Some consumers are holding manufacturers accountable for neglecting to warn of the potential health risks of using talcum powder, claiming there is a link between talc products and cancer diagnoses. Taking legal action in an attempt to get justice, people in all 50 states are pursuing talcum powder lawsuits.
In recent years, different researchers have theorized there is a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious medical concerns. For example, in one major study, talc regularly used in the genital area was associated with a 33 percent overall increase in ovarian cancer risk.
When baby powder products containing talc are applied to the genital region, baby powder particles can travel through the female reproductive system to the ovaries and stay there for a long time, creating an inflammatory response and conditions that increase the likelihood of cancer growth.
In addition, talc and asbestos are naturally occurring minerals that are often mined alongside each other, according to Forbes. The outlet noted that In October 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed a year-long study of talc-containing cosmetic products in which asbestos was detected in several products. At that time, the FDA worked with manufacturers on recalls of some of the products containing traces of asbestos.
Since then, Johnson & Johnson has been named in thousands of lawsuits alleging a link between cancer diagnoses and the company’s talc-containing products. Although the company stated in August 2022 that it would pull all talcum powder products off the market internationally in 2023, replacing talc with cornstarch, many consumers may already have been impacted.
If you or a loved one used Johnson & Johnson’s talc products or other baby powder products and were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your legal options.
There’s no fee to review your claim. The team at Phillips Law Group works on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Johnson & Johnson is currently facing thousands of lawsuits filed on behalf of women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using the company’s talcum powder products Baby Powder® and Shower to Shower®. Juries have awarded billions in compensation to injured victims and their families.
The defective product lawyers at Phillips Law Group are investigating all cases of ovarian cancer that may be linked to talcum powder. For nearly 30 years, our firm has secured over $1 billion on behalf of our clients, including a recovery of $15,100,000 for a defective product case. Founder Jeff Phillips has represented many individuals harmed by negligent manufacturers and their dangerous products.
If you have a valid case, there is no obligation to move forward. If you decide to move forward and want to file a talcum powder lawsuit, there are zero upfront fees for our services. We only get paid if you do.
Call 602-222-2222 to see how we may be able to help.
Am I Eligible to File a Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. However, there are several factors we will need to take into consideration:
- How often and how long you have been using talcum powder
- Whether you used talcum powder as part of your feminine hygiene routine
- The date and details of your official ovarian cancer diagnosis
- Whether a biopsy showed evidence of talcum powder in your system
- Whether you have a genetic predisposition to developing ovarian cancer
- Types of cancer treatment you are receiving and its overall effectiveness
- Damages you have suffered from using talcum powder products
Defective product cases are complex. There is only so much time to take legal action. This is why it is important to contact a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Our consultations are free of charge.
Compensation Available for Injured Victims
Ovarian cancer and its treatment have a considerable effect on the quality of life of victims diagnosed with the disease. Filing a lawsuit may be able to help you obtain compensation for the damages you have suffered and may continue to suffer in the future. Forms of compensation could include:
- Medical expenses related to your treatment
- Lost wages from missing work for treatment
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering, both physical and mental
- Loss of companionship with a spouse/partner
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to your illness
Punitive damages may be also available. These damages are meant to punish product manufacturers for gross negligence and prevent others from engaging in the same or similar conduct in the future.
The value of your potential talcum powder lawsuit will be unique to your situation. This includes the nature and extent of your illness, prognosis for ongoing treatment, the effects your illness has had on your daily life and so on. Our firm is ready to seek the maximum compensation possible on your behalf.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer to Represent Me?
Product manufacturers and their defense teams will do whatever it takes to protect themselves in a lawsuit. (In fact, Johnson & Johnson was criticized for moving its asbestos-related liabilities into a new company. The new company had to file for bankruptcy in October 2021, limiting the ability of talcum powder victims to recover compensation. Critics believe the move was meant to block about 38,000 lawsuits.)
Product manufacturers will also attempt to question your credibility to avoid paying compensation or paying the least amount possible. You need a lawyer with experience holding large corporations liable for their actions. Our firm has the knowledge, skills and resources it takes to build solid defective product cases.
