Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Filed in Los Angeles County

A Los Angeles County man is suing Johnson & Johnson alleging that his wife died of ovarian cancer after years of using talcum powder products marketed by the company and purchased in local stores. According to a City News Service reports, Soren Threadgill filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking unspecified damages. He also alleges fraud, negligence, breach of implied warranty and strict product liability.

The complaint, in addition to Johnson & Johnson, also names Rite Aid Corporation and Gelson’s supermarket chain as well as Imerys Talc America, a producer and distributor of the talcum powder used by his wife, Eva Maria Threadgill. The lawsuit states she bought Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based Baby Powder and Shower to Shower and used it for feminine hygiene purposes for 25 years. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1998 and died in December 2012.

Talcum Powder Dangers

For decades, Johnson & Johnson marketed its talc-based Baby Powder and Shower to Shower to women with the slogan: “Just a sprinkle a day keeps the odor away.” The ads promised women that they could use the powder in their genital area when they wanted to feel fresh and odor-free. The link between talc and ovarian cancer was established back in the 1980s. Johnson & Johnson, however, continued marketing these products, particularly to African-American women, despite knowing that they had the potential to cause ovarian cancer.

In 1994, the Cancer Prevention Coalition notified the company that studies evaluating the use of talcum powder in the genital area showed a serious risk of ovarian cancer. In February 2006, the International Association for the Research of Cancer concluded that talc-based body powder was a human carcinogen.

Failure to Warn

However, Johnson & Johnson not only failed to warn consumers about these health risks, but also continued to aggressively market their talc-based powders to women. In February, jurors in St. Louis, Missouri, awarded $72 million in compensatory and punitive damages to the family of a 62-year-old African-American woman who died of ovarian cancer after decade  of using J & J talcum powder for feminine hygiene.

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talc-based powders or if you have lost a loved one to talcum powder induced ovarian cancer, an experienced talcum powder lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases can help you explore your legal rights and options. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your significant losses.