Canyon Ridge Legal represents women across the nation stricken with Ovarian Cancer caused by using talcum powder. If you or a loved one are suffering from ovarian cancer after long-term use of talcum powder, you may have a legal claim and be entitled to recover significant damages from the manufacturer.
*** The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only. ***
There are numerous scientific studies showing that women who use talcum powder on their genitalia just one time per week are 30 to 60% more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Yet, talc manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson vehemently deny any causal link. In 2006 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified genital talcum powder use as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Since talc powder and baby powder are classified as cosmetics and not regulated by the FDA, there is very little oversight as manufacturers essentially regulate themselves.
Medical studies have indicated a link between the use of talcum powder and increased risk of ovarian cancer. One study showed women who use talc have a 20% to 30% greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson adamantly denies the legitimacy of this and other studies linking their products to cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that talcum powder contaminated with asbestos is a carcinogen to the human body. The Agency further states that talcum powder that does not contain particles of asbestos is “not classifiable as a carcinogen” to the human body.
Since the early 1970’s, scientist have known that talcum powder can be contaminated with asbestos which is a well know carcinogen in the human body. Talcum powder and cancer-causing asbestos are both mined from the earth and are often found in close proximity in nature.
Litigation is primarily focused on plaintiffs with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, a type of cancer
The Mayo Clinic describes malignant mesothelioma as a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma is aggressive and deadly as a cure is not available. Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor in most mesothelioma cases.
Although research linking ovarian cancer to talc powder dates back to the early 1970’s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never issued a talc powder cancer warning. Because talcum powder and baby powder are classified as cosmetics and not regulated by the FDA, the agency has little authority to warn consumers that may be at risk.
Johnson & Johnson is currently facing over 12,000 lawsuits claiming talc-based products like baby powder and Shower to Shower cause various forms of cancer including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Talcum powder lawsuits allege J&J knew their products contained asbestos and could cause cancer but did nothing to warn consumers about the risk of using their products. There is mounting evidence that manufacturers not only failed to warn but concealed the dangers from regulators and the public for decades.
J&J has consistently maintained that its baby powder is completely safe and has always been free of asbestos. Based on an extensive investigation by Reuters News, that is highly unlikely. Evidence shows that J&J has known since the early 1970’s that its talc-based products sometimes contain the deadly carcinogen asbestos.
Although plaintiffs have done well in jury trials against Johnson & Johnson, not all cases have resulted in big recoveries. In March 2017, a jury ruled in favor of J&J against plaintiff Nora Daniels. In 2013 Daniels underwent a full hysterectomy including removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes. Attorneys for the defendant convinced jurors that there was no link between use of talc powder and Ms. Daniel’s cancer.
According to Bloomberg there have been a number of confidential settlements
Gail Ingham – St. Louis, MO $4.69 Billion Jury Verdict
A St. Louis jury awarded $4.69 billion in punitive and compensatory damages to Gail Ingham and 21 other plaintiffs in a six-week trial.
Eva Echeverria – California $417 Million Jury Verdict
In August 2017 a California jury awarded Eva Echeverria $417 million in damaged against Johnson & Johnson. The jury found that Ms. Echeverria contracted ovarian cancer after regular use of Shower to Shower for more than 40 years. The California Superior Court overturned the verdict finding there was no convincing evidence that Johnson & Johnson acted with malice.
Lois Slemp – St. Louis, MO $110 Million Jury Verdict
A St. Louis jury awarded Lois Slemp $110 million in punitive and compensatory damages after finding that her ovarian cancer was caused by using J&J’s Baby Powder for over 40 years.
Jacqueline Fox – St. Louis, MO $72 Million Jury Verdict
In February 2016, a St. Louis jury awarded the family of Jacqueline Fox $72 million after finding that consistent use of J&J’s products containing talcum powder over a period of 35 years resulted in ovarian cancer. Ms. Fox later died from the cancer. The verdict was overturned in October of 2017.
Deborah Giannecchini $70 Million Jury Verdict
In October 2016 a jury awarded Deborah Giannecchini over $70 million in compensation after finding she contracted ovarian cancer from using Baby Powder for over 40 years.
