A Colorado talcum powder cancer lawsuit could be an option for women who used baby powder products and developed ovarian cancer. Lawsuits against product manufacturer Johnson & Johnson allege that long-term use of talc-based products caused them to develop ovarian cancer and that they were not adequately warned of the risks associated with these products. Affected women and their families may be able to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a Colorado talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Colorado today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Is Talcum Powder?
Talc is a natural mineral that is mainly comprised of oxygen, magnesium and silicon. In powder form, talc is known to help absorb moisture and reduce friction, which is why it is commonly used in personal care products such as baby powder or body powder. Many parents use baby powder on their children to prevent diaper rash, but it can also be used by adult females for feminine hygiene purposes. Johnson & Johnson has also marketed talcum-based products for adults called Shower to Shower, which is often applied in the genital region.
Talcum Powder Research
Talc is the softest mineral, and when ground into powder, it is gentle on the skin, absorbs moisture and prevents chafing. Scientists have not found a link between talcum powder and most cancers. However, some, but not all, laboratory-based studies have produced results that indicate talc causes tumors in animals. Other studies seem to indicate that there could be a link between prolonged genital use and ovarian cancer. Many of these studies are considered inconclusive because although there seems to be an increased risk, it could be caused by other factors that were not included in the studies.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are two main ways that scientists determine whether something is carcinogenic. They typically do tests with the substance in a laboratory, exposing animals or cells to it and studying the reactions. Also, they may research the cancer rates for people who are exposed to it and compare that to the overall rate, or the rate of certain groups.
The combined outcomes of this research often provides results that are definitive. For example, it was determined in the 1970s that talcum powder containing asbestos causes cancer. These two minerals are often found together in nature, so they must be separated carefully before talc can be used in products.
Talcum Powder and the FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has responded to purported talc cancer links by conducting a survey based on consumer claims of injury as a result of using this substance. The survey investigated the presence of asbestos (which is often found to be in close proximity with natural occurring talc) within a number of products using talcum powder.
While the FDA found no evidence of asbestos in the tested products, they warn that due to the relatively small sampling size (with only four manufacturers offering their products for testing) the presence of asbestos in other products can’t be completely ruled out.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
In February 2016, a woman’s family was awarded $72 million in damages from Johnson & Johnson. The woman at the center of the case died from ovarian cancer at the age of 61 in October 2015, but her family continued the lawsuit after her death, upholding her claims that her long-term use of talcum powder led to the development of cancer.
How a Colorado Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Can Help
When people suffer from severe side effects from a dangerous or defective product, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of losses that can be recovered include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
If a person dies from complications caused by a defective product, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
If the conduct of a company in manufacturing and selling a product is found to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future.
Affected women and their families are encouraged to seek the advice of a Colorado talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Colorado. When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
