Baby powder product with talc mineral spilling over diagnosis record paper on doctor's pad with stethoscope in teal color background: Patient's health examination document with sample of talcum on top
In the most recent case of ovarian cancer to go to trial, a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to pay a woman $417 million in her lawsuit claiming baby powder caused her ovarian cancer. However, J&J’s attorney said that the correlation between a woman using talc for feminine hygiene and an ovarian cancer diagnosis is weak.
Previous talc powder case outcomes from across the country have awarded women millions of dollars in damages. The company continues to defend itself, saying its talcum powder products are safe.
This is the largest jury verdict in the talcum powder litigation so far, with three other cases this year ending in awards ranging from $72 million to $55 million.
WHAT IS TALC?
Talcum powder is made from talc, which is a natural mineral found in the earth. It’s used in cosmetic products like eye shadow and baby powder because of its smooth and absorbent qualities.
Cosmetic powders don’t need FDA approval to enter the market, which means the FDA doesn’t regulate them. Baby powder and other talc-containing powders aren’t subject to strict testing or labeling, which leaves room for companies to sell dangerous, misbranded, or defective products.
TALC’S LINK TO OVARIAN CANCER
These lawsuits claim that, when applied regularly, talcum powder particles can travel through women’s reproductive organs into the ovaries. There, the talc particles embed, and over time cause cellular changes that can turn into cancerous cells.
The American Cancer Society considers that the continued use of talcum powder on the genitals is carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to the ovaries, and is a risk factor for ovarian cancer.
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WOMEN FIGHT BACK
Eva Echeverria, an ovarian cancer patient, fought J&J on the grounds that its talcum powder products were a direct cause of her terminal cancer.
During trial, a pathologist testifying for Ms. Echeverria said he’d found talc particles in her surgically-removed ovarian tissue.
The jury considered evidence that J&J has known about the risks of talc and ovarian cancer for 30 years, and awarded Ms. Echeverria $417 million. The company continues to refuse to warn women buying their products about the cancer risk.
WE CAN HELP YOU
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer that is connected to talcum powder use, contact our talcum powder lawyers as soon as possible. We have over 30 years of experience representing patients against giant corporations like Johnson & Johnson, winning millions on their behalf. We accept clients nationwide.
Call or text 800-934-6555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
