Although J & J’s iconic baby powder with talc was developed by their scientists in the 1890s, as early as the 1930s talc fibers caused inflammation in the abdominal regions of those who underwent peritonitis surgeries with surgeons that used talcum powder to dust their surgical gloves prior to surgery. In 1957, talcum powder tainted with asbestos fibers was found, and by 1976, not only were researchers finding that using talcum powder in the perineal region could cause ovarian cancer, but they were also finding that asbestos, at any level, was extremely harmful.
By the 1980s, Harvard researchers found that women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes had twice the risk of ovarian cancer, due to the talc fibers migrating up the reproductive tract. Despite this, J & J continued using talc in their baby powder and Shower to Shower, while most other manufacturers removed talc from their powders, replacing it with cornstarch.
Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in Lexington, Kentucky Stand?
The lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson began in 2009 and will be taking place for a very long time, with more than 20,000 lawsuits stacked up against the pharmaceutical giant, both for dangerous talc fibers, as well as possible asbestos contamination. Since the first lawsuit, a number of women have obtained substantial awards in baby powder ovarian cancer trials. In 2018, there was a verdict in favor of 22 plaintiffs that numbered in the billions. Although J & J has appealed every verdict, a Missouri Appeals Court recently upheld this particular verdict, although the punitive damage portion was cut by half. Many of the current lawsuits against J & J for baby powder ovarian cancer were filed by women from Lexington, Kentucky.
Has J & J Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the U.S.?
The U.S. FDA has little control over cosmetics and personal products, therefore, has consistently refused to recall J & J’s talc-based products. At the same time, J & J has continued to assert their talc-based products are perfectly safe. Despite this, after selling J & J baby powder with talc for roughly 130 years, J & J recently made the decision to discontinue sales of all their talc-based products in the United States and Canada. According to a J & J spokesperson, this decision was based on a decline in sales which the company attributes to a “barrage of litigation.”
Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?
Statutes of limitations refer to the amount of time an individual has to file a product liability lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit. The statutes of limitations vary from state to state, however, even if you believe your statutes may have passed, it is important to remember that these statutes can be impacted by a number of issues. A highly qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer can assess the unique facts of your Lexington, Kentucky case, helping you determine whether you could benefit from filing a baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit.
How Could Consulting with a Lexington, Kentucky Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?
You could have a claim against Johnson & Johnson if you have been diagnosed with baby powder ovarian cancer. An experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney can assess the facts of your unique circumstances, helping you determine whether a lawsuit is right for you, and what your damages might be. If you have developed epithelial ovarian cancer after using talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes, contact the Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo, and speak to a highly experienced baby powder ovarian cancer attorney.