Talcum powder, used by millions of women for personal hygiene, caused the death of Jacqueline Fox. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She used Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder and Shower to Shower for some 35 years. The lawsuit came about when it was found that the manufacturer knew of the cancer risk associated with their product and failed to disclose the risk.
A court has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay the family of Jacqueline Fox $72 million dollars. Of that monetary award, $10 million is for actual damages and $62 million was awarded for punitive damages.
A multitude of additional lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer. It is reported that roughly 1,000 cases have been filed in Missouri and an additional 200 in New Jersey.
Johnson & Johnson issued the following statement regarding the outcome of the trial:
“We have no higher responsibility than the health and safety of consumers, and we are disappointed with the outcome of the trial. We sympathize with the plaintiff’s family but firmly believe the safety of cosmetic talc is supported by decades of scientific evidence.”
The Fox family’s attorney argued that J&J knew of the cancer risk with its products as early as the 1980’s but failed to warn the public. The attorney also claims that the manufacturer lied to regulatory agencies and the general public.
In 2013, a case heard in Sioux Falls, South Dakota was heard regarding J&J’s body powder products causing ovarian cancer in another woman, Deane Berg. While she did win her case, she was awarded no damages.
Two types of talc exist. One contains asbestos and one is asbestos-free. Talc-based products containing asbestos can lead to cancer. Most talc used in consumer products has been purified from its natural form, which contains varying amounts of asbestos. As powder particles travel through the female reproductive system, multiple types of female reproductive system cancers can develop.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or other cancers of the female reproductive system as a result of talcum powder use, contact Harman Law LLC as you may have a valid claim and may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys offer every client, and their families, a free, no cost and no obligation consultation to discuss your potential claim. Contact us directly at 1-888-55-HARMAN or locally in the Atlanta area at (404) 554-0777 to schedule your consultation.
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