Talcum powder is a product mostly used to keep the skin dry. This allows people to avoid skin rashes and excessive moisture. Typically, talcum powder gets used in cosmetics or as baby powder.
Unfortunately, talc, which is one of the components used in talcum powder, is mined from the earth. Sometimes, the talc can be contaminated with asbestos, which is known for causing cancer.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos in talcum powder can lead to a higher risk of ovarian cancer, but that's something that manufacturers didn't warn their customers about. One of the most important manufacturers linked to ovarian cancer cases through talcum powder is Johnson & Johnson, which has failed to update its labels.
Many people have filed talcum powder lawsuits over the past years under the claim they developed mesothelioma and ovarian cancer after using these products. The last talcum powder lawsuit settlement was offered in April 2023 by Johnson & Johnson, which offered $8.9 billion in compensation for thousands of people.
Those affected by talcum powder products may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation for all the physical and mental damages caused. However, talcum powder lawsuit settlements could take a long time, depending on the nature of the case.
This page will cover everything people should know about talcum powder settlements and how lawyers can help victims get the justice they deserve.
How Long Does a Talcum Powder Case Take to Get Settled?
It depends on the circumstances of the case and whether the victim has talcum powder lawyers helping them.
On average, talcum powder lawsuits could take at least two years to reach a settlement. This is because there are many factors to review in talcum powder cases, including medical records and studies.
Proving that baby powder or any other talcum powder product was responsible for causing cancer in the victim isn't easy, which is why they must be prepared to wait longer for a settlement.
Complex cases could take up to seven years to reach a talcum powder settlement.
Even though companies like Johnson & Johnson have tried to avoid paying plaintiffs by using bankruptcy, judges have ruled in the victims' favor. Reaching a possible settlement can be hard, but with the help of professional talcum powder attorneys, it can be possible.
What Damages Can Victims Recover After a Talc Powder Lawsuit?
A talcum powder settlement may vary depending on different factors. Most of the time, the more severe the case and the damages caused to the victim, the more money they could get in compensation.
Specifically, these are the factors that can influence a baby powder lawsuit settlement:
Physical and emotional damage
Medical bills
Body disease
Loss of earning capacity
Loss of quality of life
In wrongful death cases, the surviving spouse or direct family member could file a talcum powder lawsuit for loss of consortium. These talcum powder lawsuits could get a larger settlement.
The talcum powder case of J&J has been going on for many years. Currently, the company has tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging severe damage to victims after using their talc-based baby powder. Some of these damages include:
Ovarian Cancer
Lung Cancer
Stomach Cancer
Uterine Cancer
As of today, Johnson & Johnson has added billions of dollars to its settlement offer, and this doesn't seem to be ending soon. Those who want to file a talc powder cancer lawsuit should contact a reputable mesothelioma law firm immediately to get legal help.
How Much Can Someone Get in Compensation for Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits?
A person who files a Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit can earn a significant amount of money after the settlement. However, that settlement amount will get calculated based on different factors, including:
Lost wages
Medical expenses
The severity of the injury
The amount of suffering
Those who have been using talcum powder products for decades, for example, may have a much stronger case than those who only use them occasionally.
J&J offered $100 million back in 2020 to settle over 1,000 ovarian cancer claims, so depending on how severe the case was, victims can expect thousands or even millions of dollars in compensation.
Due to the complexity of those cases, it's essential for the victims to hire a professional talcum powder lawyer. Otherwise, they may not be able to get enough money to cover their damages. They can also help answer questions like, "How long does it take to get compensation for mesothelioma?"
Who Can File Talcum Powder Claims?
Technically, anyone who has used baby powder or any talc powder-based product and developed any form of cancer (specifically ovarian cancer) could be eligible to file a talc powder lawsuit.
People who have lost a loved one to ovarian cancer caused by talcum powder usage can also file a claim under wrongful death.
However, the best way to know if someone is eligible for a case is to ask a lawyer. These professionals will evaluate the person's case and tell them if it's worth it to file a case and how much money they can expect from the settlement.
How Does the Timeline Look for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Even though some cases may be different, most of them share a similar timeline. Here's an overview:
First, the lawyer will determine the client's eligibility for a lawsuit. If they are, the lawyer will start building the case. This process includes gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, etc.
The process to gather evidence can get complicated, as there are many factors to evaluate, including:
What products the victim was exposed to
How long they were exposed to the product
What diagnosis they got
Once the lawyer has all the evidence, they will file the lawsuit within the statute of limitations. In Texas, a person has two years from the date they discovered the illness to file a claim.
On the other hand, those who lost a loved one due to talcum powder can file a case within two years after the person's death.
Some cases get settled before they go to trial, so the lawyer will try to negotiate a good settlement to avoid going to court. If there's no agreement, then both parties will go to court.
It's important to note that Johnson & Johnson often fights talcum powder lawsuits, so both the victim and their lawyer must be prepared to fight for proper compensation. They can also help with questions such as, "What is a common injury from a bike accident?"
Bottom Like - Seeking Legal Help After Talcum Powder Use
The effects of prolonged talcum powder usage can be devastating for a person, so anyone who got affected by this product must talk to a professional lawyer to get the justice they deserve.
Schueger Shunnarah's trial attorneys are willing to go to war for their clients, so they can rest assured they'll fight until they get the compensation necessary for the victim (or their family) to move on with their lives.