Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Talcum powder has been associated with asbestos contamination since at least 1958. Asbestos talcum powder has also been linked to ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious illnesses. Prominent manufacturers and distributors knew of these dangers for decades but failed to warn consumers.
Mass tort litigation against Johnson & Johnson, a major talcum powder manufacturer, has been ongoing for years. Settlements and verdicts have since yielded billions of dollars in compensation for victims. Other defendants include Colgate-Palmolive, Imerys Talc America, and Vanderbilt Minerals.
If you developed ovarian cancer or an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma after using asbestos talcum powder, the National Injury Law Firm™ can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation, no-obligation consultation.
How Talcum Powder Users Can Claim Eligibility
To qualify for a talcum powder lawsuit or to join an existing class action, simply using a brand’s talcum powder is not enough. Eligibility requires meeting certain criteria, such as:
- A history of using asbestos-tainted talcum powder.
- A diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness, such as ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.
- Evidence linking your diagnosis to the talcum powder.
- Filing before the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction.
Talcum Powder Is Linked to Ovarian Cancer and Other Illnesses
Ongoing litigation is bringing greater attention to the devastating health consequences of using asbestos talcum powder. However, scientific studies have linked talcum powder use to ovarian cancer and other serious illnesses for decades.
When Was Asbestos First Discovered in Talcum Powder?
Asbestos was first discovered in J&J talcum powder in tests conducted by the Battelle Memorial Institute in 1958. However, it wasn’t until 1971 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally began investigating asbestos talcum powder being sold to vulnerable consumers. From the mid-1970s onward, further tests confirmed “rather high” concentrations of asbestos in talc mined for J&J, including for use in its baby powder.
Further Scientific Evidence Linking Asbestos to Talcum Powder
Most recently, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reaffirmed the link between asbestos talc in intimate-care products and cancer. Similarly, a 2020 pooled analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a significant association between the application of talcum powder to gentital areas and ovarian cancer. A 2021 review in Gynecological Oncology also established a “positive association between genital powder use and ovarian cancer.”
Multiple health organizations have issued further statements linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer. For example, the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have both stated that talc products are considered carcinogenic.
Milestones in Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Recent case results have soared into the hundreds of millions of dollars. However pursuing justice from Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers for exposing consumers to toxic talcum powder has not been easy.
It seems the first lawsuit was not filed until 1997. Despite pathology reports “consistent with exposure to talc containing chrysotile and tremolite contamination,” the suit was dropped due to “insufficient evidence” that J&J Baby Powder products caused the plaintiff’s mesothelioma.
A second lawsuit against J&J for a serious disease—this time ovarian cancer—caused by its asbestos-contaminated talc was filed in 2009. The plaintiff won her case in 2013, but the jury awarded no damages.
High-Value Damages in Recent Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Despite these setbacks, J&J has since begun to face justice and accountability. The company has been forced to pay billions of dollars to victims who developed ovarian cancer and other illnesses due to its asbestos talc products. Milestone settlements and verdicts include:
- $72 million verdict (Missouri, 2016)
- $417 million verdict (California, 2017)
- $110 million verdict (Missouri, 2017)
- $4.69 billion verdict (Missouri, 2018)
- $325 million verdict (New York, 2019)
- $2.1 billion verdict (Missouri, 2020)
- $63.4 million verdict (South Carolina, 2024)
- $6.475 billion settlement (National, 2024)
As of August 1, 2024, Johnson & Johnson is facing nearly 58,000 lawsuits consolidated for multidistrict litigation (MDL 2738) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Plaintiffs in these cases all allege that J&J’s talcum powder caused their illnesses.
Following this wave of talcum powder lawsuits and huge payouts, J&J finally stopped selling talc-based baby powder in North America in 2021. It cited low interest in the product due to “misinformation.” J&J said global sales would end in 2023.
How Long Should I Expect To Wait for Compensation in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
The timeline for receiving compensation in a talcum powder lawsuit varies depending on individual circumstances. As seen in the ongoing Johnson & Johnson cases, these lawsuits can take years to resolve. However, the abundance of evidence produced in the foregoing cases means that future plaintiffs have fewer obstacles to overcome. As the cases further show, the substantial payouts can be well-worth the wait.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit FAQs
1. What is the process of filing a talcum powder lawsuit?
Filing an asbestos talcum powder lawsuit begins with receiving a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness. After your diagnosis, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your eligibility and ensure your case is filed before the statute of limitations.
Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case to gather evidence linking your talcum powder use to your illness. We will discuss with you the possibility of filing an individual claim or a class action.
2. What types of compensation can I recover in a talcum powder lawsuit?
You may be able to recover economic and non-economic damage through a talcum powder lawsuit:
- Economic damages – Medical bills, loss of income, and other financial losses.
- Non-economic damages – Pain, suffering, lowered quality of life, loss of consortium, and other intangible losses.
If you lost a loved one to a talc-related disease, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim. Depending on your jurisdiction and the facts of your case, wrongful death damages include things like medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of household income, pain, suffering, loss of companionship, and grief.
Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are reserved for cases involving extreme wrongdoing on the part of the defendant. These damages are not unheard of in asbestos talc litigation. For example, an Oregon jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $200 million in punitive damages.
3. What is the statute of limitations for filing a talcum powder lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing a talcum powder lawsuit varies depending on your state. Most jurisdictions set it at around 2–3 years from the date you discover or should have discovered your asbestos-related illness. Exceptions may apply.
Failure to file your claim before the governing statute of limitations will result in it being dismissed in court, eliminating your right to seek legal compensation. The best way to avoid this is by consulting our skilled lawyers as soon as possible.
4. Can I join a class action lawsuit for talcum powder cases?
Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to join an existing asbestos talcum powder class action. Your history of talcum powder use, the severity of your disease, and the manufacturer of the talcum powder that caused your injury are all factors that may impact your eligibility. Our attorneys can help you explore the possibility after reviewing your circumstances.
The National Injury Law Firm™ Can Help if You Were Hurt by Asbestos Talcum Powder
If you developed ovarian cancer or another asbestos-related illness after using talcum powder, the National Injury Law Firm™ can help you learn about your legal right to compensation. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting communities nationwide when irresponsible corporations fail to protect vulnerable consumers from hazardous products. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation consultation.
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