Why Are People Filing Talcum Powder Lawsuits?

Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder has a variety of applications. It’s regularly used on babies and adults. Unfortunately, talcum powder users may develop severe health issues. Research reveals that talcum powder can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Thousands of ovarian cancer patients and loved ones have filed product liability lawsuits against Johnson & Johson. The lawsuits accuse the company of concealing a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. The company has already paid more than $5 billion to victims suffering from talcum powder injuries.

Have you developed cancer while using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder? You may be entitled to comepnsation. Contact Rosen Injury Lawyers immediately to learn about your legal rights and options. Our talcum powder injury lawyers can help you fight for the money you deserve. Your first consultation is free, so call for help today.

Lawsuits Claim Johnson & Johnson Hid Risks of Talc Powder

Johnson & Johnson has been named in thousands of talcum powder injury lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim the multinational corporate of knowingly manufacturing and marketing a dangerous product. Specifically, Johnson & Johnson has been accused of selling its popular baby powder without providing sufficient information on the product’s link to ovarian cancer. Plaintiffs accuse the company of suppressing medical evidence for decades and concealing study results from consumers and scientists.

Evidence uncovered during the litigation of early talcum powder cases suggests that Johnson & Johnson has known for years its product is dangerous. According to a Bloomberg report, internal documents showed that the company “has known for decades that its talc products include asbestos fibers and that the exposure to those fibers can cause ovarian cancer.”

Lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson claim the company has known about the link between its talcum powder and ovarian cancer since 1971. Despite test results indicating the presence of asbestos, the company spearheaded an elaborate campaign of medical misinformation designed to keep the truth hidden from consumers.

For decades, Johnson & Johnson has put profit over the safety of its consumers. Now the company is being held accountable for life-threatening health issues that could have been avoided.

Federal Talc Lawsuits Consolidated in New Jersey

Over the past few years, the number of lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johson has continued to rise. Many of these lawsuits are being handled as a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

In an MDL, cases that are based on similar facts and arguments are transferred to be litigated in a single federal court. To date, more than 18,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been consolidated in an MDL in the United States District Court of New Jersey.

The plaintiffs in the NJ MDL are currently moving through pre-trial proceedings as a group. Once the pre-trial discovery and proceedings end, each plaintiff will have the right to have his or her individual case litigated.

Talcum Powder Lawsuit Verdicts

Hundreds of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuits have already been resolved. Since 2016, juries in New Jersey, California, and Missouri have awarded talcum powder plaintiffs more than $5 million in damages.

Many talcum powder verdicts have included shockingly high punitive awards. This indicates that juries believe that Johnson & Johnson knew about the link between its talc products and cancer. At least 18,000 talcum powder lawsuits are still pending in state and federal courts across the country. Losses at trial may encourage the company to settle the majority of these cases privately. In fact, in 2019, Johnson & Johnon did begin to settle many cases to avoid trials and verdicts.

Experts estimate that bewteen verdicts and settlements, talc lawsuits might cost Johnson & Johnson as much as $10 Billion.

How Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?

How does talcum powder cause ovarian cancer? It’s important to remember that studies have revealed that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder contains trace amounts of asbestos. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and extremely toxic to human health.

For decades, women have regularly used talcum powder as a feminine hygiene product. Some apply the powder to their genital area. Others use the powder to absorb moisture during the application of pads or tampons during menstruation.

Research has revealed that talc particles, contaminated with asbestos, enter the body through the vagina and make their way to the ovaries. Over time, the talc and asbestos particles damage the ovaries and cause cancer.

Studies Reveal Link Between Talc Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Several studies have been conducted to determine whether or not there is a link between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. Results indicate that women who use talcum powder are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Cancer has been liked to both talc and asbestos particles in ovarian cancer tumors.

1971: Researchers analyzed tumors in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Talc particles were identified in 75 percent of those tumors.

1982: In the 1980s, researchers at Harvard determined that women who used talcum powder products regularly were 30 percent more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer.

2006: Studies conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer revealed a link between perineal talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. The agency classified talc powder as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

2016: Researchers studied 4,000 women and their use of talcum powder. The study revealed that the women who used talcum powder on and near their genitals were 33 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

These studies have not persuaded Johnson & Johnson to reconsider selling and marketing its talc-based products. However, the American Cancer Society does encourage women to avoid or limit the use of talcum powder. Cancer rates tend to be higher in women who use the talc products every day.

Asbestos in Talcum Powder May Cause Mesothelioma

The majority of talcum powder lawsuits involve claims that Johnson & Johnson’s products cause ovarian cancer. There is new evidence to suggest that using talcum powder can also increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. For decades, it has been linked to exposure to asbestos. The cancer, which typically affects the lining of the abdomen, heart, and lungs, is more common in men than women. At least, that used to be the case.

An increasing number of women have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in recent years. Frequent use of talcum powder that’s contaminated with asbestos could help to explain why. Talcum powder can enter the body when women apply it to their genital area. Asbestos fibers in the powder can lodge into the tissue and cause extensive damage.

Mesothelioma is a devastating diagnosis. The average life expectancy of mesothelioma patients is only 6 to 12 months. Only one-third of mesothelioma patients survive the disease for more than one year.

Signs and Symptoms of Talcum Powder Injuries

Long-term exposure to talcum powder has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Side effects of these adverse health events include:

Have you experienced any unusual health issues or symptoms while using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder? If so, do not hesitate to seek medical assistance immediately. Early intervention and diagnosis of cancer can save your life.

What is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder is a cosmetic product that’s loved for its ability to absorb moisture. Consumers regularly use the product as an antiperspirant and to avoid chafing near the genitals.

Talcum powder is made of talc, which is a naturally-occurring soft mineral. It’s quite easy to grind the soft mineral into a fine, absorbable powder. However, when talc is mined, it can become contaminated with asbestos.

Do I Have a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Frequent and long-term exposure to talcum powder may increase the risk of certain adverse health issues. You may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit if you’ve developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma while using Johnson & Johnson talc products.

Every case is different. You should not hesitate to speak with an experienced talcum powder injury lawyer if you believe that you’ve been harmed. Rosen Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call our legal team today to schedule a free, no obligation case assessment.

You didn’t ask to be injured. Johnson & Johnson knew that its product could cause cancer but failed to warn you. Our attorneys are prepared to help you fight for the money you deserve. Call to get started on your talcum powder lawsuit today.