Parker Waichman LLP

Johnson & Johnson Faces Another Talc Trial

Caused thousands of women to suffer from ovarian cancer. Over the past few years, Johnson & Johnson, the well-known maker of popular talcum powder products, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, has been fighting claims that its talcum powder products have caused thousands of women to suffer from ovarian cancer.  […]

Johnson & Johnson Faces Yet Another Talc Trial

Caused thousands of women to suffer from ovarian cancer. Over the past few years, Johnson & Johnson, the well-known maker of popular talcum powder products, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, has been fighting claims that its talcum powder products have caused thousands of women to suffer from ovarian cancer.  Johnson & Johnson has already faced multiple trials where juries have awarded those injured, and the families of deceased plaintiffs, hundreds of millions of dollars collectively.  However, Johnson & Johnson has won a trial where it successfully defended the safety of its talc-based baby powder products.  Evidence from past trials shows that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the link between talc, the key ingredient in baby powder, and the development of ovarian cancer.

Because so many lawsuits are pending against Johnson & Johnson, the company faces yet another trial that will likely last until the middle of July.  While the prior trials against Johnson & Johnson typically involved one injured or deceased woman at a time, the upcoming trial in St. Louis involves multiple women who are currently suffering from ovarian cancer or who have already died from ovarian cancer.

Currently, there have not been any large-scale global settlements to resolve all outstanding talc claims.  Instead, Johnson & Johnson is fighting tooth and nail to defend each case one trial at a time.  Like Johnson & Johnson, plaintiffs are fighting tirelessly with the help of Talc Lawsuit Product Liability Lawyers to hold the global company accountable for choosing money over safety in the development, manufacture, and sale of its talcum powder products.

As such, trials will likely continue until the day comes when Johnson & Johnson is ready to resolve the more than 9,000 talc lawsuits the company currently faces.  The number of talcum powder cancer lawsuits may continue to grow as women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer month after month and year after year.  Even if a woman stopped using baby powder after learning about the link between the talc-based products and ovarian cancer, she might still develop ovarian cancer in the future, placing her in a state of constant fear asking “what if” every day.  It takes time for cancer to develop, so a woman may not suffer the consequences of repeated talcum powder use until years after she stops using the product.

Past Talc Trials Involving Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Powder Products and Ovarian Cancer

Johnson & Johnson has been busy defending itself against lawsuits all across the United States.  So far, the global company has been involved in six (6) trials involving the use of baby powder products for hygienic purposes and the development of ovarian cancer.  It is important to remember that nearly every trial verdict is appealed by the losing party in a case, and in some cases, the appellate courts have overturned jury verdicts in favor of the injured plaintiffs.  At this time, two verdicts (Fox and Echeverria) have been overturned by the courts.  However, the message from the jury is still clear when plaintiffs suffering from ovarian cancer have collectively been awarded more than $700 million in damages, as set forth below:

 

CASE NAME DATE VERDICT
1. Fox v. Johnson & Johnson February 2016 Plaintiff – $72 Million
2. Ristesund v. Johnson & Johnson May 2016 Plaintiff – $55 Million
3. Daniels v. Johnson & Johnson March 2017 Defendant
4. Slemp v. Johnson & Johnson May 2017 Plaintiff – $110 Million
5. Echeverria v. Johnson & Johnson August 2017 Plaintiff – $417 Million
6. Giannecchini v. Johnson & Johnson September 2017 Plaintiff – $70 Million

 

Upcoming Trial Against Johnson & Johnson Involves Twenty-Two (22) Plaintiffs

The upcoming trial against Johnson & Johnson, taking place in St. Louis County, Missouri, will likely conclude in mid-July.  With twenty-two (22) plaintiffs, the trial is expected to last more than one month.  Some of these women are alive and continue to suffer from ovarian cancer while others have unfortunately already passed away from ovarian cancer.  The jury will hear the facts of each plaintiff’s case and decide whether Johnson & Johnson should be held liable for the ovarian cancer that each of these women has suffered.  Given that Johnson & Johnson has lost similar trials, many people hope that these plaintiffs will reach a similar fate and receive verdicts that demonstrate how Johnson & Johnson concealed important safety information from consumers.

What Are the Allegations Against Johnson & Johnson Regarding Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?

