Talcum powder is a product made from talc, a mineral comprised of magnesium, silicone, and oxygen. More commonly known as baby powder, it has been sold worldwide for decades. But while talcum powder has been popular for its drying properties and ability to prevent rashes, it has also been linked to ovarian cancer.
Nearly 20,000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), alleging that its talcum powder products caused cancer in women. Talc is obtained from mines, some of which also contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Although J&J strongly denies the allegations that its baby powder is unsafe, it pulled its talc-based powders from the North American market in May, citing a decreased demand.
Were you diagnosed with ovarian cancer after years of using talcum powder? If so, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the talcum powder lawyers at Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team has successfully represented injured people throughout South Carolina and North Carolina for 25 years.
What is a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
The talcum powder lawsuits currently pending against J&J allege that the company knew that its talc products had an increased risk of causing cancer in the reproductive system, but didn’t inform the public of the hazard.
Talc particles are microscopic. When applied to the genital area, it’s believed that the particles enter through the vagina and migrate through the fallopian tubes and uterus to the ovaries. Once there, the particles get lodged in the ovarian tissue. Over time, the talc irritates the tissues and causes DNA mutations, causing cancer.
The first talcum powder lawsuit was won in 2013. Since that time, J&J has been ordered to pay billions of dollars to women who claimed the talcum powder caused their cancer.
Proving Fault in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Cases involving talcum powder are complex. An experienced defective products attorney can help determine whether you have a case.
To win a talcum powder lawsuit, you will need to provide convincing evidence that the product caused your cancer. Factors that must be considered include:
- Was your baby powder made from talc? J&J also sells a cornstarch-based form of baby powder.
- How long did you use talcum powder? Cancer develops slowly. If you only used talcum powder sporadically, it will be much harder to prove that it caused your cancer compared to a woman who used it daily for 30 years.
- Do you have ovarian cancer? Medical records can establish a diagnosis of the disease.
- Did you use talcum powder made by other manufacturers? J&J is not the only maker of talcum powder products. If you used drugstore-brand baby powder or other talc-based powders along with J&J’s, it could be challenging to definitively show that one particular manufacturer is to blame for your cancer.
- Did talcum powder cause your ovarian cancer? This will be the biggest hurdle to overcome. Many studies have pointed to a connection between talc and cancer. Other research has discounted these findings. The International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified genital use of talcum powder as a “possible carcinogen to humans.” To win your case, your talcum powder lawyer will need to show that your baby powder use more likely than not caused your ovarian cancer.
States have different statutes of limitations, or deadlines, for when a talcum powder lawsuit must be filed. Our lawyers can help determine the statute of limitations in your case and whether you have a valid claim for compensation.
Not Sure If You Have a Talcum Powder Lawsuit? Contact Us Today
For more information about talcum powder lawsuits in North Carolina and South Carolina, call Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation. With five offices throughout the Carolinas, our compassionate personal injury attorneys can meet with you wherever is most convenient for you.
Contact us now to get started.
