Missouri & Illinois Talcum Powder Attorneys
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and regularly use baby powder, you could have a claim for money damages.
Women who have used talcum powder based Johnson & Johnson baby powder in their genital region for a long period of time and then were diagnosed with ovarian cancer likely have a claim for damages.
- Are you a woman who used talc for at least four continuous years?
- Were you diagnosed with ovarian cancer before age 65?
If the answer to these questions is “yes,” you may be entitled to a sizable award of damages.
Talc-based Baby Powder Lawsuit
Women all over the country may be entitled to recover by filing a talcum powder lawsuit. You will not be able to recover unless you take action.
Time is limited to file your claim for compensation. Claims can be filed at no cost to you–no fees unless we recover!
What is Talc?
Talc is made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It is found in cosmetics such as eye shadow and blush, chewing gum, plastic, paint, and ceramics. It is also the main ingredient in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder. Talcum powder is used in baby powder because it efficiently absorbs moisture and reduces friction, which the manufacturer markets as beneficial in preventing rashes.
Why Are Women With Ovarian Cancer Getting Money?
Talcum powder, commonly known as “talc,” has been shown to cause ovarian cancer in women who use it in their genital area for long periods of time. No warnings appear on various product labels regarding this risk. Several recent lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts for talc users. Women all around the country are filing suit against talc manufacturers to recover for the horrible damage ovarian cancer causes.
If you have used talc for over four years and were diagnosed with ovarian cancer you may have a claim for damages. Time is limited to file your claim. No compensation will be awarded unless you take action. Contact Keane Law LLC today for a free consultation regarding your talcum powder case. Our services our free unless and until we recover money damages on your behalf.
Ovarian Cancer Background
Every year, over 14,000 women die from ovarian cancer. Oftentimes symptoms remain unnoticed or dismissed as menstrual cramps. Research has uncovered strong evidence linking talcum powder use, a main component in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, and serous ovarian cancer. The typical odds of being diagnosed of ovarian cancer for women in America is one in 70—when accounting for talc use, the odds become one in 53.
What Harms Does Talc Cause?
In talc’s natural state, the powder used to contain asbestos, which is a known cause of cancer. However, asbestos was banned from talcum powder in the 1970s. Even without asbestos, talcum’s chemical structure remains similar, as a silicate mineral with a crystalline structure. Ingestion of such minerals may cause chronic inflammation that can lead to formation of malignant tumors.
How Does Talcum Powder Cause Ovarian Cancer?
Women have commonly sprinkled baby powder on or by genital regions for over a century now. Talcum powder comprises 99.8% of the ingredients in some formulations of baby powder. In order for it to cause ovarian cancer the talcum powder particles travel through the vagina to the ovaries.
How Often Does Talc Cause Ovarian Cancer?
While studies have mixed results, the first study to look at the correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer performed in 1971 found that 10 of the 13 ovarian tumors contained embedded talc particles.
What Is the Evidence That Talc Causes Ovarian Cancer?
Dr. Daniel Cramer, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, was the first to show a statistical link between genital talc use and ovarian cancer in 1982. An executive at Johnson & Johnson even met with Cramer to discuss the findings of the study, which proves that Johnson & Johnson have been aware of the correlation since at least the release of the study.
At least 20 other studies have reached the same conclusion: Talcum powder use is linked to ovarian cancer. Roberta Ness, the dean of University of Texas School of Public Health, predicts that baby powder could contribute to 2,500 women being diagnosed with and 1,500 women dying from ovarian cancer.
Who Is At Risk?
Risk depends on longevity and frequency of use. The most at-risk individuals are described as perineal users. This means that the more frequently and greater time span you applied talc-based powder to the area surrounding genitals, such as underwear or pads, the greater the risk for contracting ovarian cancer. The approximate increased risk associated with perineal talcum powder use is about 33%.
What Types of Ovarian Cancer Are Associated With Talc Use?
The most common ovarian cancer directly linked to talc use is serous ovarian cancer. This subtype is also the most common subtype among women. Other ovarian cancer subtypes still have links with talcum powder use, however, some studies show a weaker correlation.
Why Is Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Still On The Market?
Johnson & Johnson rejects the studies performed indicating the correlation between the mineral and the cancer, citing lack of research and evidence to draw such a conclusion. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Association does not require review of cosmetic products such as baby powders, so there is no federal regulation requiring the disclosure of talcum powder’s potential negative effects. Johnson & Johnson continue the sale of the talcum powders because of the revenue, bringing in $374 million dollars in 2014 alone. For them to eliminate the products would be costly.
If you have reason to believe that a talc manufacturer may be responsible for your ovarian cancer, you need to speak up. The courts are the best outlets to ensure big companies are held accountable for their actions, or lack thereof. The American Cancer Society is warning of the potential risks of talc, so why shouldn’t Johnson & Johnson?
Are There Any Products That Can Substitute For Talc-based Baby Powder?
Yes. Corn starch-based products have the same function and performance as talcum powder, and many of Johnson & Johnson’s competitors have switched to that ingredient. Johnson & Johnson also markets corn-starch based products.
What Have Been The Results Of Previous Cases?
In 2013, Deane Berg from South Dakota brought the first talc powder case and won a negligence claim. The jury found Johnson & Johnson was negligent by not warning consumers of the dangers of the product; however, they were not awarded any damages.
In February, 2016, Jacqueline Fox’s family was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages after a St. Louis jury found Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder responsible for her death. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using the talcum-based product for over thirty years.
In May, 2016, Gloria Ristesund was awarded $5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages. Ms. Ristesund used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder regularly for decades before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and having numerous cancer treatments including a hysterectomy.
Currently there are over 1,200 lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson, around 1,000 centralized in Missouri alone, based on its failure to properly warn consumers of the potential dangers associated with talc.
Do I Have A Claim?
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and have used Johnson’s Baby Powder consistently for a period of time for intimate feminine hygiene, you may have a claim. Call us today to receive a free consultation to determine if you have a claim.
How Do I File A Claim?
The process of how to file a claim differs depending on each state. Hiring an attorney is the easiest route to ensure that this is completed correctly. Pharmaceutical litigation can be complex, and at Keane Law LLC, we work diligently to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. There is no charge for anything unless and until you receive a winning verdict or settlement.
How Long Do I Have To File My Claim?
This varies per state. Each state has a different statute of limitations, which means that the deadlines depend on where you live. Unfortunately, if the claim is too late, there will be no access to rightful compensation. Contact us today so we can make sure you receive the proper legal representation you deserve.
What Compensation Can I Expect?
The two St. Louis cases that occurred this year in which Johnson & Johnson was found liable for millions of dollars of damages are only the beginning. Future awards may be more, less, or nothing at all. There is no set compensation for Johnson & Johnson’s failure to provide proper warning of the dangers associated with talc; however, at Keane Law LLC we will do our best to ensure that you are justly compensated. Please be aware that past results are no guarantee of future results.
Why Should I Hire Keane Law LLC For My Talc Case?
At Keane Law LLC, we have recovered millions of dollars for consumers harmed by dangerous or defective products. Our attorneys are well versed in this complex area of law and have a history of success. We will earn you the compensation you deserve for your suffering. No matter which state you are in, we will work to accommodate you. Contact us today to get started.
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