Proven West Virginia Attorney Litigates Talcum Powder Illness Claims

Morgantown mass tort lawyer fights for clients afflicted with ovarian cancer and other conditions

Talcum powder might have seemed like the last product in a bathroom cabinet capable of causing serious harm. Consumers of all ages have used talcum powder on to stay dry and comfortable. Unfortunately, many brands of the benign-looking white powder contained asbestos, a potent carcinogen, and years of use took a horrible toll on thousands of Americans. If you used talcum powder from Johnson & Johnson or another manufacturer, and have contracted a cancer associated with asbestos exposure, the time is now to seek compensation. At Mountaineer Injury Law Group in Morgantown and Martinsburg, I am an experienced mass tort attorney who is prepared to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

The hidden danger in talcum powder

Talc is a mineral substance composed of magnesium, silicon and oxygen. In powder form, it absorbs moisture and reduces friction, so it helps keep skin dry and prevents rashes. For decades, talc products were marketed as baby powder, adult body powder and cosmetic powder. In its natural form, talc might contain asbestos, a mineral linked to virulent cancers. This danger was known as early as 1976, when the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association issued voluntary guidance recommending that producers guard against any detectable amounts of asbestos in their products.

Does talcum powder cause cancer?

Whether talc itself causes any disease is not clear, but if asbestos contaminates the talc, there is definitely a serious health risk. Inhaling asbestos-tainted talc can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Using asbestos-tainted talc for feminine hygiene purposes has been linked to ovarian and endometrial (uterine) cancer in women.

How to file a talcum powder lawsuit

The company most closely identified with the talcum powder controversy is Johnson & Johnson, the multinational pharmaceutical and medical technologies corporation with a market capitalization measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars. J&J apparently knew about the dangers posed by its talcum powder some 40 years ago, but continued to market it aggressively as a safe hygiene product. After decade of litigation, in which the company was forced to pay billions of dollars in damages, J&J finally offered a settlement to victims. The company has established a landmark trust of $8.9 billion to provide compensation to approximately 70,000 plaintiffs claiming ovarian cancer. The trust is also designed to compensate future cases. That means women who contracted ovarian cancer from using J&J talcum powder can apply for a portion of that settlement without having to file a separate lawsuit.

Of course, J&J is not the only producer of talcum powder, and you might have used a different brand. This would require you to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the product that harmed you. Lawsuits have been filed, and it may be possible to join in a mass tort action against the company that made the powder you used.

To file your own lawsuit or join in ongoing litigation, you should seek the assistance of a knowledgeable products liability attorney. I have successfully handled other mass tort actions and have the experience you need to file a strong claim and see the case through to a successful conclusion.

Contact our West Virginia attorneys for a free talcum powder injury consultation

Mountaineer Injury Law Group represents West Virginians who suffered harm, such as ovarian cancer, due to asbestos-tainted talcum powder. Please call 304-202-5835 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation in Morgantown or Martinsburg.