A jury in St. Louis, Missouri has produced a verdict stating Johnson & Johnson must pay $55 million to a woman who claims that using the company’s talcum powder products for feminine hygiene caused her ovarian cancer. According to CBS and Associated Press news reports, this award comes at the heels of an additional Missouri lawsuit generating a $72 million jury verdict for a woman who died of ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products for feminine hygiene. There are at least 1,200 pending talcum powder lawsuits pending.
Why Are Johnson & Johnson Being Sued for Their Talcum Powder?
The most recent ruling in Missouri comes in the midst of an ongoing debate about the connection between talc and ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson, however, has maintained that its products are not to blame for the formation of the ovarian cancer. However, the lawsuits allege, that instead of warning consumers about the potential dangers of using talcum powder, Johnson & Johnson aggressively marketed these products to groups of women who were most at risk of developing ovarian cancer such as African-Americans and Hispanics. Their ads particularly encouraged women to use the talc-based powders for feminine hygiene with slogans such as: “Just a sprinkle a day keeps the odor away.” That commercial was for J & J’s Shower to Shower, which has been used by both plaintiffs, who have been awarded significant monetary damages. One lawsuit even stated that using Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for feminine hygiene for over 40 years increased her chances of ovarian cancer by over 200 percent.
What Are the Links Between Talc and Ovarian Cancer?
Some studies suggest that women who use talc-based powders regularly in their genital areas face up to a 40 percent higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially powders to prevent caking, absorb moisture and improve the feel of the product. There has been research as early as the 1970s connecting talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Internal documents exhibited during these trials have shown that J & J was aware of these studies. Groups such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer have said the genital use of talcum powder could be carcinogenic to humans. Like all cancers, the prognosis for ovarian cancer patients is better when diagnosed earlier.
Contact a Rhode Island Talcum Powder Lawyer
If you or someone you know have suffered serious side effects after using Talcum powder, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced Talcum powder lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a Talcum powder lawsuit for you and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call of one our Rhode Island offices, our toll free number at 1-(508) 715-3134 or fill out a contact form online.
Source:
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/talcum-powder-lawsuit-55-million/