Plaintiff Maria B. has filed a Johnson’s baby powder lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant, joining an increasing multidistrict litigation (MDL) against the company for alleged injuries she suffered after using the company’s baby powder product.

Maria filed the Johnson’s baby powder lawsuit in New Jersey federal court on Dec. 29, 2017.

A citizen of Lee County, Il., Maria says that she began using the baby powder product on her skin beginning in 1952 and continued its use through 2016.

The allegations against the company state that the talc based product caused her, as well as thousands of other women across the country, to develop ovarian cancer.

The Johnson’s baby powder lawsuit is filed on multiple counts including failure to warn, defective manufacturer and design, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, fraudulent concealment, among others.

Maria demands a trial by jury.

Johnson’s Baby Powder Lawsuit Joins MDL

Maria’s Johnson’s baby powder lawsuit is filed as part of a large multidistrict litigation, or MDL, centered on allegations that the talc based product causes women to develop ovarian cancer.

The plaintiffs accuse Johnson & Johnson of knowing their talc could cause ovarian cancer but failing to disclose these findings to the public. The allegations against the company accuse them of having known the risks involved in marketing and selling a talc based product all along.

What is Talc?

Talc is reportedly one of the softest minerals found in the world today. And, although it is a component of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, it has been used as an ingredient in cosmetic products for decades.

Some of these reasons for its varied use includes the mineral’s ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction. Its value in being a soft mineral allows it to aid women in maintaining feminine hygiene and for cleanliness.

The mineral, however, has been maintained and reported to cause ovarian cancer. Reports suggest that over 200,00 ovarian cancer cases are reported each year, and because of the subtlety of the cancer, it can often go undetected until it moves up through the pelvic area and belly. At such a point, the cancer becomes more difficult to treat and can be dangerous and fatal.

The lawsuits against the company cite the International Association for Research on Cancer, or IARC, part of the World Health Organization’s categorization of talc based body powder as a “Group 2B” human carcinogen

The Johnson’s Baby Powder Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-13804-FLW-LHG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Johnson & Johnson talc powder MDL is In re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 16-2738, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.