You can pursue damages if a loved one died of ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for personal hygiene.
Using talcum powder in the genital region may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the journal Epidemiology.
Stores and manufacturers have an obligation to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products. This includes the makers and distributors of talcum powder, because it is known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
How You May Recover Damages
Companies owe consumers a duty of care to take reasonable measures to prevent illness or injury.
This duty of care might include:
- Removing the product from retail stores.
- Putting a warning label on the product.
- Revealing studies that show how the product is a health risk.
In 2018, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay nearly $4.7 billion in damages to plaintiffs who developed cancer or who lost a loved one to cancer after using talcum powder for personal hygiene.
You may be entitled to damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Where to Find Help in Filing a Wrongful Death Case
Each state has its own statutes regarding wrongful death and personal injury cases. There is also a statute of limitations, or deadline, depending on which state you live in.
Most people find liability and negligence laws confusing. You should also know that a manufacturer like Johnson & Johnson has a team of lawyers that will do all they can to avoid paying compensation.
That is why many surviving family members turn to a lawyer with a deep understanding of these kinds of cases. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free case evaluation and do not charge upfront fees. They are paid from a portion of the compensation they recover for you—no recovery, no fee.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
What Are Recoverable Damages
If your loved one died from ovarian cancer from using talcum powder, you could recover compensatory damages.
There are two kinds of damages: special and general. Special damages are tangible and specific losses, such as a doctor’s bill. General damages are less tangible but equally important, such as pain and suffering.
A personal injury lawyer can help you recover both kinds of damages, which may include:
- Medical bills for your loved one until their passing.
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of income, benefits, and annuities had your loved one lived a normal life expectancy.
- Your pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
- Loss of consortium, companionship, protection, and guidance.
Sometimes the court will also award punitive damages.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
It is up to you, the plaintiff, to provide proof that the other party (the defendant) breached its duty of care and contributed to your loved one’s ovarian cancer and eventual death.
A lawyer will carefully evaluate your case to determine who is liable for your loved one’s passing.
This evaluation may include:
- Reviewing medical records.
- Interviewing medical experts on the link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder use.
- Assessing a value for your damages.
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How Talcum Powder Increases the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Talcum powder (or talc) is a mineral that contains oxygen, silicon, and magnesium. Talc absorbs moisture and prevents chafing by reducing friction. Talcum powder is widely used in cosmetics, skincare products, and products for babies, such as baby powder.
Some companies advertise talc products to women for personal hygiene use. However, using talcum powder on a regular basis has potentially dangerous results, according to the Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern University.
Regular use of talcum powder on a woman’s genitals may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 33%, compared to women who did not use talcum powder.
The American Cancer Society suggests that women should limit or avoid using talcum powder for personal hygiene.
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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is considered one of the deadliest forms of reproductive cancers for women because it can be difficult to diagnose correctly and early.
By the time a woman has symptoms, the cancer is often too advanced to successfully treat.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Unintentional weight loss
- Needing to urinate frequently
We Are Here to Help
We understand that losing a loved one is tragic. When their death was hastened or caused by a known dangerous substance or product, it is even more difficult.
You can pursue damages if a loved one died of ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free case evaluation.
We do not shy away from the tough cases and believe your family should not suffer further as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
