New Talc Trial Starts Next Week in Missouri
The next trial in Missouri that addresses the increased cancer risk associated with the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products will begin April 10. Judge Rex Burlison will be presiding for the fourth time. In three of the four previous talcum powder-cancer risk trials, the plaintiffs won and were awarded nearly $200 million in damages.
Plaintiffs assert that Johnson & Johnson has failed to warn it’s consumers of the increased risk of ovarian cancer tied to the use of their talc products for personal hygiene. When used for feminine hygiene, particulates of talc can travel to women’s ovaries where, unfortunately, they cultivate ovarian cancer.
Lois Slemp is the plaintiff in the upcoming case. She is a 61-year-old woman from Virginia who used Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and Shower to Shower® products for personal hygiene for over 40 years. She has now developed ovarian cancer. Her poor and deteriorating health led to an expedited trial date. Both Johnson & Johnson and their mineral supplier, Imerys Talc America, are being sued for withholding information on the link between the use of their talc-powder and the development of ovarian cancer.
In related news, a California judge who recently held a “Science Day” in California is has now scheduled a “Sargon” hearing in June. This type of hearing evaluates the admissibility of expert witness testimony. Upcoming talc-cancer risk trials are scheduled in Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and St. Louis.
Johnson & Johnson Faces Slew of Suits for Five Dangerous Products
Talcum powder is just one of many Johnson & Johnson products that are bringing the company to court. Johnson & Johnson is facing more than 100,000 claims relating to the dangers of its pelvic mesh, hip implants, antipsychotic drug, blood thinner and talcum powder. Bloomberg reports that Johnson & Johnson “lost six of 2016’s seven largest jury verdicts in the U.S. over product defect claims,” and “six of more than $50 million” (bloomberg.com). Bloomberg also points out that these verdicts led to stock dips in 2016 for the company and that the expense of these mounting lawsuits can be expected to cost Johnson & Johnson “billions” over the coming years.
The Miller Firm has filed cases nationwide and is aggressively pursuing justice for victims of Johnson & Johnson’s deception regarding the serious health risks faced by its talcum powder customers. We are presently accepting clients who developed ovarian cancer following the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder-based products. If this has happened to you, please visit The Miller Firm’s Talcum Powder Lawsuit page to request a free consultation. Or, you can call the Miller Firm at 1-800-882-2525.