Thousands of lawsuits claim that Johnson’s Baby Powder increases the risk of ovarian cancer when it is used for feminine hygiene. Juries in Missouri have awarded billions of dollars in favor of women with cancer.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting baby powder induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Class Action Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Johnson & Johnson Offers $8.9 Billion Talc Settlement
In April 2023, Johnson & Johnson offered to pay an $8.9 billion settlement to resolve about 60,000 lawsuits involving people who developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products.
Class Action Information
Baby Powder Class Action in Missouri
Baby Powder Class Action in California
Baby Powder MDL
Baby Powder Class Action Lawsuit Settlements
Payouts & Compensation for Baby Powder Cancer
$300 Million Awarded in Baby Powder Trials
Does Baby Powder Cause Cancer?
Talcum Powder and Asbestos
Studies Linking Baby Powder and Cancer
What is the Risk?
Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
About Class Actions
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits
Do I Have a Baby Powder Lawsuit?
Baby Powder Class Action in Missouri
In May 2014, Courthouse News reported that Johnson & Johnson has been hit with a class action lawsuit on behalf of Missouri residents who purchased baby powder in the last five years. Plaintiffs Denis Mikhlin and Erin Hoffman allege that the company failed to warn about the potential risk of ovarian cancer in women who use baby powder daily in the genital area. Click here to read more.
Baby Powder Class Action in California
In April 2014, Law 360 reported that Mona Estrada, a woman who used Johnson’s Baby Powder regularly since the 1950s, had filed a class action in California. She alleges that Johnson’s Baby Powder can cause ovarian cancer when it is used by women in the genital area. The complaint cites studies linking the use of talcum powder to a 33% increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Baby Powder Lawsuits Centralized in MDL
Judges have centralized all federal lawsuits involving Johnson’s Baby Powder in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2738) under U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in the District New Jersey.
Class Action Lawsuit Settlements
There have been no class action lawsuit settlements for women with ovarian cancer from baby powder. However, if you file a lawsuit, you could join a settlement agreement in the future. There is no guarantee, however. Johnson & Johnson denies any link between talc and cancer and has not offered any amount of settlement money.
Payouts & Compensation for Baby Powder Cancer
Our lawyers specialize in helping people who were injured by defective products seek compensation for their injuries. The payout is not guaranteed, and it depends on the type of injury and how much money juries award at trial. Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income or earning ability
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
$300 Million Awarded in Baby Powder Trials
In May 2017, a jury in St. Louis awarded $110 million to Louis Slemp, 62, a woman from Virginia who used Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower for over 40 years. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 and was unable to attend the trial due to her illness.
In October 2016, $70 million was awarded to a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 after using baby powder on her genitals for 45 years. Her lawyers accused Johnson & Johnson of failing to warn about the risk.
In May 2016, a jury in St. Louis, Missouri has awarded $55 million to a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson’s Baby Powder for nearly 40 years.
Just three months earlier, another jury in St. Louis, Missouri has awarded $72 million to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer after using baby powder for decades as a feminine hygiene product.
Does Baby Powder Cause Cancer?
Some women use baby powder in the genital area to keep skin dry and reduce friction. Unfortunately, some studies suggest that particles of talc can enter the vagina and travel to the ovaries.
Talcum Powder and Asbestos
Talc is a mineral that is structurally similar to asbestos, a known carcinogen. Before the 1970s, many talc products were contaminated with asbestos. Experts are concerned that talc in the ovaries could cause inflammation and increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Breathing asbestos-tainted talcum powder could also lead to mesothelioma.
Studies Linking Baby Powder and Cancer
In the 1970s, researchers found particles of talc inside the ovaries of women with ovarian cancer. Since then, evidence of the risk has continued to grow. Talc is considered a “possible human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization, based on studies such as the following:
- Anticancer Research (2003) — Meta-analysis of 16 studies found a 33% increased risk of ovarian cancer from perineal talcum powder use, but no causal relationship.
- Cancer Epidemiology (2008) — Harvard researchers compared 1,400 women with ovarian cancer to 1,800 health women and linked the use of talcum powder with a 36% increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Cancer Prevention Research (2013): Use of talcum powder in the genital area associated with a 20-30% increased risk of ovarian cancer.
What is the Risk?
According to the American Cancer Society, the average woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is about 1.4%, so even a 30% increase is only 1.8%. Even so, talc is widely found in consumer products, and more studies are needed to understand the risk.
Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm. We are filing individual lawsuits for women who were injured or died of ovarian cancer after using baby powder.
About Class Actions
When a lot of people have suffered a relatively minor injury from the same defendant, it makes sense to join a class action. Lawyers select one member to be the “class representative” and use that case to argue for compensation on behalf of the whole group.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Baby Powder Class Action
For individuals with severe injuries, a class action can have disadvantages. Plaintiffs might have to accept high attorneys’ fees and a “low-ball” settlement. Class actions are designed to maximize efficiency when a lot of people have similar legal claims.
Our trial lawyers understand that many of our clients have suffered devastating losses to their physical, financial, and emotional health. This is why we always investigate and evaluate new cases for free. We also typically provide legal representation on contingency-fee. Contact us today for more information.
Do I have a Baby Powder Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting baby powder induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Class Action Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
