Johnson & Johnson (J&J), one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, has its back up against a wall after losing two consecutive lawsuits brought against them for the hazardous nature of their talcum powder products, specifically Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products. In the first lawsuit, J&J was ordered to pay $72 million to a woman’s family after she passed away from ovarian cancer that was caused by regular talc powder use for feminine hygiene purposes. The second lawsuit, which concluded in May 2016, ordered the company to $55 million in compensation to a woman who was still fighting her ovarian cancer, which was also linked to routine talcum powder exposure.
With at least another 1,000 talcum powder lawsuits already filed against Johnson & Johnson, people are starting to speculate whether or not they will keep these products, which are among their top-sellers, on shelves. Part of the reason why juries are slamming J&J with steep verdict rewards is because they believe the products should have been removed decades ago. Talcum powder for internal use and use around the genitals has been suspected as dangerous for more than a century but the first significant findings arose in the early 70’s.
In the early 80’s, doctors urged Johnson & Johnson to put a warning label on their product but the company refused. Even to this day, as they are facing the weight of innumerable lawsuits, J&J is steadfast in believing that the juries and studies are incorrect, and that other factors are causing these women’s ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. It cites specifically the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) list of known carcinogens, which does not include talcum powder. The company plans on appealing both verdicts.
Can You File a Talc Powder Lawsuit?
With the sheer number of talcum powder lawsuits being filed against Johnson & Johnson, it is clear that individualized litigation might not be the solution if you need to file one as well. You will likely need to opt into a mass tort or class action against the company, unless there are very specific circumstances surrounding your injuries and illnesses. Contact Alvandi Law Group, P.C. if you need help with your case. Our Orange County toxic exposure attorneys are well-versed in handling lawsuits dealing with dangerous chemicals marketed to consumers or provided to employees.
Call (800) 980-6905 today for more information.