If you or a family member suffered injuries or someone has died from using talcum powder, you may be eligible for financial compensation by bringing a lawsuit against the manufacturer. You do not have to go through the process of suing alone. There is help available through legal advice and guidance from a New York personal injury attorney.
The talcum powder mass tort lawyers in Brookhaven, NY at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will examine the facts of your individual situation and help you determine the approach to take to secure a settlement. We will work to hold Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of talcum powder products, and any other parties involved accountable.
We offer a free initial consultation, so contact us at (631) 600-0000 right away.
Talcum Powder and Cancer
Talcum powder comes from talc, a mineral that contains magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. The powder absorbs moisture and cuts down on friction, which helps keep the skin dry and prevent rashes. It is in many baby and adult body and facial powders.
Some talc naturally contains asbestos, a substance known to cause lung cancer when inhaled. For this reason, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA) issued voluntary guidelines in 1976 stating that all talc used in cosmetic products in the United States should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos, according to their standards.
Studies have indicated there may be a link between ovarian cancer formation and the use of talcum powder on the genitals for feminine hygiene. In addition, the studies have linked talcum powders that contained asbestos with mesothelioma, a form of cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
According to the American Cancer Society, there is some evidence that talcum powder might cause cancer in the ovaries if the powder particles used in the genital area were to travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovary.
Among other studies, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) made the following statements:
- Talc containing asbestos is “carcinogenic to humans.”
- Inhaled talc not containing asbestos is “not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans.” This statement, though, is based on a lack of data on human studies and limited data on lab animal studies.
- The perineal (genital) use of talc-based body powder is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” This statement is based on limited evidence from human studies and ovarian cancer.
Problems With Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder, was aware of the studies showing the potential link of its products to cancer for almost 50 years. Despite this, the company argued that there was not enough evidence to warn the public or discontinue marketing talcum products.
Johnson & Johnson does have a limited warning label on baby powder, stating it is “For External Use Only” and should not be inhaled. However, critics say the warning does not go far enough.
Once the studies established a link between asbestos and cancer, manufacturers changed their refining process to eliminate asbestos from the talc. Some have used other absorbent powders such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder to replace talc.
Cancer may take a long time to develop, and many individuals have been using talcum powder for years. Once the link between cancer was made public, many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum products have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, as have family members of women who have died.
In 2013, the first talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit was won against Johnson & Johnson in federal court. During the trial, a Johnson & Johnson attorney admitted the company was aware of the link between talcum powder and cancer but viewed the risk as insignificant and therefore did not warn consumers of the potential danger on the product’s label.
Many lawsuits have been brought since, resulting in large jury awards. In past medical injury lawsuits, plaintiffs have received compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Family members have received awards for wrongful death.
The talcum powder mass tort lawyers in Brookhaven, NY on our legal team are available and committed to holding Johnson & Johnson accountable for the health damages to our population. For a free case review, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. today at (631) 600-0000.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive
Anyone who suffered injury from talcum powder may be entitled to file a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and other culpable parties to seek monetary damages to compensate for:
- Medical and rehabilitative bills
- Lost income and wages
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death.
Get Help From Our Talcum Powder Mass Tort Lawyers in Brookhaven, NY
If you or a family member received a diagnosis of cancer or someone has died after using talcum powder, you do not have to go through the legal hurdles of recovering damages alone. You may be eligible to participate in a lawsuit that will hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for your losses.
The talcum powder mass tort lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. in Brookhaven, NY understand what you are going through and have the resources to fight for the settlement you deserve. We can take steps to help establish your case, handle communications, file appropriate papers, gather evidence, interview witnesses to prove the liability, and represent you in court.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and answer your questions at (631) 600-0000. You pay nothing unless and until we win for you.
