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Savannah Talcum Powder Product Liability

Savannah Personal Injury Lawyers Hold Talc Manufacturers Accountable

Advocating for women who develop ovarian cancer due to talcum powder use

For decades, females have been applying talcum powder as part of their daily hygiene routines. Sadly, evidence now is confirming what has long since been suspected — that there is a direct link between talcum powder use by women and ovarian cancer, one of the most fatal types of cancers. A leading manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson has been the target of successful litigation over its Shower-to-Shower and baby powder products.

The damaging product is the talc itself. While talc is good for moisture absorption and decreasing chafing, its usage as a personal hygiene product has a tragic downside. According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, there are more than 22,200 cases of ovarian cancer each year with a death rate of more than 60%.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our Savannah talcum powder product liability attorneys have obtained some of the top verdicts and settlements in the state. Many of the victims we have helped have obtained more than $1 million in compensation. Product liability cases require lawyers who understand the complexities of product liability law and who have the resources to work with chemical analysts, product safety experts, oncologists, and physicians to prove a defect existed and that the defect caused the disease or physical harm. At HLM, referring lawyers understand that our successful track record is due to these understandings and resources.

Recent talcum powder cases

Recent court cases have confirmed that there is a direct link between extended use of talcum powder products and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Two recent cases heard in St. Louis, Missouri awarded significant actual and punitive damages for women who got ovarian cancer due to using Johnson & Johnson talc products for many years.

In the first case, a jury determined that Johnson & Johnson did not properly warn of the dangers of extended talcum powder use. The victim, who tragically died before the trial, was awarded $10 million for actual damages and another $62 million dollars for punitive damages. Punitive damages are paid to the victim or the victim’s family. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter from further wrongful acts.

In the second lawsuit, a jury awarded $55 million to another long-term Johnson & Johnson talc user. In October 2016, another woman was awarded $70 million because Johnson & Johnson did not properly warn of the ovarian cancer risk for long-time talcum powder users. CNBC news reported these recent cases.

The link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer

The key components of talc are silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. Talc is closely related chemically to asbestos, a well-known chemical toxin. There is growing evidence that talc causes internal inflammation and damage to the reproductive system. Most women who get ovarian cancer are over 50 years old.

As the verdicts against Johnson & Johnson confirm, talc is an unsafe and dangerous product. Several studies and reports confirm the dangers:

  • Cancer Prevention Research, an American Association for Cancer Research publication, has reported on the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
  • The American Cancer Society is currently warning women of the risks of extended talc use.
  • Talcum powder is listed as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
  • The National institutes of Health have reported on a Harvard medical school study, published in 1982, that there is a link between talc usage and ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer symptoms and indications

Any woman who has any of the following signs and who has been using any talcum product may be at risk for ovarian cancer. Our Savannah product liability lawyers direct clients to the right oncology physicians. Some of the signs of ovarian cancer are:

  • Bleeding of the vagina or an abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Back pain
  • The need to urinate frequently
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • A bloating feeling
  • Feeling like you’re full while you’re eating

Contact our Savannah talcum powder lawyers for advice and representation

HLM is actively handling claims of ovarian cancer patients throughout Georgia whose illnesses are due to extended talcum powder use. We immediately have clients see the right cancer doctors so the correct diagnosis can be given and the best treatments administered. Our lawyers are working aggressively to confirm the link between talc usage and ovarian cancer. If you used talcum powder for a long time and are feeling ill or if a loved died and you even suspect a link, please arrange to speak with a caring Savannah product liability lawyer today. You can schedule a free initial consultation by phoning  912-651-9967 or by completing our contact form.

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