Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Studies have linked talcum powder to several types of cancer, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. A talcum powder lawsuit allows victims to stand up to negligent manufacturers and seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. See if a top talcum powder lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update 2024

Tens of thousands of victims have filed talcum powder lawsuits demanding compensation and justice for cancers caused by asbestos-contaminated talcum powder.

Most talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J), which makes Johnson’s® Baby Powder. However, other companies that manufacture and sell talc products have also been named in these lawsuits.

Companies knew of the dangers related to their products but failed to warn the public. Evidence presented in a March 2024 J&J baby powder case showed that the company had even tried to sway researchers.

The latest developments in talcum powder lawsuits include:

  • As of March 2024, 53,796 claims are pending in a class action multidistrict talc lawsuit (MDL) against J&J.
  • Some talc lawsuits have already awarded victims billions of dollars.
  • In January 2024, J&J said it would pay $700 million to settle claims that it misled consumers about the safety of its talc products.
  • Earlier that month, an Illinois jury awarded $30 million in a talcum powder mesothelioma lawsuit to the widow of a man exposed secondhand to asbestos-laden talc from a tire manufacturing plant.
  • J&J has tried to sidestep its responsibilities to those it has harmed by declaring bankruptcy, but the courts have rejected those attempts.

Talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits are filed most frequently, with a smaller percentage focusing on other cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The bottom line is that families deserve to have their voices heard, and negligent talcum powder companies must be held accountable for their wrongdoing.

Get a free case review right now to see if you may be able to pursue compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.

What Is Talcum Powder?

Talcum powder is a consumer product made from talc, a soft mineral mined from the earth that absorbs moisture.

For more than a century, companies like Johnson & Johnson have used talc to make different types and brands of talcum powder.

Talcum powder may be sold as:

  • Baby powder
  • Body powder
  • Dusting powder
  • Shave powder
  • Other types of powder

Talc is often found near deposits of asbestos, a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). During the mining and milling process, talc sourced for talcum powder may become contaminated with asbestos.

Anyone who has used talc-based hygiene products is at an increased risk of asbestos exposure, as they may have unknowingly inhaled or otherwise come in contact with microscopic asbestos fibers while using the products.

Talcum Powder & Asbestos Exposure

Multiple studies have linked asbestos-contaminated talcum powder to cancer, including some that’ve shown women who used talcum powder in the genital area are about 30% more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Did you know?

Women who use talc powder frequently have the greatest risk of ovarian cancer.

Scientists believe that talc particles may travel through the fallopian tubes and to the ovaries when talcum powder is used for feminine hygiene.

The use of talcum powder containing asbestos may also cause malignant mesothelioma, according to a case study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Other studies have shown that talc miners and millers (workers who process talc) are more likely to develop lung cancer and have connected talc use in men to testicular cancer.

“Talc that has asbestos is generally accepted as being able to cause cancer if it is inhaled.”
– American Cancer Society (ACS)

In addition to the American Cancer Society, numerous public health agencies have warned the public about the association between asbestos-containing talcum powder and cancer.

Notably, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), states that talc with asbestos “is carcinogenic to humans.”

By filing a talcum powder lawsuit, you can fight back against the companies that knew about the health risks related to their products but stayed quiet to keep making money.

Who Qualifies for the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

You may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit if you or a loved one:

  • Was a regular user of talc-based powder
  • Later developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, or another type of cancer

A successful talcum powder lawsuit can provide victims with money to help pay for their medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

If a loved one has passed away from a talcum powder cancer, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation for their remaining medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact our case managers at (888) 726-9160 right now to find out your eligibility for a talcum powder cancer lawsuit.

Steps to File a Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit

Talcum powder lawyers understand the challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis, so they strive to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. An experienced attorney can handle every step of your case, so you can focus on your health and family.

The basic steps involved in a talcum powder lawsuit are listed below.

1. Contact LawFirm.com to See If You Have a Case

LawFirm.com has case managers who can let you know if you may be eligible to file a talcum powder lawsuit. Get a free case review right now to learn about your options.

Our team can answer any questions you may have, and we’ll connect you with a top talcum powder lawyer if you have a case.

2. Collect Evidence

Your lawyer, along with a team of paralegals and medical experts, will gather evidence linking your cancer to the talcum powder(s) you used.

This evidence may include:

  • Information on your talc use (how often, what brands, and where it was purchased)
  • Medical records documenting your cancer diagnosis
  • Reports from medical experts linking asbestos in talc to cancer
  • Testimony from family members who saw you use the product

Using this information, your asbestos attorney will identify the talcum powder companies responsible for your cancer.

3. File Your Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit

Once your legal team has built a strong case, they will file your lawsuit in the court that’s most likely to result in a favorable outcome.

