In a recent jury verdict, a Missouri family has been awarded $72 million in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) regarding its J&J Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products. The jury found J&J to be liable for the death of a woman who used the products for over 35 years for feminine hygiene. The jury awarded the family $10 million in compensatory damages and another $62 million in punitive damages.
This is the first jury award against J&J in the talc/ovarian cancer lawsuits that have been filed against the company alleging fraud, negligence, and conspiracy. Currently there are approximately 1,200 more lawsuits pending throughout the United States against J&J for these same products. According to the jury foreman, “It was really clear they were hiding something. All they had to do was put a warning label on.”
Failure to Warn of Potential Risks
Studies linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer have been published since 1971. In the article, “Talc and Carcinoma of the Ovary and Cervix,” The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the British Commonwealth reported that research revealed talc deeply embedded in ovarian tumor tissues. Another study in 2013 confirmed the risk of ovarian cancer when using talc. This study found up to a 30% increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who used talcum powder in the groin region.
Talc is a common household product used for its ability to absorb moisture and prevent rashes, odor, and chafing. However, when talcum powder is used as a feminine hygiene product, the powder can enter the vagina and travel to the ovaries. The talc particles do not dissolve or leave the body but accumulate in the ovaries. Over time, this leads to inflammation and cancer.
The talcum powder/ovarian cancer lawsuits filed against J&J allege the company failed to warn consumers of the potential dangers of using its products containing talcum powder and that it specifically marketed products containing talcum powder as feminine hygiene products even though it knew or should have known of the risk for ovarian cancer. For example, J&J’s baby powder containing talc carries a warning label concerning inhalation risk in babies but does not warn women of the risk of ovarian cancer on its Shower to Shower label even though the product contains talc.
Have You Been Injured by a Defective Product or Defective Drug?
If so, the defective product attorneys of The Olinde Firm want to help you receive compensation for your injuries. When a company fails to warn the public of potential risks and dangers of using its product, that company should be held liable for injuries and damages caused by that product. Our product liability lawyers have the experience and skill you need to get justice for the wrong that has been done to you by a greed corporation only interested in its bottom line.
Contact our office for a free case evaluation. We never charge you an attorney fee until and unless we win compensation for your damages and injuries. Call us today for your free legal consultation.