A St. Louis jury found in favor of 22 talcum powder victims who developed cancer after long-term use of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder. Evidence was presented at the trial that the talc powder contained asbestos, which is a known cancer causing substance. Scientific data was also presented that connected talc to the development of ovarian cancer. Counsel for the victims argued that Johnson & Johnson knew that their talc products likely contained asbestos but chose not to provide any warning to consumers.
Furthermore, the company continued to market talc products as effective and safe for everyday use. The jury found that Johnson & Johnson knowingly sold talcum powder that contained asbestos to the public without any warning and awarded the cancer victims a landmark $4.69 Billion dollar verdict. Johnson & Johnson is still facing thousands of talcum powder lawsuits across the country.
What is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is a mineral substance made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Because of its natural ability to absorb moisture and prevent rashes, it has long been used in diapering babies and as a feminine hygiene product. There are also a wide array of cosmetics, such as facial powder, which contain talc. The product was heavily marketed by Johnson & Johnson for many years as being safe for daily use with catchy slogans such as “Shower to Shower each day helps keep odors away.” As a result, many women used talcum powder in their daily hygiene routines for long periods of time. It is thought that this regular, long term use of talc led to many women developing ovarian cancer.
What is the Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?
Scientific studies have suggested a connection between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Many of these studies have focused on the use of the powder in woman and have shown that when the powder particles travel through the vagina and into the fallopian tubes and ovaries, there can be a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. More recently, it has been shown that talc powder can contain asbestos, a substance known to cause cancer.
Talcum naturally forms in close proximately to asbestos, and the asbestos often has to be removed during the mining and refining process. However, sometimes unsafe levels of asbestos can be left behind. It is alleged that Johnson & Johnson knew of this risk but failed to warn of the dangers. The jury in St. Louis agreed and decided to award a landmark verdict in favor of the victims who developed ovarian cancer.
Contact an Experienced Talcum Powder Lawyer
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our law firm is working with experienced talcum powder lawyers across the country, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit on your behalf. There is no fee unless you receive an award or settlement. Call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
Sources:
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-12/j-j-loses-st-louis-trial-over-talc-absestos-cancer-claims
- https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/13/health/4-69-billion-verdict-johnson–johnson-talcum-powder/index.html
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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