A Washington 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 Washington talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington 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 Talc?
The talc that is used in the cosmetics and body products industry is derived in one of two ways: it is either produced in a manmade setting or mined directly from the earth, since it is a naturally occurring mineral. Then, talc is processed into various ingredient blends used mostly for skin health and baby care. It is an additive typically utilized for its unique properties that prevent clumping and keep powders and other products smooth, soothing and dry.
But it turns out that talc is not simply an innocuous mineral. Perhaps one of the most troubling aspects of talc’s history is that has been known to contain particles of asbestos, a well-recognized substance that poses problems to human health. However, the potential of asbestos is not the only threatening factor in the use of talc. Evidence-based studies have suggested that even talc that has no asbestos in it has properties that may be cancer-causing and dangerous for use, says the National Toxicology Panel, which conducted the research.
Talcum Powder and Cancer Risks
The American Cancer Society states that while asbestos-free talcum powder may increase one’s risk of a variety of cancers, the correlation is not yet certain. The studies that have so far been completed indicate the need for further research before a definite link between talc use and cancer is made.
So far, three general types of cancers have been researched in regards to their connection with talcum powder.
- Uterine or endometrial cancer: women who are post-menopausal may be more susceptible to this type of cancer if they have a history of applying talc to their vaginal area.
- Ovarian cancer: this form of cancer is perhaps the most studied in relation to talcum powder use. A number of trials have shown that prolonged talc use increases one’s risk for ovarian cancer, possibly because talc is frequently applied in the genital regions and may spread to the ovaries.
- Lung cancer: those who are frequently in environments where talc is present may be more likely to be influenced by the carcinogenic properties of talc within their lungs. It is not yet clear whether miners who work with talc in its raw form while deep in the earth are at increased risk for lung cancers, and this connection requires further investigation.
The studies that have been conducted so far have involved the examination of humans with these types of cancers and their exposure to talc as well as experiments within a lab setting using animals.
Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
According to NBC News, jurors in the circuit court of St. Louis awarded a total of $72 million in damages to the family of a woman whose death from ovarian cancer was linked to her use of talc-based baby powder manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. The report also states that Johnson & Johnson faces several hundred lawsuits claiming that, in an effort to boost sales, failed to warn consumers about the alleged relationship between its talc-based products and ovarian cancer for decades.
Additionally, in March 2016, a Maryland talcum powder cancer lawsuit was filed claiming that, despite the potential catastrophic health consequences associated with talc-based powders, Johnson & Johnson has never warned its customers about the potential link between perineal talc use and ovarian cancer.
Likewise, the lawsuit alleges that in 2014, after years of regular Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder use, the plaintiff was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. As a result, the lawsuit indicates that over 1,000 tumors were removed from the plaintiff’s body and that the plaintiff will continue to undergo aggressive chemotherapy for the purpose of extending her life.
How a Washington 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 defective products may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
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 Washington talcum powder cancer lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington. 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.
