Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has produced baby powder for more than 125 years. A lot has changed in that time, especially when it comes to awareness of health risks. But is it possible that Johnson & Johnson not only ignored warnings of harmful ingredients in their talcum powder but created new marketing campaigns that only increased the risk of consumers developing mesothelioma and other cancers?
For 50 years, Johnson & Johnson marketed their baby powder as a feminine hygiene product. Now, over 10,000 women who regularly used the powder for that purpose are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
The US Department of Justice alleges that Johnson & Johnson knew their products caused cancer years ago, though an investigation is still underway. If true, Johnson & Johnson could be subject to the False Claims Act, which forbids knowingly selling defective products.
There’s also significant evidence suggesting J&J talcum powder had asbestos contamination and that company management knew about the risks. An alleged memo from a Johnson & Johnson executive suggests the company tried to minimize talcum powder safety studies as early as the 1970s.
Talc (the main ingredient in talcum powder) is a mineral often found near asbestos deposits. In the ongoing proceedings, attorneys argue that negligent mining practices and inadequate safety testing contaminated the talcum powder with trace amounts of asbestos, leading to cases of mesothelioma and other cancers.
Typically, someone seeking damages from Johnson & Johnson must meet either of the following criteria:
Regularly used talcum powder on genitals and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Regularly used talcum powder and was diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.
Over the past four years, Johnson & Johnson paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements to those injured by their products. As thousands of others and their families fight for rightful compensation, it’s important to remember that nobody should go against a company of this size alone.
If you or someone you love were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve a team that will fight for you. To discuss your case with an experienced mesothelioma attorney from Richmond Vona, LLC, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
