Johnson & Johnson has lost its third straight trial alleging that its talcum powder products can cause ovarian cancer. After only three hours of deliberations, a St. Louis jury returned a verdict of $70 million in favor of the plaintiff, a California woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for feminine hygiene for more than four decades. According to court documents, the 62-year-old plaintiff has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to treat her cancer, and has been told that she has an 80 percent chance of dying in the next two years.
Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $65 million in punitive damages in addition to $2.5 million for medical costs and pain and suffering. The supplier of the talc, Imerys Talc America, was also hit with $2.5 in punitive damages.
Johnson & Johnson continues to deny that their product can cause cancer and plans to appeal the verdict. However, after three straight losses with verdicts totaling $197 million, the company may wish to reconsider its position on the absolute safety of its product.
Despite evidence from the past 30 years suggesting a link between perineal use of talc-containing products and a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer, Johnson & Johnson has failed to add a warning label to its products to inform consumers of the potential risk. Johnson & Johnson still faces hundreds more lawsuits, including 300 suits in Los Angeles, another 200 in New Jersey, and numerous federal cases.
Golomb Legalis currently representing more than 100 women in litigation against Johnson & Johnson. Our firm has been involved in talcum powder litigation for nearly three years in jurisdictions around the country, including St. Louis and New Jersey state courts as well as recently ordered Federal Court MDL. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after long-term use of talcum powder products, contact Golomb Legalto schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia class action attorney. You may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses.
Call (215) 278-4449 today to speak with an attorney about your potential case.