Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Defective Product Attorneys Winning Millions for Injured Victims

Talcum powder is the main ingredient in baby powder and Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower products. Unfortunately, the public only recently learned that talcum powder could cause cancer when used near the genitals for feminine hygiene. Johnson & Johnson has known since 1971. More than 20 studies dating back to the 1970s have found an association between talc-based powders and ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancer.

Talcum was suspected to be cancer causing because of its similarity to asbestos, which is linked to many types of cancers. Mounting evidence now shows that women who used talc-based body powder for feminine hygiene increase their risk of developing cancer by 20-40%, compared to women who do not use such powders.

The defective product lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm are currently investigating ovarian and uterine cancer from talcum powder. Call (800) 794-0444 for a free case review.

Dangers of Talcum Powder

When talcum powder is applied to the genital area, the powder travels through the vagina and into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The body cannot easily remove the talcum particles, so talcum implants into the organs, creating genetic mutations that turn healthy cells into cancerous masses.

Take a look at these statistics:

• Approximately 1 in 70 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime
• Approximately 1 in 53 talc-using women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime
• That equals an extra 2,500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year from talc use
• That equals an extra 1,500 women dying every year from ovarian cancer every year from talc use

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified the genital use of talcum-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” An estimated 16,000 women die of ovarian cancer every year in the United States, making it the fourth most-fatal cancer among women.

For over 40 years, talcum powder manufacturers not only knew of the scientific evidence linking these products to cancer in women but failed to provide any type of warning. Rather than telling women about the potential risk of using its most famous product, Johnson & Johnson continued to market its baby powder and Shower to Shower to women with advertisements targeting women looking to “freshen up.”

Cancer Patients Filing Lawsuits

To date, over 1,200 women have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. Though these claims have not yet been consolidated into an MDL, the second trial began in April 2016 and is ongoing in St. Louis circuit court.

The first talcum lawsuit, filed in 2013, resulted in a win for the plaintiff, a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Shower to Shower powder for 30 years. The federal jury found Johnson & Johnson guilty of failing to warn consumers of the association between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. During this trial, three medical doctors found talcum particles embedded in the woman’s ovarian tumors. Another medical expert testifying in court estimated that at least 10,000 new ovarian cancer diagnoses may be caused by talcum powder each year.

In February 2016, a jury awarded $72 million to the surviving family of Jacqueline Fox, who died in 2015 from ovarian cancer caused by talcum powder. Fox’s son bowed his head and wept when the announcement was read, The jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, conspiracy, and failure to warn. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the verdict.

Dangerous Drug Lawyers Representing Clients Nationwide

To date, no warnings have been placed on talcum-based body powders about potential cancer risk.

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, contact our team of dedicated defective product attorneys immediately. You may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, time away from work, or even loss of a loved one. We don’t charge legal fees unless we obtain a settlement/verdict on your behalf. With 50 years of combined experience and over 10,000 cases handled, we know how to help.

Our award-winning firm employs skilled attorneys who can travel to you, nationwide. Begin a free case review by calling (800) 794-0444.