At Phillips Law Group, we are ready to handle all aspects of your case from beginning to end by:
- Evaluating your eligibility to file a lawsuit
- Advising on your available legal options
- Investigating your claim to help prove liability
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your case
- Representing you in all legal-related matters
- Negotiating for just and fair compensation
- Going to trial to argue your case if necessary
Get answers to your legal questions today. Ph: 602-222-2222
Studies Linking Talcum Powder to Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder is a soft, white powder used to help keep skin dry, neutralize odors and prevent rashes. It is made from talc, which is a naturally occurring mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen.
Although talc is a natural substance, experts believe it contains cancer-causing properties that are intensified when it is processed for use in health care products. This belief is strongly supported by decades of scientific research.
In a landmark study published inThe Lancetmedical journal in 1971, scientists discovered small particles of talc embedded deep inside the cells of numerous ovarian tumors.In a1982 study, scientists determined that women who use talcum powder for feminine hygiene while ovulating have a 92 percent higher chance of developing ovarian cancer.
In 2013, a scientific analysis of eight case studies revealed women who use talcum powder for feminine hygiene have a 30 percent higher risk of contracting ovarian cancer, regardless of their ovulation cycle.
A 2016 study in Epidemiology analyzed data collected on talc use and ovarian cancer over a 16-year period. Ovarian cancer was found to be one-third higher among women who regularly use talcum powder. Most women in the study reported using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower.
To date, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified talc as a possible carcinogen for women. The Cancer Prevention Coalition has even petitioned the FDA to have cancer warning labels placed on talc-based products to warn users of the potential dangers.
Did Johnson & Johnson Know Its Talcum Powder Was Dangerous?
It is possible. Johnson & Johnson has vehemently denied allegations that they have known for decades that the raw ingredients used in its talcum powder is cancer-causing.
Although the company continues to defend its talcum powder products as being safe and effective to use, Johnson & Johnson has stopped selling its talc-based Baby Powder in the U.S. and Canada. The company claims that demand for the product had been declining largely due to changes in consumer habits as well as misinformation about the safety of the product.
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Have Any Lawsuits Been Filed or Verdicts Reached?
Johnson & Johnson is facing over 35,000 talcum powder lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in New Jersey. An MDL combines similar lawsuits into one legal action to speed up the process.
These lawsuits have been filed by women diagnosed with ovarian cancer or families who have lost loved ones to the disease. The lawsuits claim the use of talcum powder products can cause ovarian cancer. The lawsuits also claim that the company failed to warn users about the cancer risks.
Billions of dollars have already been awarded to victims. This includes $4.7 billion awarded to 22 women and their families ($550 million in compensatory damages and $4.14 billion in punitive damages).
There are also hundreds of lawsuits in state courts. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in January of 2021, Johnson & Johnson set aside $4 billion for talc lawsuits and settlements.
Other notable verdicts that have been reached include:
$417 Million Dollar Verdict
A Los Angeles jury awarded $417 million to a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007 after using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder for more than 40 years. The award included $70 million in compensatory damages and $347 million in punitive damages.
$110 Million Dollar Verdict
In 2017, a jury in St. Louis awarded $5 million in compensatory damages and $105 million in punitive damages to a Virginia woman who regularly used Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for several decades and developed ovarian cancer. At the time of her trial, the cancer had also spread to her liver.
$72 Million Dollar Verdict
A Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million to the family of an Alabama woman who passed away from ovarian cancer after using talc-based products for feminine hygiene for 35 years. The award included $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages.
Call to Discuss a Potential Talcum Powder Lawsuit
At Phillips Law Group, we understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis has on victims and their families. We believe that all companies that produce and sell defective, cancer-causing products should be held accountable for their actions and the damages victims suffer.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, do not hesitate to contact our firm for qualified legal representation. We have the experience and resources necessary and a proven track record, recovering millions in compensation for our clients.
Contact us today to learn if you may be eligible to file a talcum powder lawsuit. The initial consultation comes at no cost or obligation to you. We also charge nothing up front to retain our services.
Call Phillips Law Group at 602-222-2222 for trusted legal help.
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