Cosmetic talc sold by Johnson & Johnson is the subject of many lawsuits currently pending in American courts. Epidemiological evidence shows that talc has been a causative factor in the development of certain cancers. In addition, allegations have been made that the talc contains asbestos, which can subject consumers to asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases. As a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I keep updated on the status of a variety of personal injury lawsuits, including the talc litigation. Following is a brief update on the status of these unique personal injury lawsuits.
Long before talc was used as a baby powder or a personal care product, it was used in various types of manufacturing, including rubber, paint, drywall and roofing materials. This industrial grade talc was frequently contaminated with asbestos. Workers who were exposed to asbestos have their own lawsuits pending. Though it was well known that talc mining results in contamination of the talc with asbestos and other toxic substances, personal care, talc manufacturers hid this fact from consumers.
The discovery of dangers posed by this seemingly innocuous product ignited a storm of lawsuits. In the course of this litigation, personal injury lawyers discovered a ton of evidence showing that the talc manufacturers were aware of dangers posed by this product for many years.
Inhalation of talc is the most common source of exposure referenced in current lawsuits. Inhalation of talc, and asbestos contained in talc, has been linked to the development of ovarian cancer. In addition, talc–related ovarian cancer has been related to exposure to the perineum, the underside of the body that exposes the pelvic area. According to one expert, “the strongest ovarian cancer cases are those when the plaintiff has been diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, and especially, the subtype high-grade serous ovarian cancer.” The evidence linking cervical, uterine and other subtypes of ovarian cancer is weaker, resulting in a weaker case.
These cases are vigorously defended. Personal injury lawyers who handled talc cases will want to screen out patients who are at high risk for the development of ovarian cancer, including those of advanced age, and those having significant family history of ovarian cancer or a genetic predisposition.
Though difficult cases, there have been some large verdicts in favor of plaintiffs in talc cases. With proper screening and referral to an experienced personal injury law firm that handles numerous talc cases, your case can be won. If you were a talc user and developed high-grade serous ovarian cancer, you should contact a personal injury attorney, like Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A.,a personal injury attorney, who can make a referral to one of the national law firms that will handle these cases on your behalf.