Calif. Judge Throws Out $417 Million Talcum Powder Verdict, Says Award Was Excessive

LOS ANGELES –– The California judge overseeing the state’s coordinated docket for talcum powder claims has thrown out a $417 million verdict reached in the first case to proceed to trial in the state, citing insufficiency of the evidence as to causation, error in law occurring at trial, juror misconduct, and excessive compensatory and punitive damages.

In a 50-page order issued on Oct. 20, Judge Maren E. Nelson of the California Superior Court for Los Angeles County said the court was convinced that “the jury should have reached a different verdict.”

The underlying claims were brought on behalf of Eva …