Talcum Powder Litigation Update: Motion Filed to Centralize Federally Filed Cases

A motion has been filed to centralize all federally filed talcum powder cancer lawsuits involving Johnson & Johnson baby powder and Shower to Shower powder products.

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of victims injured by defective products, is reporting on recent updates concerning the talcum powder ovarian cancer litigation brought against Johnson & Johnson. A motion has been filed with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) seeking centralization of all federally filed talcum powder ovarian cancer claims into one court. Litigation exceeds 1,200 cases and consolidation better enables coordination of pretrial proceedings. A Motion for Transfer filed with the Panel July 15, 2016 notes that the plaintiff suggests the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois as the most appropriate venue for the proposed multidistrict litigation (MDL), Case Pending No. 70, and indicates that the Southern District of Illinois "would permit convenient travel for the parties and counsel as compared to the east or west coast" given that the individuals involved live in an array of states.

Women allege that J&J ignored research that tied its powder products to ovarian cancer and did not warn its customers of these risks. At least 11 product liability claims have been filed in 10 federal jurisdictions over the alleged talcum powder-ovarian cancer link, according to court records. Centralized litigations are underway in St. Louis, Missouri and New Jersey Superior Court.

Meanwhile, a St. Louis jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million in compensatory and punitive damages to a 62-year-old woman from South Dakota who was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 after using J&J’s talc-based hygiene products for nearly four decades. The woman underwent a hysterectomy, is now in remission, and alleges her ovarian cancer was due to her use of J&J’s talcum powder; the jury awarded $5 million in compensatory and $50 million in punitive damages. The case is Ristesund v. Johnson & Johnson, Imerys Talc America, Inc. In February, J&J lost a $72 million verdict to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer. That case is Hogans v. Johnson & Johnson. Both cases are part of Case Number: 1422-CC09012-01; State of Missouri 22nd Circuit Court, City of St. Louis.

Plaintiffs in the talcum powder lawsuits currently pending in federal courts similarly allege that regular, repeated application of Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products to the female genital area may increase risks for developing ovarian cancer. Allegations also include that talc particles may travel into the vagina, migrating to the ovaries. The accumulating talc may lead to the type of inflammation that encourages cancer cells to grow.

According to Parker Waichman, the firm has been contacted by a number of women who have raised concerns regarding their regular use of talcum powder to their genital areas. Specifically, these woman are concerned that they may experience increased risks for developing ovarian cancer and are worried that the powder may make its way to their ovaries, where it may settle and lead to inflammation and, later, cancer. Parker Waichman LLP has filed at least two lawsuits on behalf of women who allege that Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products led to serious and life changing adverse health reactions. Parker Waichman filed the actions in State of Missouri 22nd Circuit Court, City of St. Louis; Cause Number 1622-CC01357.

“The firm hopes that, as litigation continues, just compensation continues for women and their families who have suffered serious injuries, even death, following use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products,” said Melanie Muhlstock, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman LLP. “Parker Waichman continues to provide free legal consultations to those who seek more information about legal rights regarding these products.”

For those diagnosed with ovarian cancer following the feminine use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, Shower to Shower products, or other talcum powder products, there may be valuable legal rights. Please visit Parker Waichman’s Talcum Cancer Injury page today or call the firm’s Talcum Cancer Injury attorneys at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).