Calif. Jury Reaches Defense Verdict in Asbestos-Containing Talc Suit, Finds for Colgate-Palmolive, Imerys Talc

LOS ANGELES –– A California jury has reached a defense verdict for the manufacturers of a talcum powder product, rejecting the plaintiff’s claims that exposure to asbestos fibers in the talc caused her to develop mesothelioma.

The California Superior Court for Los Angeles Court jury reached the 9-3 verdict for lone remaining defendants Colgate-Palmolive Co., and Imerys Talc America Inc. on June 24. Judge John J. Kralik presided over the trial, which lasted three weeks and ended after three days of jury deliberations.

Plaintiff Elizabeth Alfaro argued during trial that she developed peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma as a result …