Talc is a clay mineral that, when produced in a powdered form, is referred to as talcum powder. This powder is typically utilized in consumer products, such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The powder is most commonly used in baby powder, foot powder, or body powder because its absorption properties help prevent friction and some skin conditions.
Despite its useful properties, regular use of products containing talc has been linked to various forms of cancer, including ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, and, in some cases, lung cancer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, or mesothelioma, and have regularly used baby powder, body powder, or cosmetics, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the product manufacturers and talc suppliers. The Buffalo personal injury lawyers at Feroleto Law can determine whether you have grounds for a talcum powder-related injury lawsuit. Call us today at (716) 854 0700 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation.
Holding Companies Accountable
While the risks associated with talc and talcum powder have been widely studied, numerous corporations have continued to utilize the substance in some of their best-selling consumer products including Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, Shower to Shower, Gold Bond, and cosmetic brands such as Revlon, L’Oreal, Cover Girl, Mary Kay, Avon, and others.
In April of 2023, Johnson & Johnson filed for bankruptcy in order to attempt to pay out $8.9 billion to approximately 70,000 plaintiffs in a monumental lawsuit where the plaintiffs claimed J&J’s talc products caused various forms of cancer. The group of plaintiffs included those who had suffered, and family members of those who had died, from ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Notably, tens of thousands of the group were women who had experienced gynecological cancers from talc-based cosmetic products.
In early 2024, however, J&J reached a small agreement with over 40 states to resolve their talc claims and probes by states as a result of their failure to warn consumers of the health risks associated with talc in baby powder.
Because of the staggering number of lawsuits against J&J for their talc-based products, the company discontinued talc-containing products in 2020 in favor of cornstarch-based products.
Johnson & Johnson is not alone in having numerous lawsuits filed against them as a result of unlabeled talc usage – Gold Bond, Revlon, Chanel, Cover Girl, Avon, Mary Kay, and L’Oreal have also been taken to task for not warning consumers of the risks associated with using their products that contained talc. If you are from the Buffalo, New York or Western New York area, have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or lung cancer, and have regularly used talc-based products, talking to a Buffalo mesothelioma attorney could be an important step. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
Ovarian, Cervical, and Uterine Cancer
Studies have shown that there is a link between talcum powder and an increased risk of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer. This is especially true when the powder is utilized regularly for an extended period of time. When talc particles are applied to the genital area, they can travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, causing inflammation that can lead to cancer over time.
The symptoms of talc-related ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer are similar to, if not the same as, naturally occurring cancer. Despite this, it is still incredibly important to monitor and assess symptoms for both your health and the impact of a talcum powder lawsuit.
Some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Weight loss
- Pelvic discomfort
- Swelling/bloating in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Frequent urination.
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer are:
- Post-menopause vaginal bleeding and bleeding between periods
- Pelvic discomfort and/or pain
- Bloody vaginal discharge.
The most frequently occurring symptoms of uterine cancer are:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain.
If you or a family member has suffered from ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer and has been, or currently is, a longstanding user of talcum powder or talc-containing products, contact the talcum powder injury attorneys at Feroleto Law at (716) 854 0700.
Mesothelioma
Talc which contains asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer. Talc miners and millers are especially at risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer due to the varying amounts of asbestos in the substance. The risks associated with breathing in asbestos-contaminated talc can vary, depending on how often and for how long a person comes into contact with the substance. Long-term exposure to low levels of asbestos in talc can have a similar effect to high levels of exposure over a short duration.
Mesothelioma can possess a latency period of decades, so it is important to closely monitor any symptoms. The symptoms associated with mesothelioma are:
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Lumps on the chest area.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have been exposed to talc or talcum powder regularly, reach out to Feroleto Law. We can assess the merits of your case and explain in detail the process of filing for a talcum powder-related cancer lawsuit.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to In a Talcum Powder Injury Lawsuit
Legal actions relating to talcum powder and any injuries caused as a result of its consumption or use would fall under a product liability or defective product lawsuit. These lawsuits are complex, and navigating the legal system can be challenging. Consulting with a Buffalo product liability lawyer can be important in understanding your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Because of this, compensation is based on damages. The damages that you can seek compensation for in a talcum powder injury lawsuit are:
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
- Medical costs associated with talc-related ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer and mesothelioma
- Pain and suffering.
