Johnson & Johnson Talcum Products

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Talc is a soft, naturally occurring mineral that has been commonly used in baby powder and cosmetic products. Studies first surfacing in the 1980’s have shown a link between talc and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Recent lawsuits allege that talc contains asbestos, a mineral known to cause various forms of cancer.

In July 2018, a St. Louis jury awarded 22 women $4.7 billion who alleged that Johnson & Johnson’s talc products contained asbestos which lead to ovarian cancer. On October 18, 2019, The FDA found asbestos in its talc, prompting Johnson & Johnson to issue a voluntary recall of that batch.

Internal memoranda within Johnson & Johnson indicates that since the 1970s it knew that its baby powder products were contaminated by asbestos, but the company failed to publicly disclose that information. Nevertheless, Johnson & Johnson continued to distribute talc baby powder and chose not to warn the public.

As of Oct. 15, 2019, there are more than 13,000 cases pending against Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson continues to deny all allegations. On May 19, 2020 Johnson & Johnson announced that it will discontinue the distribution of talc baby powder and will use corn starch in their baby powder instead.

To qualify for monetary compensation, you must have used talc almost daily around the genital area and have contracted ovarian cancer.

Other companies named in lawsuits include Vanderbilt Minerals, Colgate-Palmolive, and Imerys Talc America. Products implicated include Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder as well as various Gold Bond products. Other talc products that have been implicated in lawsuits include clay, chalk, crayons, adhesives, and pottery.

There have been several confidential settlements and numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts including $37.2 million in New Jersey, $417 million in California, $117 million in New Jersey, $22 million in California, $18 million in Los Angeles, and $72 million in St. Louis.

Weisfuse & Weisfuse, LLP represents ovarian cancer victims who have used talc products on a regular basis. Contact us at (212) 983-3000 for a free consultation.

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