Florida Talc Powder Cancer Attorney

Since the 1970s, there have been strict regulations requiring talcum powder products to be free of asbestos. That, however, doesn’t necessarily ensure the complete safety of talcum powder. Recent research has led the American Cancer Society to express concern that even asbestos-free talc could potentially be harmful to human health. What’s further troubling is certain products were still found to contain asbestos as of 2017.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and have a history of using talcum powder, you may qualify to file a lawsuit for compensation. Please reach out to Philip DeBerard Injury Attorney at 1-800-299-8878.

Talc Powder: Widely Used, But With a Hidden Hazard

Talcum powder has been a preferred personal hygiene item for decades, helping alleviate rashes and absorb body moisture. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that cosmetic talc products are derived from talc, a mineral rich in magnesium and silicon, which is known for its moisture-absorbing and friction-reducing properties.

The personal care industry finds the properties of talc highly useful for various applications such as talc-based baby powders, body powders, foot powders, and products for feminine hygiene. Talc has also seen uses in birth control methods like diaphragms, and some brands of condoms were known to contain the substance.

Despite its numerous personal care applications, talc in its natural form often contains asbestos, a known carcinogenic substance linked with severe health problems.

The Risks Associated With Talc Use

The disclosure of asbestos presence in talc-rich products is recent, emerging only in the past few years and triggering substantial product liability claims against manufacturers.  

The mere detection of any amount of asbestos in cosmetic talc products is cause for urgent attention. There isn’t an established safe level for asbestos exposure. Consumers normally would not expect cosmetics to contain any cancer-causing substance.

Lawsuits now assert that manufacturers failed to use health warnings on talc products and failed to efficiently screen their talc-based goods for asbestos contamination.

Implication of Talc in Cancer Cases

Many lawsuits related to talcum powder claim that asbestos-contaminated talc products, such as baby powder, are associated with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer.

Active litigations also claim that exposure to industrial or cosmetic talc encourages the incidence of mesothelioma, a lung cancer mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Plaintiffs have filed allegations stating the inhalation of talcum powder resulted in them developing mesothelioma and lung disease.

Moreover, several lawsuits contend that irrespective of the presence or absence of asbestos, exposure to talc itself poses severe health threats and could still trigger disease.

Johnson & Johnson faces over 1,200 lawsuits relating to its talcum powder. These are filed by women claiming the company’s body powder resulted in them developing cancer. Although the products’ packaging warns against inhalation, it does not highlight the potential cancer risk associated with external use.

There’s a concern that with the use of baby powder in the genital area, particles could travel to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes, causing persistent irritation that may result in ovarian cancer. Epidemiologists estimate that 10 percent of ovarian cancers and corresponding deaths in the US annually can be linked to the use of talc.

Producers, suppliers, and retailers of talc products have been implicated in the lawsuits concerning talc-based products. Litigation is still active, though recent settlement deals and court verdicts have contributed to billions in payouts to claimants.

What is the Basis of Talc Powder Litigations?

Allegations raised in talcum powder lawsuits indicate a connection between talc items and cancer diagnoses. Claimants across all 50 states say that the firms manufacturing baby powder were aware of asbestos presence in talc powder items. This substance can trigger mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, yet the companies did not inform the public of these dangers.

Plaintiffs now say that manufacturers should bear responsibility for their failure to caution consumers about the health hazards associated with their talc goods.

Legal Actions Regarding Asbestos in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

The multinational corporation Johnson & Johnson is among numerous companies that have been facing lawsuits concerning asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, particularly within its baby powder items.

In October 2019, the FDA finished a year-long examination of talc-infused cosmetic items and discovered asbestos in these products. This prompted manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson to recall specific products found contaminated with asbestos. Johnson & Johnson also instituted a recall of a single batch of its trademark Johnson’s Baby Powder.

Johnson & Johnson is not the only well-known company in the lawsuits. Talcum powder attorneys in Florida have also filed suits against other firms including Colgate-Palmolive, Revlon, Pfizer, Chattem, and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Are You Qualified to File a Talc Powder Lawsuit?

Merely having a history of talcum powder usage does not automatically qualify you for compensation. However, using talc-containing products that led to certain health conditions might make you eligible to file a legal claim. These health conditions include:

• Recurring inflammation in the genital area
• Respiratory illnesses – in particular, persistent lung irritation
• Ovarian cancer
• Mesothelioma or lung disease.

In order to qualify for damages caused by talcum powder use, you need proof that connects your health condition or injury to your previous interaction with talcum powder or any talc-containing products. The skilled lawyers at Philip DeBerard’s law firm are ready to assess your case to determine the possibility of a talcum powder cancer lawsuit.

Filing a Talc-Related Cancer Case

If you have been diagnosed with cancer following the use of talc-based products, it’s recommended that you consult a lawyer to assess your unique claim and determine if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit. A specialized lawyer from the DeBerard law firm can assist you in initiating a talc-related cancer lawsuit, protecting your legal rights, and guiding you through the litigation process.

Talcum Powder Lawsuit Settlements

Numerous talcum powder legal actions are still in process against the company Johnson & Johnson. Filing a personal injury case provides victims an opportunity to claim reimbursement for their healthcare expenses and other illness-associated costs. It is possible that you could be awarded compensation for:

Medical Costs

The implications of using talcum powder might require costly treatments, particularly if it leads to cancer or another fatal disease. A successful talcum powder claim can help you recover these expenses.

Loss of Earnings

A serious disease can prevent you from working for a long period. You may need to take time off to undergo treatment and recovery, which can severely impact your financial situation. However, you can claim lost earnings through a personal injury lawsuit.

Decreased Earning Potential

Your injuries resulting from talcum powder use may lead to a long-term or permanent disability. This can affect your future earning power. If your earning ability has been compromised due to your talcum powder-related injury, you might be eligible for compensation related to your lowered future income.

Pain and Suffering

Besides the monetary implications of talcum powder diseases, patients often endure emotional hardships due to physical pain and inability to enjoy life. Although estimating a monetary value for these losses is difficult, an experienced attorney at Philip DeBerard’s law offices can assist in determining your compensation for emotional distress.

Get in Touch with a Talc Powder Cancer Lawyer in Florida

Are you or a family member battling cancer after using a talc powder product? You might be able to pursue a lawsuit to demand just compensation for the injury you sustained. Contact Philip DeBerard Injury Lawyer today at 800-299-8878 and discover how we can assist you in filing a talc powder injury claim.