Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has been and continues to represent people who have been using talc regularly and consistently for several years and were diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer.
The largest manufacturer of talc powder products was Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, New Jersey. It manufactured Shower to Shower and Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder.
Another manufacturer of talc-containing powders is Chattem, Inc., of Chattanooga, Tennessee, which manufactured Gold Bond Body Powder, Gold Bond Extra Strength Body Powder, and Gold Bond No Mess Powder Spray, all of which contain talc. Chattem is a subsidiary of Paris-based Sanofi.
Talcum powder is popular because it prevents rashes by absorbing moisture. It also reduces friction. But it is also dangerous.
Talc, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma
There have been a rising number of cases of consumers developing mesothelioma after using certain talcum powder.
Talc is a mineral that is mined from the ground. As talc forms and is mined, it may be contaminated with asbestos. People who use baby powder, body powder or other products containing talc may be exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos fibers.
There are nationally recognized brands of talcum powder products that have been tested for asbestos. Independent laboratory tests have confirmed that some do contain small amounts of asbestos fibers. (1)
In some cases our clients still had some of the talcum powder products they had used. Our attorneys contacted experts to test the talc remaining in the containers. We were able to prove that the actual talc product used by our client contained asbestos.
Breathing in Danger
The asbestos fibers in talcum powder can float in the air for hours. They can be inhaled by people using the powder. This is where the danger is.
As you continue to use the product and breathe in the dust-filled air, you can accumulate asbestos fibers in the linings of your lungs or abdomen. This can cause changes in certain cells in your body that may lead to mesothelioma. (2) Symptoms of mesothelioma, including chest, back or flank pain and shortness of breath, may not appear until decades after breathing in the asbestos fibers.
Talc and Ovarian Cancer
Women who have used talc powders for personal feminine hygiene and were subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer may also have a case against the manufacturers.
Weitz & Luxenberg P.C is accepting cases in which women were using talc powders for personal feminine hygiene and were diagnosed with any of these ovarian cancer types:
- Serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
- Endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer.
- Mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer.
- Clear cell ovarian cancer.
- Undifferentiated ovarian cancer.
”Ovarian cancer from using talc for personal feminine hygiene is a condition that has affected thousands of women and grievously impacted their lives — in some cases resulting in death,” says W&L’s Ellen Relkin, of counsel attorney.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Long Known
For many years, studies have suggested a link between ovarian cancer and women who regularly used talc powder for personal female hygiene. A 2013 study by Terry et al., published in Cancer Prevention Research, found a 20% to 30% increased risk of different types of ovarian cancer with personal feminine hygiene powder use. These authors also observed a significant 1.46 times increased risk for borderline serous ovarian tumors.
Another study published in 2015 by Cramer et al., published in the journal Epidemiology, found similarly increased magnitude of risk, with a trend in their data indicating increased risk with increased talc use.
W&L Can Help Victims
Juries found Johnson & Johnson liable for billions of dollars in separate trials involving women who used the company’s talc powder products and developed ovarian cancer.
The plaintiffs in those cases contended that Johnson & Johnson had long known about the ovarian cancer risk accompanying use of talc for personal hygiene use, but gave consumers no warnings. The plaintiffs produced evidence of internal Johnson & Johnson documents substantiating these claims.
There have also been a number of successful client lawsuits against talc manufacturers for causing their mesothelioma.
Currently, J&J is facing total payouts of $4 billion for its talc products causing cancer. J&J is also facing 25,000 more lawsuits. (3)
Attorneys Experienced with Cancer Lawsuits
One thing to look for when you choose a law firm is whether the attorneys have experience in your type of legal case. We have more than 30 years of dealing with deadly asbestos cancer cases.
Our dedicated and compassionate attorneys believe that you deserve justice. And they work tirelessly to use their knowledge and skill on your behalf.
We have negotiated $19 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our firm has the resources to take on large corporations who have put their profits over your safety. When they do, we do our best – and it’s a lot – to make them pay for the damage they caused you.
People who used talc power and were diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer should contact W&L to discuss their rights to compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and other damages.
To arrange a free consultation about your case, contact W&L toll-free at (833) 977-3437 or reach us online.
