American company Johnson & Johnson have been forced to pay out £324 million after one of their oldest products, Johnson’s baby powder, has been found to cause ovarian cancer when it has been used for feminine hygiene purposes.
The action was brought by Eva Echevina from Los Angeles, who is suffering from terminal ovarian cancer. Her lawyer has advised that Eva had hoped the verdict would result in the company placing additional warnings on its products. He has also stated that over a 30 year period Johnson & Johnson had been made aware of potential warning signs, but had failed to alert the women who were buying the products containing talc.
In her Court papers, it was stated that the cause of Eva’s cancer was a
proximate result of the unreasonably dangerous and defective nature of talcum powder
Eva had been using the talcum powder on a regular basis for over 60 years, and was diagnosed with cancer in her ovaries in 2007.
It has been reported that Johnson & Johnson will appeal the ruling, as they argue that scientific evidence proves that their product is safe.
This is not the first claim against Johnson & Johnson to be settled in Court. Earlier this year, a woman from Virginia was awarded £85 million after claiming that using the talcum powder caused her to develop ovarian cancer. There are currently 4,800 similar claims across America.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. Its soft composition makes it perfect for cosmetic and personal care products. It has been used in many body powders for generations, and is also found in a variety of cosmetic products such as foundation and eye shadow.
According to Cancer Research UK, cancer rates will climb nearly six times faster in women than in men over the next 20 years. In 2014, there were 7,378 new cases of ovarian cancer in the UK and 4,128 deaths. 21% of cases of ovarian cancer are preventable.
If you would like advice in relation to a similar matter or any issue regarding defective products, you can contact our specialist solicitors.
