Johnson & Johnson Found Liable for Ovarian Cancer Caused by Talc Powder

A Missouri state jury handed down a verdict on Monday, February 22, 2016 ordering Johnson & Johnson to pay $72 million in compensatory and punitive damages to the family of a woman who lost her life to ovarian cancer. The cancer was linked to the long-term use of talcum powder in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products. According to the lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers of known risks associated with its talc-based products. The plaintiff contended that Johnson & Johnson has been aware that talc powder has the potential to cause cancer since the 1980s, yet the company has deceived consumers and regulatory agencies in order to maintain sales. After a three-week trial and four hours of jury deliberation, Johnson & Johnson was found liable for fraud, negligence, and conspiracy.

In October, 2013 a federal jury in South Dakota also found that a plaintiff’s use of Johnson & Johnson’s body powder contributed to the development of ovarian cancer; however, no damages were awarded in that case. A number of lawsuits have since been filed against Johnson & Johnson regarding talc-based products, including 1,000 in Missouri and about 200 in New Jersey. Several more trials are expected this year.

Philadelphia products liability lawyers at Galfand Berger fight aggressively to obtain full and fair compensation for people who have been harmed or have lost a loved one because of a dangerous or defective product. If a manufacturer’s negligence has caused you illness or injury, you have the right to seek justice in a products liability lawsuit. Contact our firm online or call 1-800-222-USWA (8792) to schedule a free consultation.