Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay a woman $55 million in a Missouri court due to claims that Baby Powder caused her ovarian cancer and she was not warned of the product risks.
After using Baby Powder for feminine hygiene for 40 years, the plaintiff was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her cancer is now in remission, however, she is still dealing with thousands of dollars in medical bills as well as pain and suffering.
The woman is not the first plaintiff to sue Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn talc users about the increased risk of ovarian cancer. Yet, Johnson & Johnson asserts their evidence determines talcum powder is safe and any other studies are flawed. They will appeal the case.
Talcum Powder and Cancer Connection
Although Johnson & Johnson stands by their talcum products, a company medical consultant created an internal memo in 1997 stating that anyone who rejects the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer is opposing very clear evidence.
As far back as the 1980s, different medical studies have linked use of talcum powder with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Experts may differ in their opinions regarding the association but one reality is clear: talc has been detected in the tissues of women who had ovarian cancer.
Earlier this year, another St. Louis jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay a total of $72 million to a family who lost a loved one due to ovarian cancer. The woman died in 2015, about 35 years after using Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products. The family’s attorneys accused the company of failing to warn consumers of the inherent risks tied to talcum powder.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you can review your claim with an experienced attorney and find out if you are entitled to pursue compensation through a lawsuit. Contact the product liability attorneys at Simien & Simien today to schedule your free consultation right away.
