On its website, Johnson & Johnson proudly displays the company’s slogan, “A Family Company at Work for a Better World.” The company lists a healthier world as one of its core values in its vision statement. Despite these inspiring statements, Johnson & Johnson has been the subject of countless talcum powder lawsuits nationwide. Thousands of individuals have accused the company of concealing ovarian cancer and asbestos potentially linked to its talcum powder products. Johnson & Johnson generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, but many allege these profits have jeopardized the well-being of thousands of consumers.
Talcum powder lawyers at our law firm are currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma as a result of using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower personal hygiene powders. Although pursuing a lawsuit against large companies like Johnson & Johnson may prove difficult, one of our talcum powder lawyers can guide you through the process. Call (888) 525-3529 or fill out the free case evaluation form on this page to speak with a talcum powder lawyer today.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral mined from the earth. Manufacturers crush and mill talc into a soft white powder called talcum powder, which companies use to make various cosmetic and personal care products. Many baby powders and adult powders contain talc since it absorbs moisture, reduces odors, and minimizes friction. In makeup, talc prevents caking and makes concealers opaque. Also, talcum powder works as a lubricant and produces soft textures. Certain body powders, blush, eye shadow, foundation, and face powder contain talc.
Also, some industrial products like paint, ceramics, paper, and rubber may contain talc.
Asbestos, like talc, is a naturally occurring mineral. Talc and asbestos may be mined near each other. Various agencies worldwide classify asbestos as a known carcinogen, a substance capable of causing cancer. Companies must select their mining sites carefully since asbestos can contaminate talc.
Unfortunately, no law requires cosmetic companies to share safety information with the FDA. The FDA cannot guarantee that talcum powder products are asbestos-free.
Due to growing concerns over talc, the FDA awarded AMA Analytical Services Inc. a one-year contract to test talc-based products for asbestos in 2018. Following this contract, AMA identified asbestos in cosmetic products by Claire’s Stores Inc. and Beauty Plus Global, and the companies voluntarily recalled these products. The FDA warned consumers not to use the affected cosmetics.
In October 2019, one lot of Johnson & Johnson baby powder tested positive for asbestos. Following this discovery, Johnson & Johnson subsequently recalled 33,000 bottles of its Baby Powder. Also, the FDA advised the public not to use this specific lot.
In May 2020, Johnson & Johnson stopped selling its talcum powder-based baby powder products in the United States and Canada markets. But Johnson & Johnson shareholders voted to continue selling their talcum powder-based products worldwide in April 2022.
In August 2022, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would stop all global sales of its talc-based products in 2023. The company stated that it will transition to solely cornstarch-based baby powder products instead of talcum powder. Again, the company asserted that this development does not reflect any change in its original stance toward the safety of its talcum powder products.
People who regularly use products containing talcum powder report serious and life-threatening injuries such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Many women incorporate baby powder into their feminine hygiene routine, but studies dating back to 1971 have established a possible link between talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Nearly 14,000 women die from ovarian cancer each year in the United States, as it is one of the most deadly gynecologic cancers. The outcome for mesothelioma patients is no better. According to Penn Medicine, the current five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is 10%.
A majority of talcum powder lawsuits allege that the use of talc products contributed to the development of ovarian cancer. According to studies, women who use talc powder once per week have a 30-60 percent higher chance of developing ovarian cancer. Lawsuits allege that using talcum powder that contains asbestos in the genital area can be harmful to women’s reproductive health. The tiny particles of asbestos can move through the female reproductive system and accumulate in the ovaries, causing inflammation. This inflammation may increase the chances of cancerous tumors forming in the ovaries. Sadly, the American Cancer Society estimates:
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that surrounds the lining of the lungs and other organs. Typically, mesothelioma is diagnosed in workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace. However, talcum powder lawyers suggest that asbestos in talcum powder products could result in mesothelioma.
While the outcome depends on the type of mesothelioma and the stage, it is a very aggressive form of cancer. Nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually in the United States, and 2,500 mesothelioma deaths occur each year. Studies have shown that talc companies manufactured products that tested positive for asbestos. However, Johnson & Johnson allegedly concealed data that revealed asbestos contamination in talc. In reports to the FDA, the company denied that asbestos was present in talc products.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after using talcum powder products, we encourage you to reach out today. Ovarian cancer and mesothelioma can be aggressive and debilitating, which is why The Lake Law Firm wants to support individuals struggling with these conditions. Our firm handles everything so that you can focus on what is most important, your health and recovery.
Individuals have partnered with talcum powder lawyers to file claims that exposure to asbestos in talcum powder products caused them to develop ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. The World Health Organization and other authorities have cautioned that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Although the U.S. highly regulates asbestos, and many countries have banned it entirely, lawsuits allege manufacturers and distributors failed to warn consumers about the risks of asbestos in talcum powder products. Also, lawsuits state that Johnson & Johnson knew or should have known that its baby powder contained asbestos for decades.
A multidistrict litigation (MDL) was established in 2016 to handle the rapidly growing talcum powder litigation. In an MDL, similar lawsuits from different parts of the country are brought together in one federal court. This is done to make it easier and faster to resolve all the cases fairly and efficiently.
By December 2021, over 37,000 talcum powder claims had been filed in the talcum powder multidistrict litigation. However, these lawsuits are currently paused due to Johnson & Johnson’s bankruptcy attempts.
In October 2021, with lawsuits increasing, Johnson & Johnson engaged in what is known as the “Texas Two-Step.” The company created a subsidiary business, LTL Management, in Texas and transferred all talcum powder liability to this new business. Afterward, LTL Management filed for bankruptcy, which halted all talcum powder lawsuits. Johnson & Johnson also provided the subsidiary $2 billion to settle all future talcum powder litigation. However, attorneys argue this $2 billion trust is insufficient to settle the tens of thousands of remaining lawsuits considering the company has already paid $3.5 billion in talcum powder verdicts and settlements.
Finally, in January 2023, an appeals court dismissed Johnson & Johnson’s bankruptcy plan. But on April 4, 2023, it filed a second bankruptcy petition, proposing a talcum powder settlement worth $8.9 billion. Yet, many plaintiffs note that this settlement is not enough.
In several cases, plaintiffs in talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson have received significant awards.
In a groundbreaking case in July 2018, a court awarded 22 women $4.7 billion in compensatory and punitive damages. The St. Louis jury determined that Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder contained asbestos and caused ovarian cancer. While a court later reduced the amount to $2.12 billion, the verdict was an impressive victory for the plaintiffs.
If you developed cancer after using talcum powder, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Providing a guaranteed amount for the compensation that can be collected in a talcum powder claim is challenging, as compensation is subject to several case-specific factors. The extent of your injuries, the cost of your medical expenses, and how your injuries have impacted your quality of life can influence what you may qualify for.
A talcum powder lawyer can provide insight into potential compensation based on their experience with similar cases. Yet, it is important to remember that every claim is unique.
How long someone has to file a lawsuit changes from case to case and depends on several factors, including your state’s statute of limitations. Generally, an individual must file a claim within a certain number of years from the date of injury or the date the injury should have been discovered.
You should seek legal assistance sooner rather than later. The team at Lake Law Firm can help you ensure that you meet all necessary filing deadlines for your claim. Do not miss your chance to file your case – contact us today.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. A talcum powder lawyer will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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