Louisiana Federal Court Stays Talc Action Pending Transfer to the MDL Docket

LAKE CHARLES, La. –– A Louisiana federal court has stayed a talcum powder case pending transfer to the national multidistrict litigation docket, opining that the benefits of allowing the MDL Court to address the improper joinder claims are self-evident.

In the Oct. 25 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana rejected plaintiff efforts to have it hear its remand motion before ordering the stay.

Plaintiff Sandra Peck filed the lawsuit, contending that she developed ovarian cancer as a result of using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products on her perineal area. The plaintiff originally …