A Pennsylvania 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 and others 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 Pennsylvania talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Talc?
According to Cosmeticsinfo.org, talc is a mineral that has many different uses in a range of industries. When used for cosmetic purposes, such as in talcum powder, it is produced to follow the guidelines in place by United States pharmacopeia. Talc is most commonly used for its absorbent properties, making it ideal for anti-caking in cosmetics and food products, and it has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ingestion.
In the early years of talc production, talc products often contained asbestos fibers. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, and talc often form near each other naturally, so it was common for talc to become contaminated during the mining and manufacturing process. After the 1970s, all talc-based products were required to be tested to ensure that no asbestos fibers are present.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
Researchers have been looking into the link between ovarian cancer and talcum powder use since the 1960s. One of the first published studies, in the March 1971 volume of the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, looked at tumor tissue samples from patients with ovarian or cervical cancer. In both cases the researchers found talc particles imbedded in the tested tissues.
In the following years, other studies were conducted and published that had similar findings. One such researcher published his first study linking genital talcum powder use and ovarian cancer in 1982. Since then, the same researcher has been involved in numerous studies looking into the association with developing ovarian cancer and the regular use of talcum powder on the genital area, most recently in March 2016.
According to Reuters Health, the newest study published by researchers looked at over 2,000 women with ovarian cancer and 2,100 women without the condition. The researchers asked the women about their use of talcum powder, and those who stated that they used the product regularly were at a 33 percent greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. Researchers claim that if used regularly, talcum powder can enter a woman’s body through the vagina, making its way into the ovaries.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
Currently, there are about 1,200 lawsuits pending against talcum powder manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. In the majority of these lawsuits, the plaintiffs claim that their repeated genital use of Johnson & Johnson’s products caused them to develop life-threatening ovarian cancer. A verdict was recently reached in one such case in Missouri.
After considering the evidence and expert testimony provided by the plaintiff’s attorneys, the jury determined that Johnson & Johnson knew of the potential risks caused by their products, but that the company neglected to provide the appropriate information to consumers. As a result, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay the plaintiff’s family $72 million in total damages for compensation.
How a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania today.
