Johnson & Johnson Plans Appeal for Affirmed $4.69 Billion Talcum Powder Verdict

In recent months, Johnson & Johnson has been sued by thousands of women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. These women argue that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, and, increasingly, juries have been persuaded by these legal arguments.

In a high-profile legal case in July of 2018, a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay more than $4.6 billion in one of more than 9,000 talcum powder lawsuits. This case was recently affirmed by a Missouri trial court judge just weeks after a Missouri jury handed down the staggering verdict.

Missouri Court Affirms Verdict in $4.69 Billion Case Involving Nearly Two Dozen Women and Their Loved Ones

Judge Rex Burlison of the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis sided with the jury and affirmed the July 12th verdict, choosing to certify the verdict as final for appellate purposes. Unsurprisingly, Johnson & Johnson has indeed decided to appeal the jury’s findings.

This landmark verdict is important for future talc powder and asbestos litigation since the Missouri jury found that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products caused the women’s cancer in the case. Six of those women passed away from ovarian cancer.

Do Talc-Based Products Cause Ovarian Cancer?

When discussing whether talc products can cause any type of cancer, including ovarian cancer, it is important to differentiate between talc products that contain asbestos. According to some scientific studies and evidence available, studies have suggested that applying talcum powder to genital areas can lead to ovarian cancer.

There is, however, a scientific divide over this issue, with some studies showing no increase in ovarian cancer risk. Others, however, do report findings of increased risk of ovarian cancer for women who use talcum powder. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has looked at much of the data on talc’s connection to ovarian cancer and, for the time being, concluded that genital use of talc-based body powder is "possibly carcinogenic to humans."

Talc products that contain asbestos, by contrast, have been linked to causing cancers such as mesothelioma if those powders are inhaled. Asbestos exposure has long been linked to causing mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. All three of these diseases are often fatal for patients who are diagnosed with these diseases.

Talk to a Talcum Powder Cancer Lawyer at Ledger Law

If you or a loved one believes that talcum powder caused ovarian or mesothelioma cancer, our team at The Ledger Law Firm will protect your legal rights. Our firm has gained national acclaim for helping deserving cancer victims recover millions in compensation from legally responsible parties.

Once we conduct a full investigation of your claim, we will aim to prove that your disease was caused by a legally responsible party that owes you compensation for the harms suffered. Contact us online for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal claim with a talcum powder cancer attorney at The Ledger Law Firm today.