J&J Loses Third Straight Talcum Powder-Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

Johnson & Johnson, the makers of J&J Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower powders, has lost its third straight lawsuit over allegations that talc in the powders led to ovarian cancer in women who used the powders for feminine hygiene purposes.

Port Washington, United States – November 1, 2016 /PressCable/ —

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of victims injured by defective products, is reporting on recent updates concerning the talcum powder ovarian cancer litigation brought against Johnson & Johnson. Health care giant, Johnson & Johnson, just lost its third trial over allegations that its talcum powder products may lead to ovarian cancer in women. The St. Louis jury awarded a California woman more than $70 million in the trial, which is a plaintiff in Hogans v. Johnson & Johnson, et. al, part of 1422-CC09012-01, Circuit Court, St. Louis City, Missouri (St. Louis). According to an October 27, 2016 report by Bloomberg.com, J&J has been accused in some 1,700 lawsuits in both state and federal courts of neglecting studies tying J&J powder products to ovarian cancer and of not advising consumers of these risks. In two prior cases, the plaintiffs were awarded $72 million and $55 million.

In this case, the 62-year-old female plaintiff allegedly used J&J baby powder for feminine hygiene for more than 40 years until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013. According to allegations, she was given a 20 percent survival rate and has undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. J&J has been ordered to pay $65 million in punitive damages, as well as most—90 percent-of some $2.5 million—medical costs and pain and suffering. The co-defendant in this case, Imerys Talc America, which supplied the talc was ordered to pay $2.5 million in punitive damages. After the trial, one juror said, “It seemed like Johnson & Johnson didn’t pay attention.” She added, “It seemed like they didn’t care,” according to Bloomberg.com.

Law360’s October 27, 2016 report indicated that, to date, the plaintiff underwent a spleen removal, removal of her ovaries and uterus, and removal of part of her stomach and colon. She said that had there been a warning against using the J&J powder on her genital area, she would not have done so.

Specifically, in this third “massive” verdict in the Missouri state talc litigation, jurors found for the plaintiff in the amount of $575,000 in economic damages and $2 million in non-economic compensatory damages. The jury also found that J&J should pay $65 million in punitive damages and while talc supplier, Imerys Talc America Inc., should pay $2.5 million, according to a Law360 report dated October 27, 2016.

In February, a Missouri jury awarded $72 million to the estate of a woman who died of ovarian cancer following use of the J&J body powder for decades. This was, reportedly, the first time J&J was ordered to pay damages over the tie between cancer and the talc used in its products. This case included $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages, according to Law360. In a May 2016 case, a Missouri jury hit J&J with a $55 million verdict, according to Law360. J&J is facing hundreds of claims in St. Louis state court; 300 lawsuits in Los Angeles; and 200 in New Jersey, including mounting federal cases combined before one judge in that state, according to Bloomberg.com.

Plaintiffs in the talcum powder lawsuits currently pending in federal courts similarly allege that regular, ongoing application of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products to the female genital area may increase risks for developing ovarian cancer. Also, talc particles may travel into the vagina, migrating to the ovaries, according to allegations. The accumulating talc may cause the type of inflammation that encourages cancer cell growth.

According to Parker Waichman, the firm has been contacted by a number of women who have raised concerns regarding their regular use of talcum powder to their genital areas. Specifically, these woman are concerned that they may experience increased risks for developing ovarian cancer and are worried that the powder may make its way to their ovaries, where it may settle and lead to inflammation and, later, cancer. Parker Waichman LLP has filed many lawsuits on behalf of women who allege that Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products led to serious and life changing adverse health reactions. Parker Waichman filed the actions in the State of Missouri 22nd Circuit Court, City of St. Louis; Cause Number 1622-CC01357.

“The firm hopes that, as litigation over talcum powder ovarian cancer continues, just compensation will continue, as well, for the women and their families who have suffered serious injuries, even death, following use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products,” said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman LLP. “Parker Waichman continues to provide free legal consultations to those who seek additional information about legal rights regarding these products.”

For those diagnosed with ovarian cancer following the feminine use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower powder products, there may be valuable legal rights. Please visit Parker Waichman’s Talcum Cancer Injury page today or call the firm’s Talcum Cancer Injury attorneys at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

For more information, please visit http://www.yourlawyer.com/long-island

Contact Info:
Name: Parker Waichman
Organization: Parker waichman LLP
Address: 6 Harbor Park Drive Port Washington, NY
Phone: (516) 466-6500

Release ID: 142632