Ala. Federal Court Grants Motion to Dismiss in Asbestos Cosmetic Talc Case, Says Plaintiff Failed to Establish Jurisdiction

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –– An Alabama federal court has granted a defense motion to dismiss in an asbestos cosmetic talcum powder case, finding that the plaintiff had failed to establish specific jurisdiction in the case.

In an Feb. 25 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in part found that the Imerys defendants had established that they did not sell talc in Alabama.

Billie N. Smith filed the underlying complaint, contending that she developed mesothelioma after using cosmetic talcum powder products on herself and on her son. Smith specifically said she used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder …