Talcum Powder

What is a Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder is a soft, naturally occurring mineral used in personal hygiene products to absorb moisture, dry the skin, reduce friction, combat odor, and prevent rashes. It was introduced by manufacturer Johnson & Johnson in the late 1800s as a way to combat diaper rashes. By 1913, they were marketing their product with the slogan: “Best for baby, best for you.” Unfortunately, this slogan turned out to be untrue, and we now find ourselves in a time when many seek talcum powder lawyers.

Fast-forward to the present, and more than 10,000 people have filed lawsuits due to the dangers of talcum powder.

Talcum powder: a dangerous family product

While natural talc contains asbestos, manufacturing processes dating back to 1970 claimed to remove all traces of the carcinogen. According to Reuters, “J&J didn’t tell the FDA that at least three tests by three different labs from 1972 to 1975 had found asbestos in its talc – in one case at levels reported as ‘rather high.’”

For decades, internal test results were hidden from the public. Johnson & Johnson felt the risk was too low to justify warnings or product discontinuation.

Who is Eligible to File A Talcum powder Lawsuit?

Using talcum powder over a period of years is not enough to warrant the pursuit of damages through civil courts. However, suppose you or a loved one used talcum powder frequently and have recently received an ovarian cancer diagnosis. In that case, there may be a link, and you may require a talcum powder lawyer.

You may be eligible to file a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit if:

• You used Johnson & Johnson baby powder or Shower To Shower.
• You used the product for purposes of perineal dusting or feminine hygiene.
• You used the product consistently – even daily, for years.
• You were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, which is most closely linked to talc use.
• You are within the statute of limitations for your state.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or product liability lawsuit differs from state to state. In many states, the statute of limitations is two years from the time of injury (your cancer diagnosis).

However, our attorneys know that you may not have made the connection between your talc use and your cancer diagnosis until recently, and fortunately, many states allow for “delayed discovery.” This means that the clock starts ticking once you know or should have known about the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

How a Talcum Powder Lawyer Helps

Plaintiffs have sued the manufacturers of talcum-based products for failure to warn about the potential risk of cancer while using or being exposed to their products. If you are considering taking legal action against these manufacturers, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys provides our clients with the following benefits:

Talcum powder cancer lawsuit verdicts and settlements

Across the nation, plaintiffs have received compensation totalling over $5 billion for what they have been through after they or their loved ones have used talc, including:

• 2016 – $72 million jury award in St. Louis to the family of a California woman who died from ovarian cancer.
• 2016 – $70 million jury award to a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer after 40 years of talc use
• 2017 – $417 million to a Los Angeles woman with terminal ovarian cancer, diagnosed in 2007.
• 2017 – $110 million to a Virginia woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012.
• 2018 – $4.69 billion to 22 Missouri women with ovarian cancer (including six decedents) and their families.

This is not to say these lawsuits are a slam-dunk. In truth, some cases get thrown out of court for “insufficient evidence,” and sometimes, rulings can get overturned if everyone involved does not follow the proper protocols. For this reason, it is important to work with a legal team familiar with talcum powder lawsuits.

Shunnarah’s talcum powder lawyers have seen many different aspects of personal injury cases involving cancer, asbestos, and talcum powder, and would make the perfect legal partner for you.

How class action lawsuits influence talcum powder claims

A class action lawsuit lumps similar claims together. If a judge agrees the central claim is valid, the dangerous product manufacturer could be ordered to pay a large sum, divvied up amongst the claimants. Each plaintiff receives the same amount, regardless of specific injuries or medical costs.

In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit tossed out a talcum powder class action lawsuit. The grounds for the class action were based on the lack of warning labels, but the plaintiff did not have ovarian cancer, so the case was dismissed as “buyer’s remorse.”

Another way of proceeding is through multi-district litigation (MDL). With MDL 2738, legal teams streamlined early discovery for similar cases to save time. The same judge presided over a series of bellwether trials, revealing the central argument’s strengths and weaknesses. With MDL, early successes may set a precedent, each case has “its day in court.”

If successful, you may receive compensation to cover past, present, and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning potential, emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages on top of all that. Survivors of loved ones who passed away from ovarian cancer may receive a monetary award for wrongful death, funeral costs, burial expenses, emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship/guidance, and loss of income.

If you think you have cancer from using talcum powder, consult a talcum powder lawyer.

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys attorneys are accepting claims nationwide from women who believe their regular use of talcum powder caused (or contributed to) their cancer diagnoses. Call us today if you believe you or a loved one has been dangerously impacted by talcum powder and need a talcum powder attorney.