Talcum Powder Mass Tort Representation
If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talc powder or other talc products, you may be entitled to compensation. From 2016 to today, manufacturers of talc products have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to victims.
About Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Edwards & Ragatz is reviewing cases on behalf of women who developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talc powder or other talc products.
Since 1971, more than 20 studies have linked talcum (talc) powder to ovarian cancer, and, in 2003, an analysis of 16 of these studies found that** women using talcum powder were 33 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer.** It has been alleged that Johnson & Johnson, the maker of popular talc-based products, knew about the risk of ovarian cancer since at least 1982, but failed to warn women using these products.
In addition, recently unearthed information reported by The New York Times showed that Johnson & Johnson knew of the possible link of asbestos to their talc products. According to the article, the company spent decades trying to keep this negative information from reaching the public.
Thousands of people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma have filed lawsuits against companies that use talc in their products. Johnson & Johnson has been at the center of many recent lawsuits, with victims claiming that they developed cancer after using the company’s talc-based items consistently for years.
Another key aspect of the lawsuits involves prosecuting attorneys’ claims that manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson knew for over 40 years that their products contained asbestos. According to internal J&J documents, the company concealed this information from the public and refused to put safety warnings on its items or remove them from sales shelves.
As of March 2019, more than 13,000 lawsuits were pending against Johnson & Johnson. Lawsuits are also pending against other talc product manufacturers.
Important Talcum Powder FAQ
What is talc used for?
Talc appears in a wide range of products, including talcum powder (baby powder), feminine hygiene products, makeup, lotions, and deodorant. As talcum powder is known for its odor-and-moisture-absorbing properties, some women use it in their genital area. Genital exposure to the mineral can also occur during condom, menstrual pad, or diaphragm use.
Why is talc harmful?
In nature, talc deposits are often found near dangerous accumulations of the carcinogenic mineral asbestos. Asbestos has been linked to many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, a rare disease of the lungs. Even trace amounts of asbestos have the potential to cause cancer, and diagnoses are often made decades after a talc-containing product was used.
Who can file a lawsuit?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, you may be eligible to file an individual lawsuit, especially if you have a consistent history of using such wares over a significant time period. The more frequently you used the product and the longer the duration, the more likely it is that your cancer could have been caused by one containing talc. Because statutes of limitation for filing a lawsuit vary by state, it is in your best interest to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis.
What can I win in a talc lawsuit?
What you can recover depends on the type of lawsuit you file. For example, there is a class action lawsuit filed against Johnson & Johnson where many consumers are suing for damages related to the cost of the product. However, it is important to understand that class actions do not cover individual health-related costs.
If, on the other hand, you file an individual lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses. Each case is different, and depending on the cost of your medical bills, the symptoms you experienced, and how much work you missed, the final settlement amount will vary.