• Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Tiktok
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • BLOG
  • ARTICLES
Call us: 800-349-0127
Blizzard Greenberg PLLC
  • Home
  • Our Firm ▼
    • Attorneys
    • Testimonials
  • Practice Areas ▼
    • ◂ Personal Injury
      • 18-Wheeler Accidents
      • Industrial Accidents
      • Maritime Accidents
      • Wrongful Death
      • Workplace Injuries
    • ◂ Dangerous Drugs
      • Talcum Powder
      • Valsartan
    • ◂ Defective Devices
      • CPAP Recall Cancer Lawsuit
      • Hernia Mesh
      • IVC Filters
      • Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery
      • Transvaginal Mesh
    • ◂ Sexual Assault
      • Hotel Sexual Assault
      • Uber/Lyft Sexual Assault Victims Lawyers
      • Massage Therapy Sexual Assault Lawyers
      • Church Sexual Assault Lawyers
      • School Sexual Assault Lawyers
      • Sexual Assault Resources
    • ◂ Human Trafficking
      • Human Trafficking Resources
  • News
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

Posts

Talcum Powder Litigation Update

August 1, 2016/in Dangerous Drugs /by e.blizzard

Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder might be one of the most recognizable products in the United States today, but decades of mounting evidence have shown the talc in baby powder can cause ovarian cancer. With more than 20 epidemiological studies confirming the link between the talc in baby powder and ovarian cancer, thousands of women are trying to hold Johnson & Johnson (J&J) responsible.

For decades, J&J has promoted baby powder for the use of preventing foul vaginal odors and reducing chaffing between the legs. Internal documents from the company dating from 1992 indicate J&J knew about the link between talc and ovarian cancer, but actively sought to overcome growing distrust of the product with new marketing campaigns.

In 2013, the first talcum powder lawsuit went to trial claiming J&J failed to warn consumers of the risks of using baby powder with talc. The plaintiff, Deane Berg, developed ovarian cancer after more than 30 years of talcum powder use around her groin. Ms. Berg was offered a settlement on the condition that she sign a non-disclosure agreement. Ms. Berg refused to be silenced, and she took her case to trial where a jury found J&J guilty of gross negligence. Ms. Berg paved the way for future talcum powder lawsuits.

The second lawsuit to go to trial concluded February 2016 when a jury found J&J guilty of failing to warn consumers of the risks associated with talcum powder. The plaintiff, Jackie Fox, developed ovarian cancer after using J&J’s baby powder with talc for decades for feminine hygiene. While Ms. Fox lost her battle with cancer before seeing J&J held responsible, her family was awarded $72 million in damages.

Just months later in May, the third talcum powder lawsuit also found J&J guilty of failure to warn. The plaintiff was a Missouri woman who developed ovarian cancer from talcum powder use. The plaintiff was awarded $55 million in damages.

The fourth baby powder cancer trial began this in October 2016 with plaintiff Deborah Giannecchini fighting to hold Johnson & Johnson (J&J) responsible for its negligence. Mrs. Giannecchini used J&J’s baby powder products around her groin for feminine hygiene almost daily dating as far back as 1967. In 2012, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Mrs. Giannecchini stated that if the company had warned her about the ovarian cancer risk, she would have not used its products.

J&J tried to postpone Mrs. Giannecchini’s trial just one week before it began by requesting the case be transferred to federal court, however a St. Louis judge denied the transfer and allowed the trial to begin. The jury concluded the plaintiff’s long-term use of baby powder for feminine hygiene caused her ovarian cancer, and awarded her $70 million in damages. For the first time, J&J’s talc supplier, Imerys Talc America Inc., was also found guilty of failing to warn consumers and contributing to the development of cancer, and was ordered to pay $2.5 million of the $70 million award.

2017 and Beyond

In the sixth baby powder case to go to trial and the fifth case in the same St. Louis courtroom, a Virginia woman prevailed against healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) for failing to warn consumers of the cancer risk associated with its baby powder products in May 2017. The jury found J&J’s products caused the woman’s ovarian cancer and awarded her $110.5 million.

