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On August 21, 2017, a jury in Los Angeles reached a verdict of $417 million in a Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit. This verdict, which includes $347 million in punitive damages, is the largest sum yet awarded for this type of claim. Currently, Johnson & Johnson is facing thousands of similar lawsuits alleging that the company’s talcum powder products can cause cancer. Many studies dating back to the 1970s indicate that women who use talcum powder on their genitals have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, despite evidence that Johnson & Johnson knew of these risks, the company continued to market talc-based products to women specifically for feminine hygiene purposes for decades. The $417 million verdicts in Los Angeles is the latest of several judgments against Johnson & Johnson for product defects, misleading advertising and failure to warn consumers of known hazards.
If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after consistent use of talc-based products, then you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson can review your medical records and can assist you in filing a claim, if applicable. In the past, our attorneys have taken leadership roles in national multidistrict litigation and product liability claims. For example, one of our lawyers was appointed as Lead Counsel for the Personal Injury Track of the national Takata airbag multidistrict litigation. Depending on the circumstances, our experience may help you file a talcum powder lawsuit.
Talc is a soft, naturally occurring mineral with chemical properties that make it ideal for grinding into a fine powder. Since this talcum powder readily absorbs moisture, it is a common ingredient in cosmetics and body powders. However, although it is easy to grind talc into fine particles, the particles themselves are difficult to break down.
According to multiple studies, when women apply talcum powder to their genital area, particles of talc may travel into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Due to the composition of the mineral, the body cannot expel these grains and they may embed it in the ovaries. Then, over time, the embedded particles can stimulate the growth of cancerous tumors. In fact, one study from 1982 found that talcum powder use increased the risk of ovarian cancer by 92 percent.
Since the early stages of ovarian cancer often cause very mild symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, ovarian cancer is often aggressive and metastasizes quickly without treatment. A missed diagnosis may allow the cancer to spread, making treatment ineffective. As a result of these factors, ovarian cancer is often fatal.
Although various studies dating back more than 40 years support this link, Johnson & Johnson maintained its marketing campaigns for talc-based feminine hygiene products. It also continues to deny that talcum powder causes cancer. However, several juries have ruled against the company in talcum powder lawsuits, awarding victims millions in compensation.
Thousands of women have already filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer caused by talcum powder. Some of these have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in New Jersey, while several have ended with multi-million dollar verdicts. The recent judgment of $417 million in Los Angeles is the highest verdict yet. However, several other victims’ verdicts exceed tens of millions of dollars, including verdicts of $110 million in Virginia and $72 million in Missouri. These juries awarded substantial punitive damages after finding that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers of known cancer risks.
Thousands of similar talcum powder lawsuits are still ongoing. If you or a loved one received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after using talcum powder regularly for at least four years, then you may be able to hold the manufacturers accountable for your medical bills and other damages. The attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson are currently reviewing talcum powder claims. In a free consultation, we can advise you of your legal rights and offer perspective on your case.
If you believe that Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, Shower-to-Shower or other talcum powder products may have caused your ovarian cancer, then contact Colson Hicks Eidson today. We have a national reputation for success with complicated product liability claims like this. In a free consultation, we can advise you on the criteria for evaluating and filing a talcum powder lawsuit. Then, if your claim meets our criteria, we can assist you in filing and can advocate for your rights. Depending on the details of your case, you also may be able to join ongoing multidistrict litigation.
Call 305-476-7400 or contact us online today to schedule a free case review.
