Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Settlement
Prior to the two verdicts, totaling $127 million dollars, for failing to warn the risk of ovarian cancer from its talc-based products, Johnson & Johnson was a trusted household name for many families. Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, Shower to Shower and other talcum powder products have been on the shelves for general consumers for decades. However, the recent baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuits uncovered that Johnson and Johnson knew about the risk of ovarian cancer as early as 1971. This is the second multi-million verdict against Johnson and Johnson this year, among approximately 1,200 baby powder lawsuits around the country.
The main ingredient in baby powder is talc, a magnesium, silicon, and oxygen mineral that is used to absorb moisture. Medical research studies from the American Cancer Society have suggested that talcum powder increases the risk of ovarian cancer if absorbed through the genital area, into the Fallopian tubes, and travel through to the ovaries.
The first lawsuit, Fox v. Johnson & Johnson (Cause No. 1422-CC09012-01, Division 10, Missouri Circuit Court, 22nd Judicial District in St. Louis) has exposed Johnson & Johnson’s negligence in marketing their talcum powder products. Jacqueline Fox had been using Johnson & Johnson baby powder since she was a teenager, and in October 2015, Jacqueline died from cancer. According to Bloomberg’s media coverage of the lawsuit, the St. Louis jury concluded that “talcum powder contributed to the development of the disease and that Johnson & Johnson was liable for negligence, conspiracy, and failure to warn women of the potential risk of using Baby Powder in the genital area. The verdict, decided by a 10-2 vote, included $10 million in compensatory damages and $62 million in punitive damages.” Talcum powder can be found in ovarian tumors through biopsy. In the second lawsuit, the Missouri jury handed an award to the ovarian cancer victim for $55 million dollars against Johnson & Johnson on May 2, 2016.
Julie Oliver-Zhang, an experienced drug product liability and personal injury attorney is representing baby powder ovarian cancer victims nationwide. Attorney Julie Oliver-Zhang has been a long-standing advocate for women’s health and seeking justice where large product manufacturers and pharmaceuticals have failed to inform women of the dangerous effects of their products. For example, a previous victim of the synthetic estrogen drug, DES, described Julie as,
“a compassionate advocate for my family and always made herself available to answer delicate questions and provide well thought out solutions under tenuous circumstances.”
Another drug-induced cancer client speaks out about her experience working with us as follows:
“I worked with Julie Oliver-Zhang for almost two years as she took on a very complex case with multiple plaintiffs and defendants. During this time Julie was always highly professional, responsive to my questions, and passionate about our case. I always felt she was fighting as hard as was possible to see that justice prevailed (it did). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her services in any case where you need a smart, tough attorney to see that justice is done.”
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower or Johnson’s baby powder, please contact Oliver-Zhang Law today for a free consultation to see whether you are entitled to compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Does it cost to review my claim? Oliver-Zhang law will give your case a free consultation to see if you or your loved one is eligible for filing a claim. All inquires are completely confidential.
- Who can file a claim? Women or family members of women who:
- Have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or possibly died of ovarian cancer.
- Does not have a genetic disorder predisposing her to ovarian cancer, like the BRCA 1 gene or BRCA 2 gene.
- Have a positive biopsy showing evidence of talcum powder.
- Have been using talcum powder daily for at least 5 years.
- Have used the talcum powder in the genital area, and
- Have used the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder brand, such as Shower to Shower, Baby Powder, Shower Fresh, sanitary napkins containing talc, and cosmetics.
- How much time do I have to file a claim? Every state is different. For example, you will have three years to file a lawsuit from the date you discovered your injury in Washington, DC. In Virginia, it is two years. In Maryland, it is three years. Please call 202-643-1110 to consult with one of our experienced baby powder lawsuit attorneys before a deadline in your state may pass.
