A North Carolina 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 North Carolina talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for North Carolina 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 North Carolina talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Talcum Powder and Safety
Talc is a versatile mineral with characteristics that make it useful in many industries, according to Geology.com. Not only does it absorb odors, oils and moisture, talc is also gentle on skin. It has an extremely soft, slippery feel, and prevents friction, chafing and rashes when it is ground into a fine powder.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), talcum powder can be safely used in many food, drug and cosmetic products. There has been concern in the past about asbestos contamination in talc products because asbestos is a known carcinogen. Since the 1970s, there have been regulations put in place to ensure that talc is properly purified before its use. The FDA performs periodic and random testing for asbestos in cosmetic products to ensure their purity.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
The American Cancer Society discusses the questions that have arisen about whether long-term use of talcum powder in the perineal area can raise the risk of ovarian cancer. The organization explains that there have been studies investigating the mineral’s effects on laboratory animals to determine whether they cause tumors. There are also studies comparing the cancer rates of women who use talcum powder on their genital area to women who do not. Both types of studies show some indication that there is a higher risk, but the results have not been consistent.
Because of the inconclusive outcomes, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that talcum powder could possibly be a cancer-causing agent when used on the genitals. In addition to the research studies, doctors have provided evidence of talc particles in ovarian tumors. This fact suggests the mineral may travel through the reproductive organs when it is applied to the genitals.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
The FDA requires cosmetic products to have information, including intended use and safety warnings, prominently displayed on the label. Hundreds of lawsuits have now been filed against Johnson & Johnson over the fact that two of their products containing talcum powder do not include safety warnings about the potentially increased risk of ovarian cancer.
A jury in South Dakota found the manufacturer guilty of failure to adequately warn of the threat of ovarian cancer in the case of a woman who had been diagnosed with that disease. Damages were not awarded in that case, but the results of a later wrongful death lawsuit were much different. A St. Louis jury awarded $72 million in actual and punitive damages to the family of a woman who allegedly died as a result of prolonged genital exposure to talcum powder. Johnson & Johnson states that it will appeal the verdict.
The number of lawsuits continues to climb and is now over 1,000. This may result in a decision to combine them through multidistrict litigation. Cases that are consolidated in this manner are brought before one district judge to ensure that there are no conflicting rulings, and to speed the litigation process significantly by presenting all shared evidence in a single trial.
How a North Carolina 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 North Carolina talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for North Carolina. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for North Carolina today.
