July 22, 2016 — Lawyers representing hundreds of women with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder have asked judges to centralize the litigation into one federal court.
On July 15, plaintiffs’ attorneys asked the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to centralize 11 claims pending in 10 district courts into the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
They said creating a MDL would eliminate duplicative discovery and inconsistent court rulings. Illinois was suggested because plaintiffs are located all over the country and it “would permit convenient travel for the parties and counsel as compared to travel to the East or West Coast.”
More than 1,200 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson by women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower genitally for decades.
Several cases have already made it to trial in state court. In April, a jury in St. Louis awarded $55 million to a woman with ovarian cancer who used baby powder for 40 years. In February, another jury awarded $72 million to a woman who died of ovarian cancer last year.
At least 22 studies have found higher rates of ovarian cancer among women who used talc for genital hygiene. In 2013, a meta-analysis of these studies estimated a 20-30% increased risk.
Experts warn that talc particles can travel through the reproductive systems and accumulate in the ovaries. Over time, this could potentially promote inflammation and the growth of cancer. Johnson & Johnson continues to deny their products cause ovarian cancer.
Do I have a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting talc 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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