Talcum Powder Lawsuits in Florida and Nationwide

Trial Attorneys Dedicated to Consumer and Public Safety

Researchers have uncovered a link between talcum and talc-based powders, also referred to as “baby powder,” and the development of ovarian cancer. This link has been supported by over 20 studies dating as far back as 1971. Therefore, manufacturers have known for half a century that talc poses a significant consumer health and safety risk, but they continue to keep these products on the shelves.

As such, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of talc products. If you or a loved one has been harmed by talcum or talc-based powder, you may qualify to file your own suit or join multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A.’s trial lawyers are investigating claims involving talcum and talc-based powder injuries in Florida and throughout the nation. We understand that legal action may seem daunting and stressful when you are already dealing with your injuries, but we can handle all the legal red tape and day-to-day work on your behalf.

Contact a national talcum powder injury attorney online today for a free, confidential consultation. We accept cases in Florida and throughout the United States.

About Talcum and Talc-Based Powders

Talcum and talc-based powders have been used throughout the country by persons of all ages for more than a century. Parents commonly use it on their infants to prevent diaper rash; adults often use it on themselves to alleviate odors or soothe rashes.

What Is Talc?

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral found in various personal health, hygiene, and cosmetic products. Many people believe talc is safe to use because it is natural, even more so since it has been used for thousands of years. Unfortunately, talc carries at least two hazards: an increased risk of ovarian cancer and toxic exposure to asbestos.

Studies Link Talcum Powder to Ovarian Cancer

In 1971, The Lancet, a medical journal, published the first study to link ovarian cancer to talc-based powder. It was found that talc was “deeply embedded” in many ovarian tumors in women who had used talcum powder between their legs. This study suggests that talc can travel to the ovaries when used near the genitals, yet corporations (like Johnson & Johnson) continued to market baby powder as safe enough to use on diapers and sanitary pads.

Amid growing concern over the safety of talc powders, Harvard University launched a study in 1982 into its use on both sanitary pads and the genital areas. The results of this study were groundbreaking: If a person used talc-based powder in just one of these ways, they had a 92% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer down the line. If they used it both ways, this risk increased to a whopping 228%.

Despite these studies, talcum powder remained on the market. In particular, Johnson & Johnson did not recall its baby powder until May 2020 — nearly 40 years after the Harvard study was published and only after numerous lawsuits had been filed and won against the corporation.

The largest legal victory was the $4.7 billion verdict in favor of 22 women who alleged Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder resulted in ovarian cancer diagnoses. While this verdict was reduced to $2.1 billion, it still shifted the tides in favor of consumers, so much so that Johnson & Johnson has now set aside billions of dollars to settle talcum powder lawsuits brought against it.

Asbestos-Contaminated Talcum Powder

The other issue with talcum powder is that it could be easily contaminated with asbestos because talc deposits often form near asbestos deposits. The New York Times reported that public concern over this issue reaches all the way back to 1980. What’s worse, journalists found that consumers were not the only ones concerned about trace amounts of asbestos in talcum powder: Johnson & Johnson’s internal documents revealed it had been looking into asbestos contamination since the early 1970s.

The reason why this is such an issue is that asbestos is a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance. Mesothelioma is the most common cancer known to result from asbestos exposure; however, cancers of the lungs, ovaries, larynx, and other areas of the body may also result.

Hold Negligent Manufacturers Accountable for Their Actions

If you have developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and have reason to believe talcum powder is to blame, you may have the right to file suit against the manufacturer — whether that is Johnson & Johnson or another corporation. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages, which is legalese for any losses you incurred as a result of your injury.

Product manufacturers are legally required to make sure that their products are safe. The fact that Johnson & Johnson (a) knew talcum powder could be contaminated with asbestos, (b) either knew or should have known that its powder increases a person’s risk of ovarian cancer, and (c) kept this product on the market without any safety warning, shows that it failed to keep consumers safe.

Filing a Personal Claim vs. Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

Those injured by talcum powder can either file a personal claim or join a class action lawsuit. Neither option is better than the other; it all depends on your specific circumstances. It is, therefore, recommended that you contact a talcum powder injury lawyer to find out which course of action is best for you.

If you opt to file a personal claim, you could recover compensation for damages including but not limited to:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Past and future lost wages
• Loss of quality of life
• And more.

On the other hand, class action lawsuits give you the opportunity to join other plaintiffs in bringing forth a suit against the party that harmed you (in this case, the talcum powder manufacturer). Class action suits only seek compensation for the cost of the product, not the aforementioned damages.

Discuss Your Rights with a Florida Talcum Powder Injury Lawyer

Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. is an award-winning firm with extensive experience in handling both civil claims and mass torts. Our talcum powder injury attorneys are known for their comprehensive legal services and effective representation. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in state and federal courts, earning acclaim from our peers, clients, the American Association for Justice, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and other industry organizations. Our attorney team is fully prepared to fight for you!

Schedule a free consultation to find out whether you qualify for a talcum powder lawsuit – call (888) 499-6206 to speak with a national lawyer today.