Do You Use Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder, also referred to as baby powder, is a common product found in many households. As the name suggests, it contains talc – a soft mineral that is mined for use in various products. Some additional products that may contain talc are deodorants, makeup products, lotions, and various female hygiene products.

Currently, law firms are looking into claims regarding the Talcum Powder lawsuit. This lawsuit covers not only the use of talcum powder, but of the other products containing talc.

What are the Risks of Using Talc-Based Products?

Many studies that have been taking place since 1971 have established a link between ovarian cancer and the use of talc-based products. This, along with Johnson & Johnson’s alleged knowledge of the side effects of continual use, caused the launch of a massive lawsuit – with thousands of people coming forward to claim reimbursement. Mines contaminated with asbestos are likely the leading cause of both men and women developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a tumor that appears most typically in the lungs but can appear in other parts of the body. It is a rare but deadly cancer with a low survival rate. Signs of mesothelioma include trouble breathing, cough, fatigue, fever, chest or abdominal pain, and weight loss. Secondhand exposure to asbestos is a possibility. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop and is often confused with other less-severe illnesses.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the use of a talc product alone can cause ovarian cancer in women if used near the genitals. An early study found that tumors caused by ovarian cancer contained particles of talc. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and can go symptomless in the early stages. As the cancer develops, it produces some symptoms but, like mesothelioma, they can easily be confused with less-severe conditions. Symptoms include loss of weight/appetite, bloating, fatigue, back or pelvic pain, and changes in bowel movements, including a persistent need to urinate. Ovarian cancer can easily spread to other parts of the body, if left untreated. It’s important to go to your doctor for regular checkups, especially if you have used talc-based products near the affected areas.

How Much Could I Expect to Earn from a Lawsuit?

There were 13,000 pending lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson alone by March 2019. As of February 2022, there are now 38,000 pending cases against J&J.

In July 2018, $4.6 billion was awarded to 22 cancer victims in a St. Louis case against J&J.

$25 million was granted to Joanne Anderson, a victim of mesothelioma, in May 2018.

$55 million was awarded to Gloria Ristesund in May 2016. Despite other underlying conditions, her counsel was able to prove that her increased chance of developing ovarian cancer was aided by the use of talcum powder.

$72 million was given to the family of Jacqueline Fox, who passed away from decades of routine use of a talc-based product. Her family received $10 million in damages and $1 million for each year of Jacqueline’s life – totaling to $62 million.

Settlement of talc claims can be of high value depending on the viability of the case.

Do I Qualify?

You may qualify for a talc-related lawsuit if you have consistently used a product, such as J&J Baby Powder, for around 4+ years in the general area and developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma as a result. Another qualifier is if you were diagnosed in the 2000s or later, and that the talc-based product was used prior to menopause. It is important to note that Johnson & Johnson is not the only manufacturer of talc-based products. Other lawsuits are in process for Gold Bond, Old Spice, Mennon, and others.

The statute of limitations in your state also plays a factor in determining if you qualify. You have a limited number of years, based on your state’s laws, from the moment you are diagnosed to file a claim. In New York, the statute of limitations is appropriately three years, but in other states it could be anywhere from one to six years.

If you, or someone you know, have used a product containing talc and developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Please contact The Licatesi Law Group at (516) 227-2662 for a free consultation. We would be more than happy to connect you with suitable attorneys to handle your prospective fight for compensation.