October 6, 2016 — All federal lawsuits claiming that talcum powder products made by Johnson & Johnson can cause cancer have been consolidated in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2738) in New Jersey.
On October 4, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order (PDF) transferring 54 lawsuits pending in 20 federal courts into one court — the District of New Jersey under Judge Freda L. Wolfson.
All of the lawsuits involve women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or uterine cancer after using Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower for genital hygiene.
Lawyers say talc is a carcinogen and Johnson & Johnson has been aware of concerns for decades, but chose to increase marketing efforts toward black and Hispanic women rather than issue warnings.
The company is facing approximately 2,000 lawsuits in various state courts. Earlier this year, two trials in St. Louis ended in jury verdicts of $72 million and $55 million for women who developed ovarian cancer.
New Jersey was chosen for several reasons. Johnson & Johnson is headquartered in the state. The most procedurally-advanced federal case is already pending in New Jersey under Judge Wolfson. Furthermore, over 220 state-court cases are pending in New Jersey’s Atlantic County Superior Court — In Re: Talc Based Powder Product Litigation – MCL No. 300.
Do I have a Baby Powder Cancer 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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