A woman in Virginia has just been awarded $110.5 million in a Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit. This is the fourth recent case against J&J that shows the company ignored a possible link between its talcum-based products and cancer. The 62-year-old Lois Slemp was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 and claims her illness was caused by more than 40 years of using J&J talcum-based products, including baby powder. The company has told the Associated Press that it will appeal the verdict disputing the scientific evidence behind the case.
In a 1982 study on the issue, results showed a 92% increased risk for ovarian cancer with women who used talc-based products. Due to this finding, the lead researcher had specifically advised a J&J doctor to place a warning label on their products. However, the company refused and has continued to defend the use of talcum powder in its feminine hygiene products.
So What Is Talcum Powder?
Talcum powder is made from talc, which is a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It is mainly used to absorb moisture, help cut down friction, keep skin dry, and help prevent rashes. It is widely used in consumer/cosmetic products such as facial powder and baby powder. According to the American Cancer Society, in its natural form, some talc contains asbestos which is a substance known to cause cancers in and around the lungs when inhaled.
Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Evidence surrounding asbestos-free talc is far less clear and is currently still being used in a majority of households. In 1971, a link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was discovered by OB/GYNs who found talc in more than 75 percent of the ovarian tumors they investigated. Because of this discovery, many more studies have been conducted and have supported a connection between the two. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has deemed talc to be a “possible carcinogen” for women based on these recent studies.
Although there are over 1200 cases currently being pursued against J&J, the company denies that either it’s Shower to Shower or Baby Powder products cause ovarian cancer and refuse to place warning labels on these products.
If you have questions or concerns about whether or not these products have led to your ovarian cancer diagnosis, contact the personal injury law office of Herrman & Herrman to speak with an experienced attorney. Call 361-882-4357 to schedule your free consultation today. The following infographic is provided by Velawcity and outlines the history of the talcum powder lawsuit.
Source: Velawcity.com
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
