Johnson & Johnson to pay $72M in talcum powder-related cancer case

We all use certain products each day when we get ready for work, school or any other activities. We put our trust in these products to be safe for the ones we love. However, sometimes certain products can be defective or may cause dangerous or even fatal side effects. If you or someone you know has used talcum powder and have developed cancer or other injuries, you should speak to one of our talcum powder lawyers at the Higgins Firm right away. We will listen to your case and help you get any compensation you may be entitled to for what you have been through.

According to this case, Jackie Fox developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and other products that contained talc for feminine hygiene. After she was diagnosed, she joined the several women in filing a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson or what they said was a failure to inform consumers about the dangers of talc, which is found in baby powder. She later died from the cancer and her family has been awarded seventy-two million in damages which include ten million in actual damages and sixty-two million in punitive damages.

Fox’s lawsuit claimed that the company was aware of the possible risk of using products containing talc for feminine hygienic use. According to a 1997 memo from a consultant, it was stated that, Anybody who denies the risk of using hygienic talc and ovarian cancer is denying the obvious in the face of all evidence to the contrary.” Eva Chalas, the chief of Gynecologic Oncology and Director of Clinical Cancer Services at Winthrop-University Hospital, stated that, “It’s hard to directly link ovarian cancer to talc. The information on talc powder came out many years ago when they saw talc incorporated in tissue of women with ovarian cancer. “ She went on to state that concerns over talc led many doctors to advise mothers to stop using talcum powder on their babies, and to discontinue use for feminine hygiene. Finally, she said that, “ it’s important to note that in the past talcum powder contained talc that contained asbestos, but modern powder does not.”

Carol Goodrich, a Johnson & Johnson spokeswoman, stated that “the company stands by the talc used in all global products and they are evaluating their legal options. The recent U.S. verdict goes against decades of sound science proving the safety of talc as a cosmetic ingredient in multiple products, and while we sympathize with the family of the plaintiff, we strongly disagree with the outcome.”  Eva Chalas stated that, “People should be careful about what they apply to their genitals, but in terms of ovarian cancer, the majority of women who develop ovarian do so from other risk factors including age, genetic predisposition, reproductive issues and whether they were on birth control.”

Fox’s son, Marvin Salter took over the claim after his mother’s death in 2015, two years after her cancer diagnosis. This is the first claim case to result in monetary compensation. Johnson & Johnson is expected to appeal the verdict.
If you or someone you care about has developed cancer or other serious medical problems after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder, it is important that you contact one of our caring and experienced talcum powder and dangerous product attorneys with the Higgins Firm. We understand that this a confusing time for you and your family and we will answer any questions you may have and work hard to make sure that you are compensated fairly for any pain and suffering you have been caused.
Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.