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J&J to Face Conspiracy Charges in Talcum Powder Lawsuit

J&J to Face Conspiracy Charges in Talcum Powder Lawsuit

January 9, 2015 — In Missouri, a federal judge has ruled that Johnson & Johnson will face charges of conspiring to conceal the health risks of talcum powder in a lawsuit brought by the husband of a woman who died of ovarian cancer.

The woman, Shawn Blaes, used talcum powder in her perineal area from approximately 1972 until her death. She used Johnson & Johnson products, including Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower. Tragically, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and died in January 2011.

Her husband filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, accusing Johnson & Johnson of helping to create a task force (TIPTF) with the illegal goal of preventing consumers from learning about the potential side effects of talc.

U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White decided to allow the conspiracy claims to proceed. The case is set for trial in March 2016.

Evidence linking talc and ovarian cancer has been growing since the 1970s. Some studies have found that asbestos-like fibers of talc can be absorbed into a woman’s reproductive system when the powder is used regularly in the genital area. Since 1982, approximately 22 studies have found evidence of a link.

According to the complaint:

“The TIPTF hired scientists to perform biased research regarding the safety of talc, members of the TIPFT edited scientific reports of the scientists hired by this group prior the submission of these scientific reports to governmental agencies, members of the TIPTF knowingly released false information about the safety of talc to the consuming public, and used political and economic influence on regulatory bodies regarding talc.”

Do I have a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting talcum powder induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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