Verdict: $70 million Talcum Powder jury verdict in St. Louis Missouri

$70 Million Jury Verdict:

Johnson and Johnson (J&J) lost another verdict regarding its failure to warn about the potential risk of ovarian cancer from talcum powder products. A St. Louis Missouri jury awarded Deborah Giannecchini $2.5 million from J&J in pain and suffering, another $2.5 million from co-defendant Imerys Talc America, and ordered Johnson and Johnson to pay an additional $65 million in punitive damages.

This is not the first verdict against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer. J&J previously had verdicts of $55 million and $72 million against it for hiding the risk of ovarian cancer.

The Plaintiff:

The plaintiff Deborah Giannecchini stated in court she had used talcum powder for feminine hygiene for nearly half a century. Three years prior to trial she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a rare disease that is difficult to find and treat early.  She has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to try and control the spread of her cancer.  Her doctors have given her an 80% chance of dying from ovarian cancer within the next two years.

Deborah had no knowledge of the potential cancer risks of using talcum powder in this fashion.

Johnson & Johnson:

J&J is the defendant in over 2,000 federal and state cases alleging they hid the risks of ovarian cancer from talcum powder. Multiple medical studies show increased risk of ovarian cancer among women using it frequently and long term for feminine hygiene.

You can read more about the risks of talcum powder and the links to ovarian cancer at our talcum powder ovarian cancer page.

Imerys Talc America:

Imerys Talc America was handed a $2.5 million verdict along with J&J. Imerys is a supplier of talcum powder to companies such as J&J, and were named a defendant in this case and prior cases. In previous verdicts Imerys has avoided any share of the liability, but the St. Louis jury found they should join J&J in paying the pain and suffering and medical expenses for the plaintiff.

Punitive Damages:

Johnson and Johnson was aware of “30 years of studies showing an increased risk of ovarian cancer from the use of talc”, according to plaintiff’s lawyers. They further stated that when the risk became known, J&J decided to pursue a defense of limiting regulation instead of adding warning labels.

The jury apparently agreed, and added $65 million in punitive damages to the award on top of the total $5 million in pain and suffering. One juror noted “it seemed like Johnson & Johnson didn’t pay attention, it seemed like they didn’t care”.

Talcum Powder Lawsuit:

J&J is facing thousands of lawsuits regarding ovarian cancer.  If you are or know someone suffering from ovarian cancer after use of talcum powder, the talcum powder may have caused the cancer.  Lawyers are investigating and taking on cases of those harmed by the hidden risks of talc powder.

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyer:

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and has used talc powder or baby powder products, contact us at the number below. Lawyers at Levin Simes will perform a free consultation at no cost to you.

415-426-3000 / info@levinsimes.com

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