talcum powder

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Talcum powder, particularly Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and similar products, has been linked in many scientific studies to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially when used in the genital area. At Odom Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys help clients throughout Arkansas and nationwide pursue compensation for injuries caused by talc-based products. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll cancer takes on families. We work to hold manufacturers accountable.

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    Why Choose Odom Law Firm for Your Talcum Powder Claim

    Odom Law Firm brings four decades of personal injury litigation experience to talcum powder cases. Since 1982, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured by defective products, medical negligence, and corporate misconduct. We understand product liability law, mass tort litigation, and the tactics manufacturers use to avoid accountability.

    Our team includes attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers and holding Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings. These ratings reflect peer recognition in the legal community. Lead attorneys Alan L. Lane and Matthew L. Lindsay bring decades of combined experience to complex litigation. We serve on the Board of Governors of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. We maintain a national co-counsel network. This enables us to handle cases for clients throughout the country. Most importantly, we approach each case with personalized attention and dedicated advocacy.

    What Sets Odom Law Firm Apart:

    We handle talcum powder cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. We succeed only when you succeed. We invest our resources in thoroughly investigating your claim. And, we gather medical evidence and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.

    The Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer Connection

    Talcum powder remained a staple in personal care routines for generations. Women applied it to their genital areas for hygiene and comfort, unaware of potential health risks. The connection between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer emerged through epidemiological studies beginning in the 1970s and 1980s. Researchers observed that women who used talc powder in their genital region showed elevated rates of ovarian cancer compared to non-users.

    Talc particles can travel through the reproductive tract to the ovaries, where they accumulate over time. This chronic exposure triggers inflammation and cellular changes that may lead to cancer development. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have documented this pathway. Courts have recognized the biological plausibility for the talc-cancer connection in numerous verdicts and settlements we’ve helped secure for our clients.

    What is Talcum Powder?

    Talcum powder is a mineral-based product derived from talc, a naturally occurring silicate mineral. Manufacturers process talc into a fine powder. They incorporate it into personal care products for its moisture-absorbing and anti-caking properties. Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, Shower to Shower, and other brands relied on talc as their primary active ingredient for decades. Manufacturers marketed the powder as safe for babies and adults alike. Internal research suggested potential cancer risks, but companies downplayed or ignored these findings.

    Scientific Evidence Linking Talc and Cancer

    Decades of scientific research establish a connection between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification reflects the scientific consensus that talc exposure poses a genuine cancer risk. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have documented the health risks associated with talc exposure.

    Asbestos Contamination in Talc Products

    A critical factor in talc litigation involves asbestos contamination. Talc deposits often occur near asbestos deposits in the earth. During mining and processing, asbestos fibers can contaminate talc products. Asbestos is a well-established carcinogen linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Internal documents from Johnson & Johnson reveal the company knew about asbestos contamination in its talc supplies as early as the 1970s. Despite this knowledge, the company continued selling Baby Powder without adequate warnings to consumers.

    Key Research Findings on Talc and Cancer:

    • A 1982 study that found elevated ovarian cancer risk among women using talc powder
    • Multiple case-control studies, including research by Dr. Daniel W. Cramer, documented statistically significant associations between talc use and ovarian cancer
    • Multiple meta-analyses combining data from numerous studies confirm the statistical association between talc use and ovarian cancer development

    Johnson & Johnson’s Role in Talcum Powder Litigation

    Johnson & Johnson dominated the talcum powder market for decades with its iconic Baby Powder brand. The company faced mounting legal pressure as evidence of the cancer link accumulated. Rather than warning consumers or reformulating products, internal documents suggest J&J prioritized profits over public health. The company funded research to challenge the talc-cancer connection. J&J worked to suppress unfavorable studies.

    The litigation against J&J has produced significant results for plaintiffs. In 2018, a jury awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using J&J’s talc products. This landmark decision affirmed that asbestos-laced talc in Baby Powder caused ovarian cancer. Subsequent verdicts and settlements have totaled approximately $7-8 billion as of 2024-2025. Over 67,000 pending cases remain in ongoing litigation.

    J&J filed for bankruptcy protection in September 2024 through its Red River Talc LLC subsidiary. Federal court dismissed the bankruptcy in March 2025. Federal talcum powder litigation resumed in April 2025. Clients can pursue claims through ongoing litigation channels. Our attorneys stay current on these developments. We ensure our clients understand their options and pursue claims through the most advantageous pathways.

    What You Need to Know About Talcum Powder Settlements

    Talcum powder lawsuits have generated substantial compensation for victims and their families. Understanding the settlement landscape helps you evaluate your potential claim’s value. You can make informed decisions about pursuing legal action. Product liability claims require demonstrating that a defective product caused your injury. Our catastrophic injuries team has extensive experience with complex product liability cases.

    Compensation Available in Talc Lawsuits

    Talcum powder settlements and verdicts typically compensate victims for multiple categories of damages. Medical expenses—including cancer treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and ongoing care—form the foundation of compensation. Lost wages account for income lost during treatment and recovery periods. Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical agony and emotional trauma of cancer diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, punitive damages punish manufacturers for egregious conduct. They deter future misconduct.

    Settlement amounts vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Factors influencing compensation include the severity of the cancer diagnosis, age at diagnosis, life expectancy, extent of medical treatment required, and strength of evidence linking talc use to the cancer. Verdicts in major cases have ranged from several million dollars to billions for groups of plaintiffs.

    Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts:

    • Duration and frequency of talcum powder use over the years
    • Medical documentation establishing ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
    • Evidence of asbestos contamination in the specific talc products used

    Free Consultation For Your Talcum Powder Injury Case

    If you developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products, time is critical. Statutes of limitations restrict how long you can file a claim. Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Contact Odom Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

    Our attorneys will review your medical history, talc product use, and other relevant factors. We evaluate your claim’s strength. We explain the litigation process and discuss potential compensation. Also, we answer your questions about pursuing a talcum powder lawsuit. You deserve an Talcum powder lawsuit attorney
    who understands both the law and the human impact of corporate negligence.

    Call Odom Law Firm at 479-442-7575 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. We serve clients throughout Arkansas and nationwide. Visit our case results page to see the settlements and verdicts we’ve secured for our clients.