NEW JERSEY — Following up on a prior ACT post regarding a compensatory damages verdict of $37 million dollars against Johnson & Johnson and Imerys Talc America, Inc., the same New Jersey jury awarded a total of $80 million in punitive damages. This case involved allegations that plaintiff Stephen Lanzo developed mesothelioma after years of use of talcum powder that plaintiff claimed was contaminated with asbestos. Of the total punitive damages sum, $55 million was awarded against Johnson & Johnson and $25 million against Imerys. Both defendants are expected to appeal.