A New Jersey talcum powder cancer lawsuit could be an option for women who used baby powder products and developed ovarian cancer. Growing numbers of lawsuit filings are alleging a link between the product and ovarian cancer. In some cases, women who have developed ovarian cancer used talcum powder for decades as part of their regular personal care routine. Affected women and their families may be able to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a New Jersey talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for New Jersey 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 New Jersey talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Talc and Cancer
For years, American consumers have been using talcum powder to absorb moisture during their personal care routines. CBS news reports that this beauty staple is composed of the elements oxygen, silicon and magnesium. However, the product has been the subject for debate recently as some claim that it raises the risk of women and the development of ovarian cancer. Some medical experts say that there is not enough evidence to show that there is an actual link while others disagree. Talc is the main ingredient in products like Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower.
While legal in this country, the European Union has banned the use of talcum powder in cosmetic products and Canada has restricted its use. Additionally, cosmetic products in the United States are not required to be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but merely be properly labeled.
Cancer Evidence
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports that, while early cases of ovarian cancer were attributed to the asbestos found in talc, regulations requiring purification in the 1970s failed to reduce the number of associations, pointing to other causes. Doctors discovered that inflammation was a primary contributor to ovarian cancer and that the perineal use of talcum powder caused particles to travel through the genitals and into the ovaries. The particles inflamed the ovaries and increased the risk of developing this deadly cancer.
Medical Daily reports that researchers at a prominent women’s hospital performed a study involving thousands of ovarian cancer patients as well as women without the disease. After examining the results, researchers said that they believe women wouldn’t use talc if they knew the risks.
The study revealed that while additional factors, including smoking habits and weight, had an impact on the risk of developing ovarian cancer, it increased by a third with frequent talcum powder usage. Doctors also stated that the risks of using the powder should be better advertised. Despite urging manufacturing companies to update labels to reflect the risks, talcum powder products have continued to be sold without proper warnings.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits Filed
In a 2016 trial in St. Louis, Missouri, USA Today reports that family members of a deceased woman brought a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for allegedly failing to warn the public about the apparent risks of talcum powder usage. The woman died of ovarian cancer, which was allegedly caused by her use of talcum powder products manufactured by the company.
She had been involved in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in which dozens of women claimed the company had known about the risks and failed to warn consumers. Evidence of internal knowledge and negligence came in the form of a memo sent by one of the company’s medical consultants which denounced anyone who denied the ovarian cancer risks associated with talcum powder usage.
While the woman died before a verdict was reached, her son was able to take over the claim and won the case, resulting in a $72 million payout from the manufacturing giant. There are currently 1,200 pending lawsuits from affected victims as additional sufferers seek recompense and encourage the company to update labels to reflect adequate warnings.
How a New Jersey Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Can Help
Product makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a product maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for New Jersey. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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.
