Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $72 Million in Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit
Our Madison WI attorneys carefully monitor the news so that we can warn the community of any product liability concerns. A St. Louis jury ruled this week that Johnson & Johnson must pay $72 million to the family of a women that died from ovarian cancer. The family of Jacqueline Fox, the woman who lost her battle with ovarian cancer late last year, will receive $10 million in damages and an additional $62 million in punitive damages. In the case, the plaintiff alleged that her 35-year use of baby powder and Johnson & Johnson Shower to Shower products as part of her feminine hygiene routine resulted in her developing ovarian cancer.
During the trial, a number of studies were introduced including one that dated back to 1971. In that study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, researchers noted that many ovarian tumors had actual talc particles within them. Further studies also noted a possible connection between talc and ovarian cancer. Such findings caused at least one researcher to reach out to Johnson & Johnson directly to recommend that they put a warning label on their talc products. For their part, the manufacturer has cited other studies which indicate no connection or a very small connection between talc and ovarian cancer.
Failure to Warn
Johnson & Johnson denies any link between their product and ovarian cancer, even as they face hundreds of allegations that their product caused cancer in women. These women base their cases on a failure to warn of the known association between the use of talc products for feminine hygiene and ovarian cancer. They cite the approximately 20 studies that indicate a link between talc and cancer, as well of the findings of the Department of Health and Human Services. Our Madison WI attorneys understand that if you have developed cancer and believe that the use of powder contributed to your illness, you don’t want excuses – so we will work vigorously to get you answers!
Ovarian cancer affects approximately one in 75 women in the United States. It often presents with relatively mild symptoms, such as a feeling of pressure and bloating, a frequent urge to urinate, pelvic pain, and feeling full easily. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician right away for further testing. Although chances are it is nothing serious, ovarian cancer treatment is much more successful when caught early.
If you or a loved one have ovarian cancer and you have a history of powder use, contact our Madison WI attorneys today for a free consultation either online or by phone to 608-256-8356.