Jury Links Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder to Ovarian Cancer
A St. Louis, Missouri jury’s award of $72 million to the family of an ovarian cancer victim has brought new attention to safety concerns pertaining to the use of talcum powder.
The lawsuit, brought by the family of Jackie Fox, alleged that extended use of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Power and Shower-to-Shower led to her contraction of ovarian cancer in March of 2013. Mrs. Fox succumbed to her illness approximately 18 months later. The jury awarded her family $10 million in actual damages and $62 million in punitive damages. Approximately 1,200 similar lawsuits are pending throughout the United States.
The Johnson & Johnson products are comprised mainly of talcum powder. Talc, itself, contains the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Some studies have linked the repeated use of talcum powder around the genital area for hygienic purposes with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Prior to Mrs. Fox’s lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson did not inform its consumers of that increased risk.
Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. has been investigating the connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer since October of 2014 and currently has one lawsuit pending on the matter. There are several criteria important to considering whether a diagnosis of ovarian cancer may be linked to talcum powder products:
- The length and consistency of use of talcum powder products;
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer; and
- History of birth control use.
Our law firm is continuing to develop our current talcum powder litigation and is actively screening new cases. If you or a loved one has suffered from ovarian cancer that may have been caused by exposure to talcum powder products, contact the products liability lawyers for clear answers about your rights and options for proceeding, as well as effective legal advocacy moving forward.
Call our firm at 866-881-8623 or email us via the contact form on this page to set up a free, no obligations initial consult with one of our lawyers. During this meeting, you can find out more about your rights, as well as how we can help you.