Talcum powder lawsuits have strict filing deadlines called statutes of limitations, so you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you’llll miss your window of opportunity to seek compensation and justice.

4. Collect Compensation

Your legal team will fight for a talcum powder lawsuit settlement that covers your medical bills and other expenses. Asbestos settlements are less risky than trial verdicts and allow victims to access compensation faster and without going to court.

However, if a settlement can’t be reached, your team will be ready to argue your case in court before a judge and jury and fight for maximum compensation.

Talc Lawsuit Settlement & Verdict Amounts

Talcum powder product liability lawsuits have awarded billions of dollars to consumers harmed by their products.

Recent talcum powder lawsuit settlements and verdicts are as follows:

  • Johnson & Johnson was hit with an $18.8 million asbestos-talc verdict in November 2023. The case was later settled after J&J threatened an appeal.
  • In March 2023, a South Carolina jury said talc supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniels must pay $29.14 million to a woman who developed mesothelioma at age 35 from asbestos-containing talc products.
  • A California jury found Avon Products Inc. liable for $50 million in damages to a woman who developed mesothelioma after using its talcum powders.
  • A Missouri appeals court ordered J&J to pay $2.1 billion to 20 women who said the company’s talc-based products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
  • J&J agreed to settle about 1,000 talcum powder lawsuits consolidated in a mass tort for $100 million.

While the judicial system awards victims with verdicts totaling billons of dollars, new talcum powder lawsuits continue to be filed today.

Get a free case review now to find out if you may be eligible to pursue a talcum powder lawsuit settlement.

Factors Affecting Talc Settlement Amounts

While talcum powder lawsuit payouts will vary based on several factors, legal experts predict that talc settlement amounts could exceed $1 million in some cases.

Factors likely to influence settlement amounts include:

  • Cancer diagnosis: Cases involving victims with more serious diagnoses may obtain larger settlements.
  • Extent of use: Those who used talcum powder products for many years may have a stronger case, leading to higher settlement values.
  • Medical expenses: A talcum powder lawsuit settlement will likely take into consideration the amount of your current and future medical bills.
  • Strength of case: Cases with strong evidence linking a victim’s talc use to a talcum powder cancer may result in a substantial settlement. This evidence may include medical records confirming your diagnosis, reports from medical experts, and testimony from people who saw you buy and use talcum powder products.

Regardless of the unique factors of your potential case, you can rest assured that your talcum powder lawyer will fight to get you the most compensation possible.

Companies and Products Involved in Talcum Powder Lawsuits

While Johnson & Johnson has been named as a defendant in tens of thousands of talcum powder lawsuits, many other talc manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have been successfully sued.

For example, Avon Products Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive Co., which sell a variety of personal care products, have been ordered to pay tens of millions of dollars to those harmed by their products.

Similarly, over a dozen different talc products have been the subject of talcum powder lawsuits for their role in causing cancer.

These talcum powder products include:

  • Avon® beauty products
  • Cashmere Bouquet® talcum powder
  • Desert Flower® Dusting Powder
  • Gold Bond® Body Powder
  • Johnson’s Baby Powder
  • Old Spice® powder
  • Shower to Shower®
  • Other brands of talcum powder

Individuals who worked in jobs that required them to use talc-based powder, like barbers and hairdressers, are likely to have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc particles.

Other high-risk groups include talc miners and millers, as well as those who relied on talcum powder as part of their daily hygiene routine for decades.

Get Help From a Talcum Powder Lawyer

Talcum powder lawyers can even the playing field for talc-cancer victims and help them fight back against powerful corporations like Johnson & Johnson that made and sold the products that made them sick.

By filing a talcum powder lawsuit, you can seek compensation to help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering and send a message to talcum powder companies that their actions won’t be tolerated.

The talcum powder attorneys that LawFirm.com works with have recovered over $9.3 billion total for victims of injustice across the country.

Our legal partners:

  • Can help talc-cancer victims in all 50 states
  • Have resources to fight deep-pocketed corporations
  • Never charge any upfront fees

Call our case managers at (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.

Talcum Powder Lawsuits FAQs

Has anyone received money from a talcum powder lawsuit?

Yes, thousands of asbestos-talc victims have gotten compensation from talcum powder lawsuits, either from settlements or trial verdicts.

Johnson & Johnson has been the focus of tens of thousands of these lawsuits. J&J alone has paid out billions of dollars to people who developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after using Johnson talcum powder and baby powder.

How much will each person get from the Johnson & Johnson settlement in 2024?

Johnson and Johnson lawsuit settlements will vary depending on the specifics of each case. These factors may include the type of cancer the victim has, their medical bills, and how long they used the asbestos-contaminated powder.

That said, some legal experts predict that Johnson and Johnson talc settlements could hit $1 million+ in certain cases.

