The Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers at Bisnar Chase are actively taking cases from those who have suffered from nationwide baby powder or talc-based product usage. We have assembled a team of expert trial attorneys to protect those injured due to the negligence of big pharmaceutical corporations.
If you have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and have used hygiene products that contained talc powder, you may be entitled to compensation. The law firm of Bisnar Chase has won millions of dollars for victims and families who have lost a loved one to defective products.
Contact us at 1-800-561-4887 for a free consultation on your product liability case.
Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer
Talcum Powder Claims FAQs
Talcum Powder is a crushed form of Talc – a magnesium silicate that happens to be the softest known mineral. As such it has an innate ability to absorb moisture and oils. These properties make it useful as baby powder to prevent diaper rash or for deodorizing. In 2011, the United States produced about 615,000 metric tons of talc. The majority of this is used in plastics and ceramic applications, but 7% was used to make baby powder and other cosmetics.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and have frequently used talcum powder products for feminine hygiene, it is important that you contact an experienced talcum powder cancer attorney to explore your options. The value or worth of your case will depend on your diagnosis and treatment as well as the economic and non-economic damages you have sustained as a result.
Women who are past menopause have an increased risk of suffering from uterine cancer. Although there has been strong evidence indicating talcum powder usage linking to ovarian cancer, there have not been many cases of other forms of cancers linking to talc usage. Just because it has not been proven though does not mean it is not possible.
Affected victims may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, cost of surgery, rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Those who have lost a loved one because of ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder may also seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Talcum powder lawsuit timeline can last from a year to multiple years. The reason why the process is so lengthy is because of the time needed to assess your injuries, receive expert opinions, collaborate, and exchange information with the defendant’s legal representation and take all the costs for your losses into consideration.
Dangers of Talc Powder Usage
After many reports of talc and ovarian cancer cases emerged, many were left with the question of “is talcum powder safe?”
Ovarian cancer will affect approximately 1 in 70 women in their lifetimes, but preliminary studies show that talcum powder is only likely to increase your chances of getting cancer if you consistently use the powder for multiple years.
In its natural state, talc contains asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. However, as of 1973, federal law prohibited the use of asbestos in consumer product containing talc. Talcum powder is now processed to ensure that there is no asbestos in the product.
Talc can be found in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Johnson & Johnson Shower to Shower Body Powder, as well as in other cosmetics and personal care products.
Around 90% of women who get ovarian cancer are older than 40, but there are certain factors that correlate more highly with ovarian cancer incidences. If any of these situations apply to you, it does not mean that you will get ovarian cancer, but you may want to speak to your doctor about the risk.
The American Cancer Society have stated that those who can be at risk of developing ovarian cancer include:
- Older than 40
- Other Ovarian or Breast Cancer in the Family
- Never Given Birth
- Difficulty Getting Pregnant
- Taken Hormone Replacement Therapy
- History of Endometriosis
- Posses BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations (Mostly found in people of Eastern European Jewish descent)
If you believe that your cancer was caused by talcum powder, reach out for a free case evaluation from seasoned Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers at Bisnar Chase. Call 800-561-4887.
- First reports of talc powder being harmful.
- Medical experts link talc particles to ovarian tumors. Johnson & Johnson acknowledges findings and faces federal ban on baby powder.
- Talc suppliers insert warning labels of talc toxicity on shipments to talc producers. California Safe Cosmetic Act also lists talc as a potential carcinogen. Soon after, the National Cancer Institute cites talc use as risk factor of developing ovarian cancer.
- Million-dollar settlements begin to be awarded to women who have developed ovarian cancer talc powder and filed lawsuits. Baby powder manufacturers then place warning labels on bottles which included brands sold at Walmart and Dollar Tree. Lastly, verdict orders Johnson & Johnson to pay $4.6 billion to 22 women who had suffered from ovarian cancer.
- Johnson & Johnson recalls thousands of baby powder products, ultimately discontinuing the product in North America.
Talcum Powder Brands Associated with Lawsuits
Talcum powder, or baby powder, is primarily used to prevent diaper rashes by sprinkling the powder into the diaper. This keeps the baby’s bottom dry and reduces friction between the diaper and the skin, reducing the likelihood of a rash.
Adult women have also frequently used talcum powder as a feminine hygiene product. Users dust their genitals or their sanitary napkins with talcum powder to keep the area moisture- and odor-free.
This continued usage of talcum powder on the genitals is believed to have caused ovarian cancer in thousands of women today.
Women who used the following talcum powder brands or men who have used the following brands have developed or may develop cancer.
