Talcum powder is a standard product often used to prevent rashes and keep skin dry. Women of all ages regularly use it for skin care. According to some estimates, one in five American women applies talc powder on their genitalia. However, only a few women know that talcum powder use in the genital area poses a significant health risk. Research links this talc-containing product with ovarian cancer, specifically when applied to the genitals. When talc particles enter the body through the vaginal and fallopian tubes, it irritates the ovaries, causing inflammation and the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is the leading talcum powder manufacturing company. Thousands of women filed talcum powder lawsuits in state and federal courts against the company. The allegation was that the firm failed to include warnings on their talc-based products about the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. In case you or your family member have a similar lawsuit to file, get in touch with our experienced legal counselors.
Can talcum powder cause ovarian cancer?
Talc is an earth-mined mineral that contains magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Since it absorbs moisture and reduces friction efficiently, most cosmetic manufacturers incorporate it into their products. Talcum powder is one such product made from talc. Some people apply it on condoms, diaphragms, and sanitary napkins. However, most health communities do not consider its use as a risk for causing ovarian cancer. Extensive research shows that using talc-based body powder perineally is potentially carcinogenic to users. When used on feminine genitalia or sanitary products, talcum sprinkles enter the vagina via the uterus and fallopian tubes. Talc may settle into the ovaries, cause inflammation, and allow cancer cells to develop with time.
Johnson’s® baby powder and Shower to Shower® absorbent body powder are famous Johnson & Johnson talc-based products. Baby powder has 99% talc, whereas Shower to Shower includes about 50% talc. Women who relied on these products for years to keep them clean are now filing lawsuits. They found that its daily usage contributed to their cancer diagnoses. They contend that talcum powder has been advertised for genital use to help women and girls feel fresher. Johnson & Johnson failed to inform consumers of its health risks. If J&J products had warning labels, they could have made decisions to protect their health and safety.
Updated information on Talcum Powder Lawsuit Settlement
The first talcum powder product liability lawsuit came from an ovarian cancer-suffering woman who was 49 years old. She used to apply J&J talcum baby powder between her legs every day for 30 years before diagnosis. Her doctor found talc content embedded in cancerous tissues in her body. The condition prompted her to sue Johnson & Johnson in South Dakota District Court. She held the company responsible for causing her ovarian cancer because it had not put a warning label on its products. The court agreed with the statement that Johnson & Johnson should have warned talcum powder users about the associated risk. The failure to warn clause opened the door for future J&J talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits.
In the same context, several ladies who used talcum powder for an extended period and later developed ovarian cancer sued the firm. They claimed that the company was aware of the risks associated with talc but failed to warn them. The Talcum Powder MDL currently contains over 37,000 individual talcum powder lawsuits that have been filed across the nation. To resolve 1,000 of these claims, Johnson & Johnson declared in October 2020 that it had decided to pay $100 million. The company could seek more bulk settlements, but issues related to bankruptcy have delayed negotiations.
Though talcum powder litigation has been ongoing for a long time and many cases have already completed trials, you can still file a lawsuit. Note that people who used talc-containing products and developed mesothelioma may also make a claim. Your talcum powder lawsuit is valid if you fulfill the following conditions:
- Using talcum powder products regularly for at least a year
- Ovarian cancer or mesothelioma diagnosed within the last three years
Expected Settlement Amounts for Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Talc powder studies have yielded varying results over the years, but scientific research indicates a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Many ladies who developed cancer after long-term use of talcum powder sued the manufacturing company. They alleged that it knew about the dangers of talc but failed to warn them.
Large verdicts in ovarian cancer cases against Johnson & Johnson in St. Louis courts—$72 million, $70 million, and $55 million—attracted media attention. Expert witnesses for the plaintiffs testified that they discovered talc particles in the ovaries of cancer-stricken women in some of these lawsuits.
To resolve a group of 1,000 similar cases, Johnson & Johnson paid out $100,000,000. It amounts to an average case cost of about $100,000. The value of a mass tort case is less likely to decrease with subsequent settlements. So, you can expect the average settlement amount for the remaining talc cancer lawsuits to be slightly higher than previous suits.
How Long Does It Take for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit to Settle?
Typically, talcum powder lawsuits take between 12 and 24 months to settle. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and the complexity of the legal issues involved.
Hire Our Talcum Powder Lawsuit Lawyers Now
Talcum powder lawsuits are product liability cases with different statutes of limitations in each state. Only an experienced lawyer can skillfully evaluate your talcum powder claim. Our attorneys at Phillips Law Offices can help you determine the correct time frame for each state. Preserve your legal rights for talcum powder cases by contacting us now. Visit our official website and schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced lawyers. We can help you gain the monetary assistance you deserve for your pain and suffering.
Note that the duration of the talcum powder case settlement depends on several variables. Due to the extensive medical documentation and scientific research required to link talcum powder use to cancer, talcum powder cases are more complex. For instance, the first settlement of the Johnson and Johnson lawsuit took years to reach a decision. Before deciding to settle more lawsuits, the company may need to take a few federal cases to trial. Eventually, a talcum powder lawsuit, like any complex product liability case, may last between three and seven years.
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