Florida Talcum Powder Attorney
Talcum powder has been one of Johnson & Johnson’s premium flagship products for almost 130 years, but the company has faced legal woes for years because of its links to cancer-causing asbestos. Litigation, settlements, and billions of dollars paid out to victims have led executives to permanently take talc-based powder off store shelves, as executives announced in a recent press release. Still, the threat of developing cancer from use of talcum powder remains.
If you developed certain types of cancer and believe your condition is a result of talc-based powder use, you should be aware that litigation is active and ongoing. Because there are time limitations on taking legal action, it is important to consult with our team at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. right away to preserve your rights. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Florida talcum powder attorney, but some general information may also be useful.
Legal Basis for Talc Lawsuits
You may wonder how it is even possible for a health and hygiene-related product like talcum powder to contain traces of asbestos. The reason is that two materials tend to naturally occur next to each other in the areas where they are mined. As a result, when extracting talc, asbestos may also make its way into the load. Through regular use over time, a person can develop cancer from the exposure to asbestos.
The primary allegation in many lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson is that the company knew its product could contain a cancer-causing substance, even dating back to the 1970s. Therefore, knowledge is a key factor in the litigation. Despite being informed by medical researchers about presence of asbestos, and confirming it through internal testing, Johnson & Johnson:
- Continued to maintain that the talc was safe;
- Rejected the possibility that talcum powder could cause cancer;
- Refused to discontinue production and marketing efforts; and,
- Failed to inform government agencies about the risks.
Compensation in Talcum Powder Litigation
Contrary to popular assumption that babies are most affected, the truth is that the highest risk is for women who use talc for hygiene purposes. In fact, one case was filed by 22 women who claimed they developed ovarian cancer through prolonged use of talcum powder. The jury awarded $4.69 billion, though the amount was later reduced to $2.12 billion on appeal. In addition, there are numerous cases still pending. Our team at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. is committed to obtaining the full amount of monetary damages you deserve by law, including:
- Medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Other types of compensation depending on the details of your case.
Call Now to Speak to a Florida Talcum Powder Attorney
For more information on your legal options after suffering harm from use of talc, please contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. at our offices in Coral Gables, FL. You can set up a no-cost case evaluation by calling 305-445-1111 or completing our online form. After we review your situation, we can provide details on your rights and remedies.
