What are the Dangers Associated with J & J Baby Powder with Talc?
Baby powder has been around much longer than you might think. In fact, it was developed in the 1890s by J & J scientists. It quickly became a beloved product, with its super-silky feel and unforgettable smell. The powder was manufactured with a soft mineral known as talc which is found on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as in certain areas of Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, California, Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
Yet by the 1930s, it was discovered that many patients who had undergone peritonitis surgery with surgeons who dusted their surgical gloves with talcum powder prior to the surgery developed inflammation in the abdominal region. Inflammation is a known cause of cancer, so this was cause for some alarm. Decades later, researchers found talc fibers deeply embedded in ovarian and cervical tumors removed from women who died from ovarian or cervical cancer. It was theorized that the microscopic talc fibers traveled up through the reproductive tract of women who used J & J baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc for feminine hygiene.
Women who used talcum powder to dust their sanitary napkins or sprinkled powders with talc in their underwear were unaware that doing so could significantly increase their risk of developing ovarian cancer. Most other manufacturers began switching the talc out for cornstarch, after learning of the potential dangers of talc. While J & J also made a cornstarch powder, they continued selling their talc-based products, claiming they were perfectly safe.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Providence, Rhode Island Stand?
Johnson & Johnson has been a trusted household name in Providence, Rhode Island, and across the nation. The first baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed against Johnson & Johnson in 2009, with many more to follow. While plaintiffs in a number of cases have been successful—and have been given significant awards—J & J has appealed every case that was not found in their favor. A Missouri Appeals Court recently upheld a billion-dollar award decided in 2018 on behalf of 22 women.
J & J has vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court. Women and their loved ones diagnosed with ovarian cancer after a history of using J & J talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. One of the prior lawsuits against J & J found the company guilty of negligence and conspiracy for failure to warn. There are currently at least 20,000 baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson, filed by women in Rhode Island and in all other states as well.
Has Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the United States?
On May 19th, 2020, J & J announced they would discontinue the manufacture of their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. Even though the products are being discontinued, J & J continues to maintain their talc-based products are perfectly safe. A spokesperson attributed the move to slower sales due to the “barrage of litigation,” the company has faced over the past decade. The FDA has little control over beauty products and cosmetics in the United States, depending on those types of manufacturers to self-regulate.
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Providence, Rhode Island Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
Statutes of limitations determine the amount of time a plaintiff has in which to file a product liability lawsuit after being injured by a dangerous or defective product. While every state sets its own statutes of limitations (with a wide variation, from one year to more than ten), these statutes can be impacted by a number of issues. It is imperative that you speak directly to a qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney who can assess the facts of your case, helping you to determine whether a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is right for you.
How Could Consulting an Experienced Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Regarding Your Providence, Rhode Island Claim Be Beneficial?
Perhaps you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer, and you are unsure what you should do, and whether your diagnosis is the result of using J & J baby powder with talc for feminine hygiene purposes. A highly experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney from the Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo can assess the facts of your situation and answer any questions you may have.