In a recent landmark verdict, one baby powder lawsuit filed in a Missouri federal court resulted in a verdict against Johnson & Johnson, with the jury finding that a deceased woman’s ovarian cancer was caused by her use of talcum products.

The St. Louis jurors found Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, fraud and conspiracy, stating they were influenced by documents showing that the J&J staff knew of talc’s possible baby powder cancer risk before ordering the company to pay $72 million in damages to the family of Jackie F.

Facts About Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is derived from talc, which is a mineral comprised mostly of silicon, magnesium and oxygen. When rendered in powder form, it works to absorb excess moisture, reduces friction and successfully keeps skin rashes at bay. Many cosmetic products incorporate talcum powder in their formulations, including baby powders, facial powders and products used for feminine hygiene purposes.

But despite its wide use for decades, talcum powder has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in some women.

Johnson & Johnson Hit With Landmark $72 Million Verdict

Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million in damages to the family of 62-year-old Jackie F., who died from ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products for feminine hygiene.

Jackie F. was one of dozens of women with ovarian cancer who sued Johnson & Johnson, alleging that the healthcare products giant deliberately turned a blind eye to scientific evidence showing a possible link between the use of talcum powder in the female genital area and an increased risk for ovarian cancer.

An Alabama resident, Jackie had used the Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products for feminine freshness for more than 35 years. She passed away months before the trial, but the baby powder lawsuit was continued by her family who argued that Johnson & Johnson covered up baby powder cancer risks from the public and regulatory agencies.

The complaint cites studies going back to 1971 that suggest this link exists. According to the baby powder cancer lawsuit, after a 1982 study on the issue found a 92% increased risk in ovarian cancer with women who used talc-based products around their genitals, the researcher behind that study directly advised a Johnson & Johnson doctor to place a warning label on their products.

Additionally, during the baby powder lawsuit, lawyers for the victim’s family claimed Johnson & Johnson knew about the baby powder cancer risk for decades, but failed to warn consumers to protect profits.

In February, the jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for failure to warn, negligence, and conspiracy, resulting in $10 million in damages. The company was also found liable in the wrongful death of Jackie F., who passed away in 2015 before the trial ended, leading to a total of $62 million in punitive damages.

Johnson & Johnson still faces more than 1,000 talcum powder cancer lawsuits in state courts.

If you or your mother, sister, daughter, or other loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, an experienced product liability attorney wants to help. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.