The seventh trial in the litigation occurred in a California court. Eva Echeverria used J&J’s baby powder products for feminine hygiene on a daily basis beginning in the 1950s. Unfortunately, Ms. Echeverria was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007 and has undergone extensive treatment to fight the cancer. She was unable to attend her trial because is still undergoing treatment. Jurors awarded Ms. Echeverria $68 million in compensatory damages and $340 million in punitive damages designed to punish J&J for its negligence.

https://www.blizzardlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iStock_85745461_XXXLARGE.jpg 1367 2050 e.blizzard https://www.blizzardlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Blizzard-Greenberg-HEX-0d266c-for-web-300x111.png e.blizzard2016-08-01 14:49:562019-11-07 17:01:47Talcum Powder Litigation Update
Talcum Powder

Talc Alternatives For Summer

June 27, 2016/in Dangerous Drugs /by e.blizzard

Now that summer is officially here, many people might grab some baby powder to help keep themselves dry in this hot and moist summer heat. However, one of the main ingredients in most baby powders is talcum powder. Talcum powder has been shown to greatly increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women who use it around their thighs and groin. So instead of using baby powder with talc, try these safer talc alternatives to keep you dry and cool this summer:

  • Corn starch baby powder – While most baby powders use talc as their main ingredient, some baby powders use corn starch which can keep you just as dry without the serious side effects.
  • Rice Powder – Rice powder is finely milled rice that can help absorb excess moisture, but should not to be confused with rice starch which is used for baking.
  • Coconut oil – Applying a dab of coconut oil at the first sign of a heat rash will help sooth the skin and reduce friction.
  • Flour – Oat flour and corn flour can both help prevent chaffing and keep your skin smooth.
  • Kaolin clay – Kaolin clay is naturally absorbent and is ideal for use on sensitive skin.

One of the largest baby powder manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), is currently facing thousands of lawsuits from women who used its talc-based baby powder. Although the company is still defending the safety of talc, three separate juries have disagreed.

The first talcum powder lawsuit went to trial in 2013 and the jury found J&J guilty of negligence and failure to warn. Two additional talcum powder lawsuits have already gone to trial this year and both juries agreed J&J failed to warn consumers of the risks of talcum powder. J&J will try one more time to defend its talcum powder based products in a trial this September.

https://www.blizzardlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iStock-610584382_super-3.jpg 2033 3050 e.blizzard https://www.blizzardlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Blizzard-Greenberg-HEX-0d266c-for-web-300x111.png e.blizzard2016-06-27 15:06:532019-07-27 19:55:01Talc Alternatives For Summer
Talcum Powder

Talcum Powder Linked to Ovarian Cancer

February 2, 2015/in Dangerous Drugs /by e.blizzard

Baby powder is widely used for a number of tasks, including absorbing moisture and freshening up. The product’s talcum powder base has unfortunately been linked to serious health problems when used for certain purposes, leading to allegations that companies have failed to warn consumers of these dangers despite decades of research.

Studies, including a recent one published by the Cancer Prevention Research journal, have shown that women who regularly use talcum powder in the genital area are 24% more likely to develop ovarian cancer. While the study stressed that the powder is not harmful when applied to other areas of the body, many women use the product to keep their private areas fresh and to avoid offensive odors. In addition to direct application, the powder is often applied to undergarments, sanitary napkins, and other uses that allow the particles to travel into a woman’s body and cause inflammation, which increases the risk of cancer.

Studies Show Link between Talc and Cancer

While recent studies have shed light on this important correlation, the link between talc and ovarian cancer has been acknowledged since as early as 1971. Since then, several studies have been analyzed, including a meta-analysis gathering data from several studies, which led to the results provided by the Cancer Prevention Research journal.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance reports that over 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2014. The disease killed over 14,000 women in the same year, and from 2004 to 2010, an estimated 44.6% survive for five years after diagnosis. This form of cancer is known as a particularly dangerous type, as many women do not receive a diagnosis until the cancer is in advanced stages.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Knowing how to spot symptoms of ovarian cancer is very important, because they aren’t always obvious; many such symptoms are also common among women without ovarian cancer, so it may be better to be safe than sorry, especially if you have used baby powder or body powder for many years.

Among the most common early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include belly or pelvic pain, bloating, loss of appetite or feeling full more quickly than usual, or urinary problems, especially having to go to the bathroom more frequently. Some women will also experience indigestion, constipation, fatigue, back pain, pain during intercourse, or changes in their menstrual cycle.

