Jury Awards $72 Million in Talcum Powder Cancer Death

February 24, 2016

A lawsuit regarding the connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer has ended with the Johnson & Johnson Company being required to pay $72 million in damages to the victim’s family.

On Monday, jurors in a St. Louis courtroom deliberated for less than five hours before concluding that the Johnson & Johnson Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of healthcare products, should be held accountable for the cancer-related death of a local Missouri woman.

The case is the first in which a jury awarded monetary damages for cancer caused by using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum-based products.

The Claim and Verdict

Last year, a 62-year-old Missouri woman died as a result of aggressive ovarian cancer that was linked to the woman’s use of talc-based feminine hygiene products manufactured and distributed by Johnson & Johnson.

For more than 30 years, the woman used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum baby powder and talc-based “Shower to Shower” powder. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, doctors could not determine a genetic or environmental cause for the cancer, which lead them to suspect her use of talcum powder was the primary cause of the disease.

Jurors determined that Johnson & Johnson should pay the victim’s family $10 million in compensation, as well as an additional $62 million as punishment for fraud, negligence and conspiracy.

The additional charges were based on information provided to the jurors that indicated Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that its talcum powder products could cause cancer, yet it never bothered to warn consumers.

The Ongoing Legal Battle

Currently, Johnson & Johnson is facing an additional 1,200 lawsuits that claim its baby powder and “Shower to Shower” powder cause ovarian cancer. Victims and their families contend the company was aware of the risks, yet failed to warn customers.

Talcum powder is made from talc, which is a naturally occurring mineral that contains magnesium and silicon. However, cornstarch has been widely substituted for talc, as the American Cancer Society advised in 1999 that cornstarch-based products are safer and should be used instead.

While Johnson & Johnson introduced a baby powder using cornstarch in the 1970s, the company still continues to offer products made from talc, maintaining the substance is safe and poses no immediate health risks.

In 2013, a jury in North Dakota determined that a woman’s use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum body powder contributed to her developing ovarian cancer, yet they awarded no monetary damages to her or her family.

At Phillips Law Group, we believe that all companies that cause harm to consumers should be held accountable for their actions. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, contact one of our talcum powder lawsuit attorneys today.

We can help determine if you are eligible to file a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit and win the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call 1-800-706-3000 or fill out ourFREE Case Evaluation Form