Talcum Powder Causes Ovarian Cancer, Jury Finds

A Missouri state jury has slapped drug manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), with a $72 million dollar verdict in St. Louis last week, finding that J&J’s talcum power caused deadly ovarian cancer in women, and that J&J knew about the danger, but hid it to keep profits rolling.

Welcome to corporate America.

The jury found that J&J knew of the cancer causing properties of talcum powder for decades, yet never informed users of its Baby Powder or Shower to Shower products about the risk. J&J is now facing over 1,200 lawsuits nationwide, including personal injury lawsuits in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

The Missouri verdict included $10 million in actual and compensatory damages and a whopping $62 million in punitive damages. The punitives will be reviewed by the trial court in post-trial motions and there is the likelihood of an appeal.

The St. Louis verdict in favor of the plaintiff followed a defeat on the same issue in South Dakota federal court in 2013.

Talcum powder was marketed by J&J as a feminine hygiene product for use in underwear or applied directly. Subsequent peer-reviewed medical studies found that women who used talcum powder had a 30% greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. Nine other scientific studies showed similar damaging findings for women’s cancer risk with the use of talc.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or dangerous drug, contact the experienced DC personal injury lawyers at Zukerberg & Halperin, PLLC for a free, confidential case evaluation. We strive to work with you through these difficult times, to be not only your lawyer, but counselor and friend.