Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a company you’ve probably known since you were quite young, is facing over 57,000 lawsuits.
Claimants state that J&J’s talc-based baby powder causes cancer. Specifically, many women claim it gave them ovarian cancer, while others believe it led to mesothelioma (a type of lung cancer).
Looking at the Numbers
Statistics involving the J&J talc cases are eye-opening when you first review them.
- $6.5 billion: That’s how much J&J offered to settle these cases in May 2024.
- 57,782: Number of lawsuits still pending as of August 2024.
- 25 years: Duration J&J proposes for paying off the settlement.
Why a Talc Case Lawyer Can Help You Receive More Money for Your Talc-Based Claim
That’s why you should speak to an attorney who handles talc cases or class action settlements. They know what to do to maximize compensation. They have access to the right resources to ensure that settlements are fairer and more equitable.
Figuring the Pay-Out for $6.5 Billion in a Class Action Case
Let’s calculate this amount by rounding 57,782 up to 58,000 people. If you take $6.5 billion and divide it by 58,000, you get an answer of $112.069. Sometimes, people think they’ll receive more money because they mistakenly divide 58,000 into $65 billion instead, thus coming out with an answer of over a million each.
Also, it’s important to remember that in an actual settlement, the distribution is not frequently dispersed equally, as individual case factors are used in the allocation. A portion of the distribution also goes towards legal costs and fees.
The Timeline and History of J&J Talc-Based Lawsuits
Let’s go back in time to see how talc lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson have progressed.
- 2019: The Recall – J&J recalls 33,000 containers of baby powder because some samples were found to contain asbestos (a known carcinogen).
- 2020: Stopping the Sale of Talc-Based Baby Powder – J&J stops selling talc-based baby powder in North America. However, they still don’t admit to any wrongdoing.
- 2021-2023: The Bankruptcy Shuffle – J&J tries to use bankruptcy laws to handle the talc lawsuits.
- 2024: A Year of Big Decisions
- May 2024 – J&J offers $6.48 billion to settle ovarian cancer cases.
- A new study links talcum powder to ovarian cancer.
- June 2024 – J&J agrees to pay $700 million to 42 states for deceptive marketing.
- An Oregon jury says J&J owes $260 million to one woman with mesothelioma.
- July 2024 – The World Health Organization upgrades talc from a “possible carcinogen” to a “probable carcinogen.”
- May 2024 – J&J offers $6.48 billion to settle ovarian cancer cases.
The Big Questions: What Does This Mean for You?
If yes, and you have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, you need to speak to a talc-case lawyer. Familiarize yourself with the facts.
Consider talking with your doctor, especially if you have used talc-based products for years. Talcum powder is added to baby powder, eyeshadows, and deodorants.
Again, if you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and used talc products, it may be worth consulting an attorney.
The Science: How Does Talc Lead to Asbestos Exposure?
Here are some key points:
- Talc is a mineral that can be found in many different products, including baby powder.
- Asbestos is a known carcinogen that may occur close to deposits of talc.
- Some studies have suggested that particles from talcum powder might increase the risk of cancer, especially ovarian cancer.
Talc Fact: Did you know that talc is the softest mineral known to man, registering only one on the Mohs scale of hardness?
Replacing Talc with Cornstarch
Many baby powder brands are now using cornstarch in place of talc. Cornstarch is an absorbent added to cosmetics. It’s inexpensive, easy to extract, and has no toxic profile like talc.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson eliminated talc-based baby powder from the U.S. marketplace. However, some experts claim that cornstarch may present health risks regarding breathing difficulties. Unlike talc, cornstarch does not have the asbestos concern as a carcinogen. According to the American Cancer Society, cornstarch, according to current evidence, is not linked to cancer.
Some doctors suggest that parents who use baby powder to prevent diaper rash choose petroleum-based ointment instead, as the fineness of cornstarch can cause respiratory difficulties for infants and adults.
What’s Next?
If you’re worried about talc, then you have other options. You can use:
- Powders made from cornstarch
- Arrowroot powder
- Baking soda (in some instances)
Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways
- Over 1,000 people have sued Johnson & Johnson, alleging its baby powder caused their cancer.
- J&J has offered billions in settlements, but it still maintains that its product is safe.
- The scientific community is still studying whether talc can lead to cancers like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
- If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer and used a talc-based powder, you should consult with a mesothelioma lawyer or asbestos attorney without delay.
Why You Need to Depend on the Services of a Talc Powder Case Lawyer
Finding a talc case attorney can be invaluable if you consider legal action concerning talcum powder use and potential health problems. This is how they can help:
- Evaluating the Case – An attorney will consider the strength of your case. They’ll determine its merits and communicate your legal options and possible results.
- Compiling Evidence – When compiling evidence, your lawyer will collect medical records and your history related to using talc powder. They’ll also get expert testimonies from medical professionals. They can also investigate and put together scientific studies and research that show links between talc and cancer.
- Legal Proficiency – Your talc case attorney will help meet legal procedures and deadlines. They’ll manage all paperwork and court filings. They’ll also interpret and apply relevant legal precedents and legislation.
- Negotiating Skills – Lawyers who handle talc cases can negotiate settlements with the defendant’s lawyer and assess settlement offers to ensure fair compensation. They can advise you on whether you should or should not accept a settlement.
- Trial Representation – If they can’t reach an agreement outside of court, they can present your case inside the courtroom. This representation will include cross-examining witnesses and challenging the opposing evidence. They can make strong arguments to the judge and jury.
- Access to Resources – Talc case attorneys may employ forensic accountants to figure damages accurately. They may also access databases that feature similar cases and their outcomes. They often use a network that comprises medical professionals and researchers.
- An Understanding of Mass Torts – Talc-based lawyers stay current on talc litigation. Therefore, they can manage multidistrict litigations and coordinate with other attorneys during class action lawsuits.
- Maximizing Compensation – An attorney will ensure all your future medical needs are factored into your compensation claim. They will calculate all potential damages (medical costs, lost earnings, pain, and suffering) and identify all parties who can be held accountable. It will help you receive maximum recovery.
- Emotional Support and Guidance – Your attorney can serve as a buffer between you and the other side’s defenses. They can keep you updated and reduce stress by providing clear communication throughout the legal process.
- No Upfront Costs – In most cases, Talc-based lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, you only pay your lawyer when they win your case and receive compensation.
Contact a Talc Case Lawyer Today
Make sure you have the money you need if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer as a result of using talc. Contact a talc case attorney now for a free case review and consultation.