- Johnson & Johnson
- Vanderbilt Minerals
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Imery’s Talc powder
To determine if you have a viable case for injuries, contact our Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers for a free case evaluation today.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are found to have abnormal cells growing out of control in the ovaries. There are several types of ovarian cancer.
- Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Most tumors in the ovaries are epithelial. This type of cancer starts to grow in the surface layer tissue, or the epithelium, of the ovaries. This type of cancer makes up 90% of the ovarian cancer cases, but many of these cases end up being benign and pose no risk to the patient. Epithelial tumors can be further split into the following sub-categories:
- Serous: This is the most common and the most dangerous form of epithelial ovarian cancer, due to spreading quickly and usually becoming symptomatic after becoming a high stage tumor. This results in the tumor not being discovered until it is often too late.
- Clear Cell: This is the second most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer and is believed to come about due to endometriosis. It is usually detected at low stages, but doesn’t necessarily respond as well to chemotherapy with current methods.
- Endometrioid: The third most common, also believed to result from endometriosis. When patients are diagnosed at a low stage, they only require surgery to remove tumors and no additional treatment after that.
- Mucinous: This is an uncommon type of carcinoma, relatively unresponsive to chemotherapy.
- Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer: These tumors grow in the cells that produce the eggs within the ovaries. Unlike epithelial cancer, which occurs most frequently in women over 40, germ cell tumors often occur in teenagers and women in their 20s. Most of these patients can be cured and still maintain fertility if the tumor is found early enough.
- Stromal Tumors: Stromal tumors in the ovaries affect the soft connective tissue that hold the ovaries together. These can either be classified as granulosa tumors or Sertoli Leydig tumors. These tumors are rare and are usually considered to be low grade cancers.
- Unclassifiable: A small percentage of epithelial tumors are unable to be classified due to immature development of the cells.
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms are vague and not specific to ovarian cancer, but will worsen over time as the cancer grows. Be sure to see a doctor if you continue to experience these symptoms or side effects:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Bloating/indigestion
- Difficulty eating
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Even early-stage cancer can reveal itself with these symptoms constantly showing themselves. Suppose you seek a gynecologic evaluation quickly for a pelvic and rectovaginal exam. In that case, you may be able to detect cancer at an early stage and improve the likelihood of a good outcome.
Contact us to discuss if you have a case. These product liability cases can be very complex, and our Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers have won hundreds of millions for our clients. Call 800-561-4887.
Baby Powder Alternatives
Corn Starch
Oatmeal Powder
Baking Soda
Actions to Take if You Have Used Talcum Powder based products
After receiving the news that you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, each moment of your time counts. You should not have to pay or lose your life due to a defective product that did not even have a warning label.
Your fight and life do not have to end. What should you do, then, if you believe that using talcum powder was the cause of your ovarian cancer?
Measures you can take if you believe you have a talc-based powder claim:
Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
Ovarian cancer can become apparent in the early stages and should not be taken lightly. Suppose you seek a gynecologic evaluation quickly for a pelvic and rectovaginal exam.
In that case, you may be able to detect cancer at an early stage and improve the likelihood of a good outcome. Be sure to see a doctor if you continue to experience symptoms.
Seek Legal Representation
If you have received an ovarian cancer diagnosis or fallopian tube cancer diagnosis and have used Johnson’s baby powder in your genital area, you should contact an attorney, as you may be entitled to compensation.
When you are seeking legal representation, there are several aspects to keep in mind. Since this is a delicate matter, you want to make sure you are comfortable with your lawyer. Another aspect to take note of is the years of experience that an attorney has with talcum powder cases.
Although an attorney may claim to have years of experience handling personal injury cases, ovarian cancer cases may not be their specialty. Also, inquire about their success rate in winning these types of claims.
Hire the Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Attorneys of Bisnar Chase
The Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers at Bisnar Chase have fought for years against huge baby powder corporations. We have studied these cases and the effects of talcum powder extensively to represent victims who have developed ovarian cancer.
The law firm of Bisnar Chase has won millions for those who have suffered from ovarian cancer, or who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of talcum powder companies. Call our talcum powder case attorneys at 1-800-561-4887 for free legal advice on your injury case.
Mesothelioma
Claims have also been reported that baby powder was the cause of Mesothelioma. According to Asbestos.com, “Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers and forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain.”
Some people who have suffered from mesothelioma due to talc powder have been factory workers who have manufactured the product or those who have used cosmetic products containing talc powder.