Obviously, symptoms like these may not indicate cancer. But, if any of these symptoms happens almost daily for more than 2-3 weeks, you should speak with a doctor. The symptoms of ovarian cancer follow a recognizable pattern, in that they start suddenly, they happen almost every day and don’t go away, and they don’t feel the same as your normal menstrual or digestive problems.

Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Due to the widespread use of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products, without warning women of its potential risks, the company now faces two class action lawsuits. After South Dakota resident Deane Berg successfully sued J&J for failing to warn her of the risks of talcum powder and therefore increasing her risk of ovarian cancer, many more women have come forward to seek compensation for the same risks posed to them.

Those who have developed ovarian cancer after using a talcum powder based product or their loved ones can turn to Blizzard Greenberg PLLC for representation in seeking compensation. Our attorneys have experience in pursuing a number of pharmaceutical claims against the most intimidating companies, and we can use our extensive knowledge to confidently help you.

https://www.blizzardlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iStock-610584382_super-3.jpg 2033 3050 e.blizzard https://www.blizzardlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Blizzard-Greenberg-HEX-0d266c-for-web-300x111.png e.blizzard2015-02-02 16:53:592019-07-27 21:32:21Talcum Powder Linked to Ovarian Cancer

Recent Post

  • Blizzard Greenberg Partners Named Among Nation’s Top Plaintiff Lawyers March 6, 2025
  • Anna Greenberg Featured on The Dirty Verdict Podcast March 4, 2025
  • Woman Sues Austin Massage Envy for Sexual Assault February 25, 2025
  • Blizzard Greenberg Recognized Again Among Nation’s Best Law Firms November 7, 2024
  • Texas Legal Awards Names Anna Greenberg as Finalist for Influential Woman of the Year August 27, 2024
  • Best Lawyers in America Honors Firm Partners in 2025 Edition August 15, 2024
  • Another Houston-Area Massage Envy Hit with Sexual Assault Lawsuit August 6, 2024
  • Former Employee Sues Massage Envy Over Sexual Assault June 5, 2024

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Anna and Ed were not just incredible legal advocates, but also pillars of strength and compassion during a difficult era in my life. They made me feel safe and understood, which helped shatter the isolating silence around being a sexual assault victim. They helped turn the tragedy of my life into something that is powerful, leaving me not just with a gigantic settlement, but with a profound sense of healing and justice. I cannot recommend Blizzard Greenberg enough and will forever be grateful!”

M.W.blizzard law five stars

I am beyond grateful that Blizzard Greenberg represented me, and specifically Anna Greenberg who guided and supported me through my journey. My case was unique and involved multiple parties and needed innovative, meticulous, and empathetic minds. I am confident that there is not a better team that could have fought my case, or any type of sexual assault case….”

H.M.blizzard law five stars
ALL TESTIMONIALS
 

LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR CASE

CALL US
800-349-0127 | 713-844-3750

CONTACT US MEET THE LAWYERS

ABOUT BLIZZARD GREENBERG

Blizzard Greenberg PLLC was founded by trial lawyers who wanted to take the skill and knowledge gained from representing large corporations and insurance companies and use it for the benefit of individuals injured by defective drugs and products.

QUICK LINK

Our Firm

Attorneys

Blog

Articles

Contact


CONTACT

2 Riverway Dr, Suite 1240, Houston, Texas, 77056

Houston

Dallas

Austin

LATEST NEWS

  • Blizzard Greenberg Partners Named Among Nation’s Top Plaintiff LawyersMarch 6, 2025 - 10:41 am
  • Anna Greenberg Featured on The Dirty Verdict PodcastMarch 4, 2025 - 10:38 am
  • Woman Sues Austin Massage Envy for Sexual AssaultFebruary 25, 2025 - 1:56 pm
  • Texas Legal Awards Names Anna Greenberg as Finalist for Influential Woman of the YearAugust 27, 2024 - 3:29 pm
Disclaimer: This is an advertisement. This web site is designed for general informational purposes only. This information or contacting me through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.
© 2025 Copyright - Blizzard Greenberg PLLC
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Tiktok
  • AREAS SERVED
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • DISCLAIMER
Scroll to top