Are There Dangers Associated with Baby Powder with Talc?
Dr. Daniel Cramer has spent many years studying the risks of talc fibers for ovarian cancer. Dr. Cramer testified for the plaintiffs in many of the Johnson & Johnson trials, relaying information on five meta-analyses that found a “significant positive association between the use of talc and ovarian cancer.” Dr. Cramer concluded from his own studies and the studies of others that there was a strong association between the use of talcum powder for feminine hygiene and ovarian cancer.
He also concluded that the expected risk for all types of epithelial ovarian cancer among women using talcum powder for feminine hygiene was somewhere between 23 and 44 percent. The wide gap between those two numbers is due to the manner in which women use talcum powder—applying to sanitary napkins, applying to underwear, or dusting directly in the perineal region. The theory by scientists is that when used in the perineal region talc fibers can migrate up through the reproductive system, finding their way to the ovaries, where they cause inflammation. Since inflammation is known to cause cancer, there seems to be a definite correlation.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Austin, Texas Stand?
Deane Berg of South Dakota filed the first lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. While her lawsuit ended with a decision in her favor, she received no monetary compensation. Several lawsuits were filed after Berg’s, with a number of them being decided in favor of the plaintiffs. Johnson & Johnson appealed each decision, however, in June 2020, a Missouri Appeals Court upheld one of the largest decisions against the pharmaceutical giant. J & J has vowed to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. There are currently as many as 20,000 lawsuits pending against J & J from women who developed baby powder ovarian cancer after using the talcum-based products for feminine hygiene purposes. Among those 20,000 pending lawsuits, are some from women in the state of Texas, and in Austin, Texas specifically.
Has Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the United States?
There has been no recall of Johnson & Johnson talc-based products, although, on May 19th, 2020, the company announced it would discontinue the sales of their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. Even though J & J took this step, they maintain it was only due to lowered sales of their talc-based products resulting from the “constant barrage of litigation.” Despite pulling the talc-based products from the U.S. and Canada, J & J continues to maintain the safety of its talc-based products.
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Austin, Texas Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
Each state sets its own statutes of limitations that govern the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a product liability lawsuit after being injured by a defective or dangerous product. The statutes of limitations can vary from state to state between one year and more than ten years, however, these statutes can be impacted by many different things. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you believe that diagnosis is directly tied to your use of J & J talc-based products, it is important that you speak to an experienced Austin, Texas baby powder ovarian cancer attorney to determine your best options for the future.
How Could Consulting with an Austin, Texas Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?
Perhaps you are struggling to deal with a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. If so, you could find that speaking to a highly experienced baby powder ovarian cancer attorney from Sullo & Sullo could be very beneficial. We can answer all your questions and thoroughly assess the facts of your unique situation. From there, we will lay out your options, helping you determine whether a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is in your best interests.