Johnson & Johnson Discontinues Baby Powder Product
Johnson & Johnson has been subject to 2 verdicts of $72 million and $55 million for not warning its consumers about the dangers of ovarian cancer when using their products. Now, though, Johnson & Johnson has stopped selling their baby powder in North America altogether. This means that it will no longer be sold in the United States and Canada.
Ovarian Cancer lawsuits that have been settled include:
- Eastern District Missouri Court ruled John & Johnson to pay $2.1 Billion to victims
- Verdict ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay 22 women and their families $4.69 Billion
The company still faces, as of now, thousands of class action lawsuits associated with this product.
Johnson & Johnson Cancer Lawsuits
$72 Million for Jacqueline Fox
Jackie Fox passed away from ovarian cancer in October 2015, but not before filing a case against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn her about the documented dangers of using talcum powder.
After her death, her son Marvin Salter took over as plaintiff for the three-week trial in February 2016. The jury awarded Fox $10 million in actual damages and $62 million in punitive damages, although it is expected that an appeal will reduce this punitive amount considerably.
Juries were shown an internal document from Johnson & Johnson where a medical consultant alleged that use of talcum powder came with a higher risk of ovarian cancer and likened it to the link between cigarettes and cancer.
The fact that Johnson & Johnson was warned about the potential dangers of talc and did not put a warning on the bottle or do anything else to take care of their consumers’ health was what swayed at least one of the members of the jury.
A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson said that there are decades of scientific evidence proving that talc usage is safe. Unfortunately, given the existence of multiple conflicting studies, it seems as if the company picked and chose what science it wanted to believe and used that as justification for not warning consumers.
$55 Million for Gloria Ristesund
Gloria Ristesund was also a frequent user of Johnson & Johnson brand talcum powder from 1973 to 2011, and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in august 2011.
As a result of her cancer she had to have a hysterectomy and other surgeries. Fortunately, her cancer is now in remission, but the damage to her body has already been done.
Gloria filed a lawsuit which was closed early May 2016 when the judge ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million. This included $5 million in actual damages and $50 million in punitive damages.
List of Scientific Studies On Talcum Powder
Starting in 1971, numerous scientific studies conducted have determined that using talcum powder can increase the likelihood of a woman developing ovarian cancer. We curated a list of these studies and descriptions of their processes, and 15 out of the 20 studies that were performed found an association between genital area talcum powder use and an increase in ovarian cancer.
You can read the summarized descriptions and results of the talcum / baby powder studies here, as well as study takeaways such as other risk factors of ovarian cancer that were discovered from these studies.
Scientific Studies
| Study Name | Association Found |
| Talc and Carcinoma of the Ovary and Cervix | Yes |
| Ovarian Cancer and Talc: A Case-Control Study | Yes |
| A Case-Control Study of Borderline Ovarian Tumors: The Influence of Perineal Exposure to Talc | Yes |
| Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer: A Case-Control Study | Yes |
| Risk Factors for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Beijing, China | Yes |
| Reproductive and Other Factors and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: An Australian Case-Control Study. Survey of Women’s Health Study Group. | Yes |
| Perineal Talc Exposure and Risk of Ovarian Carcinoma | Yes |
| Genital Talc Exposure and Risk of Ovarian Cancer | Yes |
| Factors Related to Inflammation of the Ovarian Epithelium and Risk of Ovarian Cancer | Yes |
| Perineal Talc Exposure and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Risk in the Central Valley of California | Yes |
| Talcum Powder, Chronic Pelvic Inflammation and NSAIDs in Relation to Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | Yes |
| Talc Use, Variants of the GSTM1, GSTT1, and NAT2 Genes, and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | Yes |
| Markers of Inflammation and Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Los Angeles County | Yes |
| Genital Powder Use and Risk of Ovarian Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of 8,525 cases and 9,859 Controls | Yes |
| The Association Between Talc Use and Ovarian Cancer | Yes |
| Personal and Environmental Characteristics Related to Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | No |
| Perineal Talc Exposure and Subsequent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Case-Control Study | No |
| Prospective Study of Talc Use and Ovarian Cancer | No |
| Genital Powder Exposure and the Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | No |
| Perineal Powder Use and Risk of Ovarian Cancer | No |
Bisnar Chase Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers
The talcum powder attorneys at Bisnar Chase are devoted to helping people who have suffered harm from dangerous products or families who have lost loved ones as a result of those products.
We have the resources it takes to fight for our clients, help them receive maximum compensation for their losses, and hold manufacturers accountable for their negligence. We do not charge any fees or costs until you are compensated fairly for your personal injury claim.
Contact us at 1-800-561-4887 for a free confidential consultation.