What’s the Johnson and Johnson lawsuit update for 2024?

As of March 2024, tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson and Johnson (J&J), and the company has paid out billions of dollars to those impacted by asbestos-related cancers.

Recently, a closely watched talcum powder lawsuit against J&J ended in a hung jury. A Florida judge declared a mistrial after jurors were deadlocked over whether the company’s baby powder caused a doctor to develop a rare cancer called peritoneal carcinoma, which she later died from.

The doctor’s family had asked for $14 million in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages to punish the company for allegedly hiding the health risks of its product from consumers.

Why was talcum powder banned?

Talcum powder is still sold today, but it’s made from cornstarch instead of talc. Samples of talc-based powder have been found to contain asbestos, a cancer-causing substance.

Johnson and John stopped selling baby powder made from talc in the United States and Canada in 2020 after being named in about 38,000 talcum powder lawsuits.

Even though the company switched to a cornstarch-based product, it still maintains that its original powder was safe.

What’s the average settlement for a talcum powder lawsuit?

Talcum powder lawsuits vary in amounts, depending on the type of cancer the victim developed and several other factors.

In January 2024, talcum powder manufacturer Johnson and Johnson offered $8.9 billion to resolve about 50,000 ovarian cancer and talcum powder lawsuits, according to Bloomberg Law.

That would result in a settlement amount of $138,000 per person, but those who push forward with a talcum powder lawsuit may wind up with a larger payout.

LawFirm.com will provide regular talcum powder lawsuit updates as more cases are decided and settlement amounts are revealed.

How much do talcum powder lawyers charge?

The talcum powder attorneys in our network handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t charge upfront or out-of-pocket fees.

Instead, these attorneys get paid by taking a percentage of any compensation they secure for clients. If they don’t recover any money, you pay nothing.

This type of fee arrangement allows all victims equal access to justice regardless of their financial situation

Get a free consultation now to see if a top talcum powder lawyer can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

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ReferencesView References
  1. American Cancer Society. (2022, December 6). “Talcum Powder and Cancer.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/talcum-powder-and-cancer.html
  2. Bloomberg Law. (2024, January 23). “J&J Cancer Claimants Demand More Money Before Third Bankruptcy.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankruptcy-law/j-j-cancer-claimants-demand-more-money-before-third-bankruptcy
  3. Law360. (2024, March 6). “J&J Trial Over Doctor’s Cancer Death Ends in Hung Jury.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.law360.com/articles/1809543/j-j-trial-over-doctor-s-cancer-death-ends-in-hung-jury
  4. Law360. (2024, March 3). “J&J’s Talc Lit The Spark For Doctor’s Fatal Cancer, Jury Told.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.law360.com/articles/1809055/j-j-s-talc-lit-the-spark-for-doctor-s-fatal-cancer-jury-told
  5. Mealey’s Asbestos. (2024, January 9). “Illinois Jury Awards $30M In Household Asbestos Exposure Case.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.lexislegalnews.com/mealeys/articles/1783800/illinois-jury-awards-30m-in-household-asbestos-exposure-case
  6. Moline, Jacqueline MD, MSc; Bevilacqua, Kristin MPH; Alexandri, Maya JD; Gordon, Ronald E. PhD. (2020, January). Mesothelioma Associated With the Use of Cosmetic Talc. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31609780/
  7. National Center for Health Research. “Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.center4research.org/talc-and-ovarian-cancer/
  8. Reuters. (2024, January 23). “J&J agrees to resolve 42 U.S. states’ talc investigations.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/jj-agrees-resolve-42-us-states-talc-investigations-2024-01-23/
  9. Reuters. (2023, March 6). “Talc supplier hit with $29 mln verdict in South Carolina trial.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.reuters.com/legal/talc-supplier-hit-with-29-mln-verdict-south-carolina-trial-2023-03-06/
  10. Reuters. (2023, July 18). “J&J must pay $18.8 million to California cancer patient in baby powder suit.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.reuters.com/legal/jj-must-pay-188-mln-california-cancer-patient-baby-powder-suit-2023-07-18/
  11. Reuters. (2022, August 12). “J&J to end global sales of talc-based baby powder.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/jj-stop-selling-talc-based-baby-powder-globally-2023-2022-08-11/
  12. Sokolove Law. (2024, March 1). “Talcum Powder Lawsuit.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/product-liability/talcum-powder/
  13. The New York Times. (2021, July 27). “Women With Cancer Awarded Billions in Baby Powder Suit.” Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/health/baby-powder-cancer.html
  14. U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. (2024, March 1). “MDL Statistics Report – Distribution of Pending MDL Dockets by District.” Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/Pending_MDL_Dockets_By_District-March-1-2024.pdf

 

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