Ovarian Cancer Patient Wins $70 Million Settlement After Using Talcum Powder from Johnson & Johnson

Deborah Giannecchini, 62, had been using J&Js’ baby talcum powder as feminine hygiene for 4 decades. However, in 2012 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and claimed the baby powder was the cause. After hiring a talcum powder lawyer, a lawsuit was filed for compensatory damages due to negligence, and a recommendation for the company to have to attach warnings onto the product.

Only recently, the jury sitting of Mrs. Giannecchinis’ case, ruled in her favor. Her award settlement totaled $70 million; $65 million in punitive damages from J&J with a further $2.5 million for medical costs, pain and suffering. J&Js co-defendant Imerys Talc America, and supplier of the talc, are also required to pay $2.5 million to her. Johnson & Johnson says they sympathize with Mrs. Giannecchini’s situation; however, they went on to say “We will appeal today’s verdict because we are guided by the science, which supports the safety of Johnson’s Baby Powder.”

Mrs. Giannecchini has an 80 percent chance of succumbing to her cancer within the next two years. So far she has had radiation and chemotherapy treatments as well as surgery. Mrs Giannecchini’s lawyer says “’We are pleased the jury did the right thing. They once again reaffirmed the need for Johnson & Johnson to warn the public of the ovarian cancer risk associated with its product.”

Elsewhere in the U.S., two other lawsuits had been filed. Both ended in verdicts favoring the plaintiff and totaled $127 million. Likewise, lawsuits in New Jersey have been thrown out by a judge who claimed there is not enough reliable evidence. Since the initial filings, 2,000 further lawsuits from women have been filed; with several thousand cases being further examined by lawyers.

The talcum industry, J&J included, points to a number of research which has stated that there has been no link found between ovarian cancer and baby powder. Many lawyers working these cases have cited further research that began in the 1970s. In these case studies, there would appear to be a correlation between the regular use of talc on the genitals and a 40 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified talc use on the genitals as being ‘possibly carcinogenic’. Whereas The National Toxicology Program has not conducted enough investigation into the popular powder.

This is not the first time Johnson & Johnson has been in court. In 2012, the company was targeted by health and consumer groups for its use of 1, 4-dioxane and formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen found in many of their products, including No More Tears. The company agreed to remove the chemical from their entire line of products by 2015.

If you or a loved one has been affected by ovarian cancer, and believes talcum powder to be the primary cause, you may have a legally pursuable claim. To find out more, please call The Higgins Firm, a Nashville talcum powder lawyer you can trust.