This past week, the US Supreme Court rejected a bid by Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Johnson’s Baby Powder, to dismiss lawsuits against the mammoth corporation that allege the talc powder causes ovarian cancer.
The case dates to 2014, when Mississippi sued J&J. Mississippi argues the company violated state law by failing to warn users of “dangerous and potentially lethal” health risks of using its products, which Mississippi says increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women.
J&J is facing thousands of lawsuits after allegations arose that some its products that use talc – a type of mineral – often are contaminated with asbestos, which can pose a danger to its users.
Billions of dollars have already been awarded in damages to many women who developed cancer after using the products, which are popular for female hygiene.
Asbestos is a dangerous mineral and humans that are exposed to it are at a severe risk.
Inhaling asbestos can cause a variety of issues for a person. Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that can form on the outside of a person’s lungs, heart and other organs, is most commonly associated with the mineral.
The baby powder lawsuits have been a huge blow for J&J from both financial and marketing perspectives. Johnson’s Baby Powder had been marketed as safe and gentle and was an ubiquitous product used by millions of women and families for decades. The news that the powder can cause cancer changed that narrative.
J&J has denied the link between these cancers and talc, though revealed documents show the company had been aware of the risk of asbestos contaminating its talc as far back as the 1970s.
Up until 2018, it was still denying any potential contamination of its products with asbestos.
Costly lawsuits began to roll-in for the company as early as 2016, though.
Five years ago, the family of St Louis’ Jacqueline Fox was awarded $72 million from the New Brunswick, New Jersey, based company.
Our law firm is accepting cases concerning this dangerous talc powder. If you or a loved one have contracted ovarian cancer after using the talc powder, contact us today for a free, initial consultation.
