assets. These assets are intended to ensure compensation reaches the victims’ families.
This decision signifies a notable shift, asserting that courts will not tolerate efforts by companies to sidestep their obligations to asbestos victims. It sets a precedent that may influence how similar cases are handled nationwide, reinforcing accountability for companies responsible for asbestos exposure.
Legal Challenges for Johnson & Johnson
In the broader context of mesothelioma litigation, Johnson & Johnson has faced ongoing legal challenges. In May 2025, the company reopened a lawsuit against Dr. Jacqueline Moline, a scientist accused of falsifying research related to asbestos in talcum powder. This study, conducted in 2020, suggested a potential link between talc containing asbestos and mesothelioma.
Additionally, Johnson & Johnson’s efforts to resolve accumulated asbestos-related lawsuits hit a setback in April 2025 when a U.S. bankruptcy judge rejected a proposed $10 billion settlement plan. This plan aimed to resolve over 60,000 ovarian cancer claims but notably did not include claims related to mesothelioma, leaving numerous litigants seeking justice.
Notable Verdicts in Mesothelioma Cases
Legal victories for mesothelioma victims remain pivotal in highlighting the severity of asbestos exposure hazards. In September 2024, a Massachusetts jury awarded over $39 million to a Utah couple in a groundbreaking case involving contaminated talc used during a surgical procedure, which led to mesothelioma. This case drew attention to the potential for mesothelioma from unexpected sources, such as medical products.
Later that year, in October 2024, a jury awarded approximately $3.8 million to a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Foster Wheeler, a company accused of exposing workers to asbestos. These verdicts underscore the ongoing legal drive to hold corporations accountable for asbestos-related health damages.
Efforts to Compensate Victims
Organizations dedicated to supporting asbestos victims continue to secure significant compensation. The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center reports that settlements for clients diagnosed with mesothelioma typically range from $1 million to $1.4 million. These settlements aim to help victims and their families cope with the financial burden of treatment and loss.
Furthermore, asbestos trust funds, which collectively hold an estimated $30 billion, serve as vital resources for victims seeking compensation. Payouts from these trusts can vary widely, from as little as $7,000 to over $200,000 depending on the case specifics and the trust’s policies.
Upcoming Awareness and Prevention Initiatives
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization has announced its 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, scheduled for September 12–13, 2025, in New York City. The event, titled “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention & Justice,” aims to continue efforts towards educating the public about asbestos dangers, promoting early detection, and preventing future exposures.
Conclusion
Recent legal decisions and jury verdicts continue to shape the evolving landscape of mesothelioma litigation. The South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling against Atlas Turner emphasizes that companies cannot evade their responsibilities, setting a tone of accountability that could influence future cases. Meanwhile, ongoing efforts to secure fair compensation for victims and raise awareness about asbestos hazards remain central to addressing this persistent public health issue.
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Additional Resources
For further information on mesothelioma litigation and related developments, consider the following resources:
- Court Ruling Marks Major Shift in Mesothelioma Lawsuits
- US Health Agencies Sound Warning on J&J Talc Bankruptcy
- Bankruptcy Judge Denies J&J Settlement Plan Related to Baby Powder Containing Talc
- Johnson & Johnson Threatened with Legal Action in UK Over Talcum Powder
- J&J Begins Crucial Battle Over $10 Billion Baby Powder Settlement
- J&J Must Pay $15 Million to Man Who Says Its Talc Caused His Cancer, Jury Finds
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
