There is mounting evidence that talcum powder products can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer in women who use it regularly for years. Johnson & Johnson, the multi-billion dollar company, may have known the dangers and failed to warn consumers. The victims are now filing talcum baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits.
How Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Several studies have correlated years of regular use of talcum powder in the genital area with the later development of ovarian cancer.
- Research including thousands of women has concluded that the risk of ovarian cancer is greater for those who frequently use talcum powder.
- Studies have also found talc particles in the cancerous tissue of women who died from ovarian cancer.
- There is evidence that asbestos does sometimes show up in talcum powder products, and asbestos is a known carcinogen.
The asbestos mineral is sometimes mixed with talc in mines. If the talc is not completely purified, traces can remain in the final product. This asbestos contamination is likely the reason experts have connected talcum powder to cancer.
Why File an Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit?
Several women have already successfully filed and won lawsuits against talcum powder manufacturers, mostly Johnson & Johnson.
If you used talcum powder for years or decades, and you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, there may be a connection and several reasons to file a lawsuit:
- Hold the company accountable for liability in your illness.
- Be a part of preventing future harm to consumers.
- Get a settlement to help cover medical and other expenses.
- If you lost a loved one to ovarian cancer and believe talcum powder may be to blame, a lawsuit could provide compensation for medical and funeral expenses and even loss of companionship.
Examples of Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
Some recent lawsuits over talcum powder and ovarian cancer have been successful against Johnson & Johnson:
- The family of Jackie Fox won one important case. She died from ovarian cancer after decades of talcum powder use. The jury awarded them $72 million. This was also a win for other victims as internal Johnson & Johnson memos indicated executives knew cancer could be a risk of using their baby powder.[1]
- Twenty-two women were part of a case that resulted in a jury award of $4.14 billion in punitive damages and $550 million for victim compensation. The company tried to get the award reversed, but a judge denied that request and upheld the jury’s decision and award.[2]
- In May of 2019, a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $300 million in punitive damages because of a woman from New York who developed mesothelioma after decades of using the company’s talcum powder products.[3]
- In California, a jury agreed with Patricia Schmitz’s lawyers and ordered several companies to pay $12 million in the case of her talcum powder-related mesothelioma. The jury ordered Johnson & Johnson and Colgate-Palmolive to each pay 40% of the award, while Avon was held responsible for 20%.[4]
Unfortunately, Johnson & Johnson has also had some recent wins against victims. Margie Evans died in 2018 from ovarian cancer after using Baby Powder for decades. Her family sought damages, but a jury found in favor of the company.[5]
There have also been recent wins for victims. Johnson & Johnson appealed a Missouri class action win that awarded 22 victims more than $4 billion. An appeals court rejected the attempt to overturn it and ordered the company to pay the women more than $2 billion in damages. The Supreme Court refused to hear a final appeal.[6]
State Attorneys General Settle with J&J
In addition to individual and class action lawsuits, attorneys general from 42 states and the District of Columbia sued J&J for compensation over asbestos and ovarian cancer. They sued the company on behalf of residents and consumers.
The company eventually agreed to settle with all the states for $700 million. Each state is set to receive a specific share of the settlement.[7]
Bankruptcy Plan Will Affect Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has been trying for years to settle all its talcum powder lawsuits through a bankruptcy plan. The plan involves putting its asbestos liabilities into a subsidiary that files for bankruptcy. As part of bankruptcy, the subsidiary would create an asbestos trust fund.
The trust fund would compensate qualifying claimants. If successful, this plan would mean victims could no longer sue J&J for compensation.
So far, lawyers for plaintiffs have successfully fought the plan, saying that the company has not set aside enough funds for their clients. Most recently, J&J offered to fund the trust with $6.5 billion. Representatives of plaintiffs must vote on the plan, which requires 75% approval to proceed.[8]
Filing a Talcum Powder Lawsuit – What to Do Next
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after years of using talcum powder, you may want to file a lawsuit:
- Start with a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of cases.
- Your lawyer will investigate your case and find evidence to prove talcum powder played a role in your diagnosis.
- The defendant will have a chance to respond to the lawsuit and may agree to settle. Your lawyer will negotiate to get you a fair settlement amount.
- If the defendants do not want to settle or an agreement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial.
- Both sides will present evidence, and a jury will decide the case and any compensation you can expect.
A lot of evidence has come to light recently that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks of using talcum powder. The company could be facing billions of dollars in jury and settlement awards. If you used talcum powder for many years and now have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you could potentially be a recipient of some of that settlement money. Contact an experienced lawyer to help you get justice.