Current lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson regarding the global company’s talc-based products, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products are (1) defective; and (2) that the company did not warn consumers that talcum powder is a known carcinogen linked to cancer.  A majority of the women who have filed lawsuits share the following criteria:

  • Consistent (typically daily) use of Johnson & Johnson’s popular Baby Powder or Shower to Shower talc-based products in the pelvic/genital area for hygienic purposes for a period of a few or more years, with most women having used the product for ten or more years;
  • Diagnosis of ovarian cancer; and
  • Biopsy results demonstrating the presence of talcum powder.

Many women who have filed lawsuits have already passed away because of ovarian cancer.  In some cases, family members, such as spouses or adult children, have been filing wrongful death lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson on behalf of their loved ones.  While Johnson & Johnson claims that its talc-products are safe, the plaintiffs are alleging that Johnson & Johnson was well aware of the link between talc and the development of cancer decades ago and did nothing to inform consumers about this link.  Had consumers been aware of the link between repeated use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer, they may have chosen to use another product that did not contain talc.

Recent Cases Allege Asbestos in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Products Causes Mesothelioma

The vast majority of cases against Johnson & Johnson involve the effects of talc, the key substance in baby powder products that numerous juries believe is linked to ovarian cancer.  More recent cases allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based powder products contain asbestos, a substance that is strongly linked to the development of mesothelioma.  Such cases against Johnson & Johnson involve both women and men who allege that inhalation of dust particles emitted from the talc-based products contain asbestos that has caused them to develop mesothelioma, a deadly type of cancer.  So far, Johnson and Johnson has faced the following trials involving the use of its talc-based products and the development of mesothelioma, where juries have awarded plaintiffs more than $140 million in damages collectively:

CASE NAME DATE VERDICT
1. Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson April 2018 Plaintiff – $117 Million
2. Anderson v. Johnson & Johnson May 2018 Plaintiff – $25.75 Million
3. Boyd-Bostic v. Johnson & Johnson May 2018 Mistrial – Jury Could Not Reach Decision

 

Because Johnson & Johnson has not demonstrated any interest in settling claims, asbestos-related talc lawsuits are likely to continue for the immediate years to come in addition to talc lawsuits involving the development of ovarian cancer.  The link between asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products is relatively new, affecting just as many men as women.

Early on in the talc litigation, many people believed that only women suffering from ovarian cancer would be able to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for its actions.  Now, however, men and women alike suffering from mesothelioma linked to asbestos-containing talc products are fighting to ensure Johnson & Johnson pays the price for failing to inform consumers of the risks associated with exposure to its products and the development of cancer.

Contact a Talc Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Attorney Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you believe your ovarian cancer or mesothelioma is linked to your use of products containing talcum powder, or if you have lost a loved one to ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you should act quickly to speak with a Talc Cancer Lawsuit Attorney right away.  At Parker Waichman LLP, our nationally-recognized trial attorneys fight endlessly to help their clients receive compensation for their injuries.  To learn whether you or a loved one has a potential legal claim, contact our office today by calling (800) YOUR-LAWYER (968-7529) to schedule your free consultation.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
My husband lost his parents within 2 years. His father most recently and we are distraught over his care prior to passing. We decided to call Parker Waichman, and were greeted by Joanna. We sat and explained our story, and literally felt like we were sitting with family. Joanna went out of her way to make sure we understood every single detail, and were comfortable with our choices. Lawyers can be intimidating, but we never once felt that way. We are very comfortable with our choice to use them and would recommend anyone to use their services. (Joanna even went out of her way to hand deliver the most delicious olive oil, not sold in the U.S to our home!!)
Diane Terracciano
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
" Great Job!"A very professional Law Firm . The Service was great keeping me well informed step by step during the process .Parker watchman handled my case wonderfully. I was very happy and satisfied with my settlement. I recommend them to any one.
Marwa Amin
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Love the way Ms Asia Gali was very attentive and so polite when i called to ask about there services and she made sure to call me back when needed to or text to make sure my appointment with them was on time and set on schedule! She was Great! Thank you so much Asia from Parker Waichman LLP! You guys are the best and definitely will recommend you to anyone in need! — Robert Pombo Jr.
Robert Pombo
11 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038