Is There an Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit?
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Yes, there is an ovarian cancer class action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 by a group of women who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products(baby powder). The plaintiffs allege that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks associated with using talcum powder and that their products caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the women’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It also seeks punitive damages from Johnson & Johnson for its failure to warn consumers of the potential risks associated with talcum powder use.
Ovarian Cancer Litigation
Ovarian cancer has been a leading cause of death in women, and the litigation that surrounds it is ever-growing. Talc, a mineral found naturally in many makeup products, has recently become a major source of ovarian cancer litigation due to its potential carcinogenic properties. Indeed, talc manufacturers have been accused of failing to warn consumers about the risks associated with their talc-containing products.
The issue of talc’s link to ovarian cancer first came up in 1971 when scientists noticed similarities between asbestos fibers and particles from cosmetic-grade talcum powder. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted trying to prove an association between the use of talc and increased risk for the development of this form of cancer.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that can affect women of all ages. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, approximately 262,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year. Talc, an ingredient found in many products including baby powder and eye shadows, has been linked to an increased risk for this type of cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies talc-based body powder as possibly carcinogenic to humans when applied in the female genital area. This is because talc particles may travel through the reproductive organs and create inflammation which could lead to tumor growth. Additionally, research suggests that using talcum powder on a regular basis increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer by 30%.
Ovarian Cancer Class Action Lawsuits Filed
Ovarian cancer class action lawsuits have become increasingly common in the past few years. In many cases, these lawsuits involve women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using a certain product. These women are seeking damages from the companies that created and marketed the product, claiming they were not adequately warned of potential health risks.
The most recent ovarian cancer class action lawsuit was filed in 2019 by two women against Johnson & Johnson. The plaintiffs allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talc products caused them to develop ovarian cancer due to their frequent use of the products for feminine hygiene purposes. Several other similar lawsuits have been filed against other major corporations over the past several years as well, including Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Inc., among others.
Types of Damages Sought
When cancer patients and their families seek legal action against negligent parties, the damages sought in an ovarian cancer lawsuit are typically broken down into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages refer to losses that can be easily calculated, such as medical expenses, lost wages from work due to illness or disability, and funeral or burial expenses.
Non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot necessarily be quantified in dollar amounts — including emotional trauma, physical pain, and suffering, loss of companionship, or consortium of a loved one — which is why these damages are often compensated with higher awards than those for economic losses.
In an ovarian cancer lawsuit specifically, plaintiffs may seek compensation for the diagnosis and treatment costs associated with the disease.
Ovarian Cancer Resources Available
Ovarian cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that affects thousands of women each year. The costs associated with treatment, recovery, and lost wages can be overwhelming for those suffering from the disease. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist those facing an ovarian cancer lawsuit.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides comprehensive information on legal rights and advice on how to pursue a claim. A range of legal options exists for victims of ovarian cancer who have been wrongfully diagnosed or treated, including medical malpractice suits, product liability claims, and class action litigation. Furthermore, the ACS offers financial assistance through its patient navigator program to help cover attorney fees or other related expenses associated with filing a case.
In addition to the coverage provided by the ACS, many states have laws that provide additional protection against medical malpractice concerning ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ovarian Cancer & Talc Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products, you may be eligible to join the class action lawsuit. Contact an experienced attorney who specializes in product liability cases for more information about joining the class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.
Class action lawsuits provide an important means of justice for individuals who cannot pursue legal action alone. These lawsuits enable multiple people to come together and hold large, powerful entities accountable. By sharing the costs and risks associated with litigation, class action lawsuits can provide greater access to justice than is available through traditional legal channels. Although class action suits may have their drawbacks, they remain a powerful tool in the fight against corporate misconduct.
Conclusion: Exploring Your Options
When it comes to filing an ovarian cancer lawsuit, the options for legal action can seem overwhelming. However, understanding your rights and exploring all of your available options is key in moving forward with a case. There are various routes a plaintiff can take when seeking compensation for damages caused due to ovarian cancer.
The most common form of legal recourse is by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. These typically involve negligence from either a medical professional or healthcare facility that resulted in the diagnosis or treatment being delayed and causing further harm to the patient. Alternatively, if exposure to hazardous materials is suspected as the cause of ovarian cancer, then it may be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
If you have developed cancer as a result of a product you have used or were exposed to, contact the Law Offices of Joel Levine at 512-982-1510 to discuss your options.
