The Johnson & Johnson talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have been one of the most talked-about issues over the past few years.  Women have been using J & J talcum powder for generations, in the perineal area for feminine hygiene purposes. In fact, some might say Johnson & Johnson specifically marketed talcum powder for that very purpose if you go back in time and look at some of their advertising campaigns.  

Dr. Daniel Cramer, a specialist in the area, noted there are five meta-analyses on the association of talcum powder and ovarian cancer. All five found “significant positive association between the use of talc and ovarian cancer.” One of the meta-analyses concluded a significant association between the use of talcum powder in the perineal area and the risk of ovarian cancer, stating the issue warranted “more formal public health warnings.”

Cramer concluded, based on his own studies as well as the studies of others that the association between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder for feminine hygiene was “strong,” and that the expected risk for all types of epithelial ovarian cancer (the most common type of ovarian cancer) was about 33 percent, or somewhere between 23-44 percent.

The reason for the wide fluctuation is due primarily to the manner in which women use talcum powder, whether dusting directly in the perineal area, or applying to underwear or sanitary napkins, as well as the number of years a woman used talcum powder for feminine hygiene.

Where Does the Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Litigation in New Orleans, Louisiana Stand?

Despite evidence to the contrary, Johnson & Johnson has continued to maintain that talcum powder used for feminine hygiene is perfectly safe, therefore required no warnings. Deane Berg was the first woman to file suit against Johnson & Johnson. Berg was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 49, which is considered very young for such a diagnosis. The majority of ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 60.

Since this first trial—which Berg won, although she received no compensation—there have been a number of substantial verdicts against J & J by women who developed ovarian cancer after using J & J’s talc-based products. One of the verdicts in 2018 was a billion-dollar settlement for 22 women who developed ovarian cancer related to J & J’s talcum powder.

While J & J has appealed every decision, this past June (2020), a Missouri Appeals Court upheld the billion-dollar settlement, although they cut the punitive portion in half. J & J has promised to take the case to the Supreme Court. There are as many as 20,000 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson by women who developed ovarian cancer after using J & J’s talc-based products, with many of these lawsuits filed by women in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Has J & J Baby Powder with Talc Been Recalled in the U.S.?

Although the FDA actually has little control over cosmetics and personal products, they have consistently refused to require J & J to recall their talc-based products, while the pharmaceutical giant has consistently maintained its products are safe. Even so, the company recently discontinued sales of their talc-based products, both in the United States and Canada. The company stated the reason for this was the constant barrage of litigation they had faced for years.

Have the Statutes of Limitations Passed for My Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Case?

The statutes of limitations refer to the amount of time an individual has to file a claim against the manufacturer of a dangerous or defective product. The statutes of limitations differ from state to state; even if you think your statutes of limitations have passed, these statutes can be impacted by a number of issues. A highly qualified talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyer can assess the facts of your New Orleans, Louisiana case, and what damages you may be entitled to.

How Could Consulting with a New Orleans, Louisiana Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer Be Beneficial?

You may deserve compensation for the injuries sustained from the use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc or Shower to Shower with talc. An experienced baby powder ovarian cancer lawyer from Sullo & Sullo can comprehensively assess your claim, helping you determine whether a lawsuit is right for you.