Talcum powder is composed of hydrated magnesium silicate and is often combined with corn starch to create baby powder. For centuries, women have utilized talcum powder to prevent diaper rashes on their children or for feminine hygiene. What these women didn’t know is the harmful effects of talc and how exposure could eventually result in ovarian cancer. Not only that, but chronic inhalation of talc could result in respiratory problems, especially for babies.
The fact is that there has been decades or research detailing the perineal use of talc-containing powder increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Companies such as Johnston & Johnston were aware of this but refused to add warning labels explaining the dangers of their product. They have even denounced the research and instead claimed their products were safe to use.
If you or someone you love has developed ovarian cancer as a result of using talcum powder products, you could be entitled to compensation.
Talcum Powder Attorney in Whatcom, Washington | Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit
For many years, manufacturers ignored the warnings and research detailing the risks of using talc. Their ignorance has caused thousands of women to suffer due to their negligence. If you’ve been diagnosed with a form of cancer after using talcum powder products, it may be in your best interest to contact PNW Trial Lawyers about a potential lawsuit.
The Washington personal injury attorneys at PNW Trial Lawyers have decades of experience with defective product cases. We can conduct an in-depth investigation and assess all your legal options in a timely, free, and confidential consultation. To schedule yours, call our office at (360) 483-5201. PNW Trial Lawyers has clients in the Bellingham and Whatcom County area as well as surrounding counties such as Skagit County and Snohomish County.
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Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?
The mineral talc is the main ingredient in talcum powder products and is generally found in the rock buried under the earth. Talc may contain the mineral asbestos in its natural state, which has been linked to cancer in the past. In 1976, companies selling talc-based products were asked to remove asbestos to minimize any health risks. However, the standard was never properly enforced and the concerns about talc being linked to cancer still exist.
Talc has been linked to a number of cancers, but several recent studies have shown a correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. A large-scale study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who used talc products had a higher chance of ovarian cancer.
Many believe that asbestos still existing within the talc may cause cancer cells to develop. Others believe that the talc itself is toxic to the body and the inflammation it causes can lead to ovarian cancer. Researchers cannot say for sure how the talc-based products are linked to cancer, just that the findings are “unusually consistent.” Most women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talc products used them in their genital area.
Listed below are some products that are known to include talc.
- Colgate Palmolive Cashmere Bouquet
- CVS Baby Powder
- Family Dollar Baby Powder
- Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower
- Angel of Mine Baby Powder
- Anti Monkey Butt Body Powder
- Rite Aid Baby Powder
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Over the years, more and more women have become aware of the dangerous effects of talcum powder products. Everyday news reports reveal another class action lawsuit against companies producing talc-based items. One of the leading cases of these has been Johnson & Johnson. Recent news has indicated that more than 13,000 plaintiffs have filed claims against the company with success. These lawsuits are generally based off the fact that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn customers of the risks associated with talc.
Several of these cases have resulted in significant jury verdicts in favor of plaintiffs, such as:
- $55 million (May 2016)
- $110 million (May 2017)
- $72 million (February 2016)
- $70 million (October 2016)
These cases were a few years ago, but sufferers of ovarian cancer due to Johnson & Johnson’s products are still filing claims. In March 2019, a jury in California awarded a woman a $29 million dollar settlement after claiming her cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s products. The woman was granted $22 million for her pain and suffering, $5 million for her family’s suffering, and $2.5 million for her medical expenses.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
Personal injury law gives those suffering with an injury/illness to receive compensation for their losses from the responsible party. If you’ve been suffering with ovarian cancer due to exposure to talcum powder products, it’s within your best interest to hire a personal injury attorney. The statutory language surrounding personal injury law is complex and you have a limited amount of time to prepare your case. An product liability attorney can assess if you have a case and then guide you through all your legal options.
The following are some benefits to hiring a personal injury attorney with your talc-based case.
- Set up an in-depth investigation of your case to collect pertinent evidence
- Assess all your legal options in a free and confidential consultation
- Carefully calculate all your losses to determine an accurate demand
- Handle all litigation/negotiation on your behalf with the defendant
- Find researchers and experts to support your claim
Additional Resources
Talcum Powder & Cancer | American Cancer Society – Visit the official website for the American Cancer Society, a nationwide, community based voluntary health organization dedicated to informing others about cancer and eliminating it as a major health concern. Access the site to learn more about talcum powder, how it related to cancer, the American Cancer Society’s stance on it, as well as research supporting the claim.
Johnson & Johnson Face 25,000 US Lawsuits | Business Insider – Visit the official website for the publication of Business Insider to learn more about the developments in the recent talcum powder lawsuits for Johnson & Johnson. Access the site to learn the details of the lawsuit, their expected legal expenses, and the future for talc-based products.
Talcum Powder Cancer Attorney in Bellingham, WA
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products, it’s within your best interest to call PNW Trial Lawyers. The Washington defective product attorneys understand how difficult it can be to struggle with a diagnosis after learning your condition could have been preventable. That is why we want to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses by offering excellent litigation services.
Call us now at (360) 483-5201 to set up your first consultation free of charge.