WASHINGTON: A court in the USA has directed Johnson & Johnson to pay $15 million (approximately Rs 126 crores) to a man who alleged that he developed mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, as a result of using the company's talc powder for decades. Evan Plotkin, who hails from Connecticut, sued the company in 2021 soon after his diagnosis, saying he was sickened by inhaling J&J's baby powder.

The jury in Fairfield County, Connecticut Superior Court also found that the company should pay additional punitive damages, which will be determined later by the judge overseeing the case.

"Evan Plotkin and his trial team are thrilled that a jury once again decided to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for their marketing and sale of a baby powder product that they knew contained asbestos," Ben Braly, a lawyer for Plotkin, said in an email.

The presence of asbestos causes mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lungs, as well as other organs.

Meanwhile, Erik Haas, J&J's worldwide vice president of litigation, said in a statement that the company would appeal "erroneous" rulings by the trial judge that kept the jury from hearing critical facts about the case.

Johnson & Johnson is facing widespread legal challenges globally, with multiple cases leading to significant damages. The company is confronting over 70,000 lawsuits claiming its products, particularly talcum powder, contribute to ovarian cancer and various other gynaecological problems. Due to widespread allegations against its products, Johnson & Johnson had withdrawn its talcum powder from the US market in 2020. The allegations had significantly impacted the company's sales.