Following a St. Louis jury’s decision two months ago to grant $72 million in damages to the relatives of a woman who passed away due to ovarian cancer linked to her use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, a new trial has commenced for another woman who developed cancer from using these same products containing talcum powder.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower body powder, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
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Update: J&J Loses 2nd Talcum Powder Lawsuit; Ordered to Pay $55M
May 3, 2016 – For the second time in 3 months, a St. Louis jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay a huge award over claims that its talcum powder causes cancer. The jury deliberated 8 hours Monday before ordering the company to pay $55 million to Gloria Ristesund, who blamed her ovarian cancer on decades of using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder.
What’s the Problem?
April 29, 2016 – According to the lawsuit, 62-year-old Gloria Ristesund used baby powder around her genital areas for most of her life. In 2011, she was diagnosed with endometrioid ovarian cancer [1] and was forced to undergo a hysterectomy. The complaint alleges that Ristesund’s repeated use of baby powder and pre-existing endometriosis increased her risk of ovarian cancer by 214%, and that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risk and failed to adequately warn the public and medical communities.
Instead, the company advertised talcum powder to female consumers with slogans like “Just a sprinkle a day helps keep odor away.” Ristesund says she never would have considered using the products had she had known the risks.
The lawsuit referenced a number of internal memos as evidence, including one from 1992 in which J&J allegedly acknowledged the risk of ovarian cancer with baby powder. The same memo recommended focusing its marketing efforts on black and Hispanic women.
In another memo from 1994, an expert said that anybody who denies the association between talc-containing hygiene products and cancer is “denying the obvious in the face of all evidence to the contrary.”
This is the 3rd Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit to go to trial. In February 2016, another St. Louis jury awarded $72 million to the family of Jacqueline Fox, an Alabama woman who died of ovarian cancer after using baby powder and Shower to Shower for decades. J&J is still facing about 1,200 lawsuits filed on behalf of women who allegedly got cancer after using the company’s talcum powder products. The new lawsuit was filed in Missouri Circuit Court under case number 1422-CC09012-01 (PDF).
FAQs
What steps should I take to file a talcum powder lawsuit?
Document your talcum powder use, gather medical records, and consult with a lawyer to evaluate your case and proceed with filing. Prompt action is essential for a strong case.
What are the health risks associated with talcum powder use?
Talcum powder use has been linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory issues, including lung cancer and pneumoconiosis. Long-term use can significantly increase these risks.
What are the chances of winning a talcum powder lawsuit?
The outcome depends on the specifics of your case, including the evidence presented and the court’s findings. Strong evidence and expert testimony improve your chances.
Related Article:
- How Long Does It Take To Settle a Talcum Powder Case?
- Statute of Limitations on Talcum Powder
- Average Settlement for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in baby powder lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new ovarian cancer cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower body powder, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.