Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $55 Million in Talc-Powder Cancer Trial

Gloria Ristesund used Johnson & Johnson’s talc powder products on her genitals for years and she was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer as a result. She had to have a hysterectomy and several other surgeries because of the cancer. The cancer is now in remission. Ristesund was awarded awarded $5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages for Johnson & Johnson’s failure to properly warn consumers about the cancer risks associated with talc powder.

J&J spokeswoman Carol Goodrich stated that the verdict contradicted 30 years of research supporting the safety of cosmetic talc. The company intends to appeal and will keep defending its products’ safety.  This is however, the second trial loss for Johnson & Johnson over their talc powder products. The company is facing one thousand two hundred lawsuits that allege the company failed to properly warn people about these cancer risks.

In another case, the same court awarded $72 million to a the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after years of using talc powder for feminine hygiene. Johnson & Johnson is also appealing that verdict.  Verdicts like these have brought about more interest in talc-powder lawsuits among plaintiffs’ lawyers, as well as consumers familiar with J&J’s powder products. Plaintiff in other talc powder lawsuits have accused J&J of failing for years to warn that talc was linked to an increased risk for ovarian cancer. J&J has said it acted properly in developing and marketing the products. The only other case to be tried involving talc powder and ovarian cancer resulted in a mixed verdict in a federal court in 2013. While those jurors found J&J was negligent, they awarded no damages to the plaintiff, whose cancer was in remission at the time of the trial.   Scientists, however, have told Reuters the evidence of a real danger is inconclusive. Reuters viewed the proceedings of Gloria Ristesund’s case  on Courtroom View Network.

If you or someone you care about has developed ovarian cancer or another serious health problem after using talc powder products, then you should contact one of our caring and experienced talc powder and dangerous product lawyers with the Higgins Firm. We know that this may be a hard time for you and your family and we will do all we can to make the process as easy as possible. We will hear your case, answer any questions you may have and help you collect evidence such as medical records that may be needed for your case. Then we will work hard on your behalf to see to it that you are given any compensation you may be entitled to for what you and your family have suffered. We will also make sure the company responsible for failing to properly warn you about risk is held accountable for their negligent actions.  There is absolutely no fee unless you make a recovery.

Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.