In some cases, you may be able to seek punitive damages if it is evident that a company displayed grossly negligent actions and/or purposefully attempted to hide or conceal risks. This is particularly concerning in scenarios involving children’s products, such as toys containing talc, which could pose health risks. Consulting a Buffalo defective toy attorney can provide essential guidance on how to address these risks and pursue legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Talcum Powder Claims
Feroleto Law is committed to assisting individuals who have been affected by the use of talcum powder products and are seeking legal recourse for their injuries. Below, we have compiled answers to some of the most common inquiries regarding talcum powder claims:
What is the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer?
Studies have suggested that women who regularly use talcum powder in the genital area may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. When talc particles are applied to the genital area, they can potentially travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, causing inflammation that may lead to cancer over time. Some women have developed mesothelioma, a type of cancer very specific to exposure to asbestos.
How strong is the evidence linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma?
While the evidence linking talcum powder with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma is disputed by corporations, several major studies and analyses have found a statistically significant association between talcum use and increased ovarian cancer and mesothelioma risk, particularly after long-term use. However, some studies have not found a link, so the evidence is still being evaluated. Study results can depend on many variables, such as how the studies were conducted, the population of individuals in the study, etc.
Have there been any verdicts against major corporations in talcum powder cases?
Yes, several large verdicts have been awarded to plaintiffs who claimed ovarian cancer was caused by talcum powder products. One example is a 2018 St. Louis case where the jury awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women who sued Johnson & Johnson over ovarian cancer linked to talc-based products. Other major verdicts include $417 million in 2017 and $72 million in 2016.
What talcum powder products are potentially at issue?
All face and body powders that contained talc as well as cosmetics. The primary products named in lawsuits include Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower from Johnson & Johnson, Gold Bond, Avon, MaryKay, and all major cosmetic brands that used asbestos-containing talc in makeup.
What damages can be sought in a talcum powder ovarian cancer or mesothelioma lawsuit?
Possible damages include compensation for medical costs and expenses, loss of past and future income, pain and suffering, and in some cases, possibly punitive damage if it is found the company’s conduct is deemed particularly wantonly reckless or grossly negligent.
What should I do if I have used talcum powder and been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma?
Consult with an experienced Buffalo lawyer who handles talcum powder ovarian and mesothelioma cancer cases. They can evaluate your specific situation and determine if you may have a viable claim against the product manufacturer.
Experienced Legal Representation
The lawyers at Feroleto Law in Buffalo, NY, understand the devastating impact that talc powder-related cancers can have on individuals and their families. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. There are national law firms handling these cases, however it is good to have a Buffalo law firm on a local talcum powder cancer lawsuit to be sure you are represented fully and properly, and not just one of hundreds or thousands of files held by a large national advertising firm.
With a proven track record of success in product liability cases, we have the experience and resources to take on even the largest corporations. Our Buffalo, New York attorneys will investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to hold the responsible parties accountable.
We get it. The emotional and financial toll that a cancer diagnosis can take is devastating. We are committed to providing the compassionate and personalized legal representation you deserve, every step of the way.
Contact Feroleto Law Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian, uterine, cervical, or lung cancer, or mesothelioma and has regularly used talcum powder, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. When you speak with Feroleto Law and we learn all the details of your case, we can let you know if we think you have a viable talcum powder injury claim.
Call us at (716) 854-0700 or fill out our online form and let us help you in your quest to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
Attorney John Feroleto
Attorney John Feroleto understands the value of hard work. He is known in the community and by his peers for his willingness to work and go the extra mile. Other lawyers often ask John to handle their trial matters to maximize clients’ recovery. Trial lawyers know who the best trial lawyers are. He was also named Trial Attorney of the Year in 2012 by the Western New York Affiliate of New York State Trial Lawyers Association. [ Attorney Bio ]