California Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Attorney

Talcum Powder Lawsuit Overview

Talcum powder lawsuits center on allegations that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers about the cancer risks associated with their products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower.Thousands of women have claimed that long-term use of these products in the genital area led to ovarian cancer due to asbestos contamination.The FDA has issued warnings about asbestos contamination found in samples of talc-based products.

Latest Talcum Powder Lawsuit Updates

• March 2024 – Johnson & Johnson proposed a $6.5 billion settlement to resolve thousands of talcum powder lawsuits alleging their products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
• January 2024 – A California jury awarded $417 million to a woman who developed ovarian cancer after decades of using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products.
• November 2023 – The U.S. Third Circuit Court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to use bankruptcy to resolve talcum powder claims, forcing the company to face individual lawsuits.
• July 2023 – Johnson & Johnson set aside $8.9 billion to settle all talcum powder cancer claims in its second bankruptcy attempt.

Talcum Powder Cancer Statistics

• New cases: An estimated 19,680 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2024 [1].
• Deaths: Approximately 12,740 women are expected to die from ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2024.
• Global impact: In 2022, there were over 324,603 new cases of ovarian cancer worldwide [2].
• Survival rates: Five-year survival rates vary significantly, ranging from 36% to 46% in developed countries.
• Age distribution: About half of ovarian cancer diagnoses occur in women aged 63 or older [3].
• Product usage: Studies suggest approximately 40% of women have used talcum powder in the genital area at some point.
• Risk increase: Research indicates long-term genital talc use may increase ovarian cancer risk by 20-30%.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database, over 2,300 adverse events have been reported in connection with talcum powder products, including:

• 1,450 cases of ovarian cancer
• 320 cases of mesothelioma
• 530 cases of other respiratory conditions

In 2019, the FDA detected asbestos in samples of Johnson’s Baby Powder, leading to a voluntary recall of 33,000 bottles.

Talcum Powder Injuries & Side Effects

Prolonged talcum powder exposure has been linked to several serious health conditions:

• Ovarian Cancer: Talc particles can travel through the reproductive system to the ovaries, causing inflammation and DNA damage
• Mesothelioma: Cancer of the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen caused by asbestos contamination in talc
• Endometrial Cancer: Some studies suggest a potential link between talcum powder and uterine cancer
• Respiratory Issues: Including chronic cough, difficulty breathing, and lung damage from inhalation

Do You Qualify for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a talcum powder lawsuit if:

• You used Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower products regularly for feminine hygiene for 4+ years
• You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or mesothelioma
• Your diagnosis occurred within the past 10-15 years
• You can provide medical documentation of your diagnosis and treatment
• You have a history of regular talcum powder use before your diagnosis

Related Article

: Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

FAQs

1. How much is the average settlement for a talcum powder lawsuit?

While individual settlements vary significantly, recent talcum powder lawsuit settlements have ranged from $100,000 to several million dollars. The $417 million California verdict represents one of the largest individual awards, though it was later appealed. Factors affecting settlement amounts include severity of illness, duration of product use, and strength of evidence.

2. Does all talcum powder contain asbestos?

Not all talcum powder contains asbestos, but natural talc deposits are often found near asbestos in the earth. Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products have been found to contain trace amounts of asbestos in certain tested samples, which is the core issue in the talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.

3. How do I prove I used talcum powder in the past?

Proving past talcum powder use may involve personal testimony, statements from family members who witnessed your use, purchasing records, photographs showing the products in your home, and consistency in your product use history. Your attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively.

4. Can I file a lawsuit if my family member died from ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder?

Yes, immediate family members can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of someone who died from cancer potentially caused by talcum powder. These cases typically must be filed within 1-3 years of the death, though timeframes vary by state.

5. What’s the difference between class action lawsuits and MDL for talcum powder cases?

In class actions, one lawsuit represents all similar plaintiffs with a shared settlement. In a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), individual cases remain separate but are coordinated for pretrial proceedings to enhance efficiency. Most talcum powder cases are handled through MDL, allowing for individual damage assessments.

6. Will filing a talcum powder lawsuit require me to appear in court?

Most talcum powder cases settle before trial, often requiring minimal court appearances from plaintiffs. If your case does go to trial, your attorney will thoroughly prepare you for any required testimony. Many pretrial proceedings can be handled by your legal team without your presence.

7. How long does it take to resolve a talcum powder lawsuit?

Talcum powder lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity and whether settlement is reached. Cases going to trial may take longer, while those settled early in the process might be resolved more quickly.

8. Is there scientific proof linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer?

Multiple epidemiological studies have found associations between genital talc use and increased ovarian cancer risk, with some showing 20-30% higher risk among regular users. While not all studies show the same strength of association, there is significant scientific evidence supporting the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.Related Articles:

• San Diego Talcum Powder Attorneys
• California Baby Powder Lawsuit
• Statute of Limitations to File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit

See all related product liability lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for talcum powder-related injuries. Most states allow only 1-3 years from diagnosis or discovery to file your claim. Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve.Schmidt & Clark offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Decades of experience with product liability cases

Our talcum powder lawsuit attorneys have extensive experience handling cases against Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers of talc-based products containing asbestos contamination.

START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW

Reference:

1. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/ovary.html
2. https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/ovarian-cancer-statistics/
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html