Talcum Powder Lawsuit Attorney

Were you recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer associated with talcum powder? Are you struggling to cope with medical bills and other losses related to your illness? You should know that you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

The companies that manufactured and sold talcum powder products have long understood the ties between their products and cancer. Yet they failed to warn consumers like you. Now, around the country, women are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer that could have been prevented.

At The Marcowitz Law Firm, our experienced talcum powder lawsuit attorney has the skills and the resources to hold giant companies like Johnson & Johnson accountable. We know how much a life-changing cancer diagnosis can weigh on a family. That’s why we fight fiercely for full and fair compensation. You should not have to worry about finances or a legal battle at a time like this. Let us handle everything and take the stress off you.

Contact us now to get started with a free consultation. Call 718-529-4040 or fill out our contact form.

What Is Talc?

Talc is a mineral that is made up of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It is used to make talcum powder. However, talc in its natural form can also contain asbestos, a deadly carcinogen that causes cancer when it enters the body. “During talc mining, if talc mining sites are not selected carefully and steps are not taken to purify the talc ore sufficiently, the talc may be contaminated with asbestos,” the FDA has warned.

What Cancers Are Caused by Talcum Powder?

Ovarian cancer can be caused by talcum powder when the product is applied to the genital area. Talcum powder particles may enter the body through the vagina and travel to the ovaries. In fact, women who used talc products for feminine hygiene had a 33% to 35% higher risk for ovarian cancer, according to one study by the Cancer Prevention Research Center.

The rare cancer mesothelioma can also be caused by exposure to asbestos-containing talc.

Who Is Responsible for Cancer Caused by Talc Products?

In the United States, the companies that use talc in their personal care products and cosmetics are responsible for ensuring cancer-causing impurities are removed. The American Cancer Society notes that the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association’s voluntary guidelines indicate that talc used in cosmetic products should not contain asbestos. However, there is no federal oversight of the refining process.

In July 2018, 22 women won a talcum powder lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, claiming the company’s popular baby powder caused their ovarian cancer. The jury awarded them $4.7 billion, which was later reduced to $2.1 billion on appeal.

In that case, evidence showed that the company knew for decades that its products contained asbestos. “A reasonable inference from all this evidence is that, motivated by profits, defendants disregarded the safety of consumers despite their knowledge the talc in their products caused ovarian cancer,” the appeals court ruled.

In October 2019, the FDA announced that its own testing found chrysotile asbestos fibers in a sample of the company’s baby powder, prompting a voluntary recall of about 33,000 bottles of baby powder. In May 2020, J&J announced it was discontinuing sales of its talc baby powder in the U.S. as cancer lawsuits mounted.

Overall, more than 13,000 people ─ both women and surviving family members ─ have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of talcum powder products. Victims have recovered billions of dollars in damages from manufacturers, and more lawsuits are expected.

How Much Is Your Talcum Powder Case Worth?

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma due to your use of talcum powder, you can pursue financial compensation for your losses. Every case is different, but some of the types of compensation you may seek in a lawsuit include:

• Medical expenses and future treatment needs, including surgeries, hospitalizations, chemotherapy, radiation, medication, etc.
• Long-term care needs
• Lost income if you had to miss time from work or leave your job due to your illness
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

It is important to consider both your current needs and the long-term effects this disease will have on you and your family. For those who have lost a loved one to cancer caused by talcum powder, no amount of money can truly compensate you. However, you do have a right to demand justice and hold these negligent companies financially accountable.

Contact a talcum powder lawyer from The Marcowitz Law Firm today for a free case review. We will explain your legal rights and discuss the next steps for filing a product liability claim.

Talcum Powder Purposely Marked to African American and Latina Women

J&J purposely targeted minority communities after the WHO issued a warning about talc. According to an article published in Reuters:

“J&J, meanwhile, looked for ways to sell more Baby Powder to two key groups of longtime users: African-American and overweight women. The “right place” to focus, according to a 2006 internal J&J marketing presentation, was “under developed geographical areas with hot weather, and higher AA population,” the “AA” referring to African-Americans.

“Powder is still considered a relevant product among AA consumers,” the presentation said. “This could be an opportunity.”

In the following years, J&J turned those proposals into action, internal company documents show. It distributed Baby Powder samples through churches and beauty salons in African-American and Hispanic neighborhoods, ran digital and print promotions with weight-loss and wellness company Weight Watchers and launched a $300,000 radio advertising campaign in a half-dozen markets aiming to reach “curvy Southern women 18-49 skewing African American.”

How Long Do I Have to File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Each state has a different time limit, known as the statute of limitations, on how long you have to file a talcum powder lawsuit. This is why it is crucial that you speak with a talcum powder lawsuit attorney as soon as you are diagnosed. An attorney from our firm will work quickly to begin gathering evidence, documenting your illness, and establishing the link to the talcum powder product. We will work with a team of highly qualified experts to craft the strongest claim possible in demanding full compensation for you.

Talk to a Talcum Powder Lawsuit Lawyer Now

Do not hesitate to get the legal advice you need. If you used talcum powder and have now been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, call us. We are here to answer your questions and explain your legal rights. Let us help you and your family demand justice.

Call 718-529-4040 or fill out our contact form for your free consultation.