Talcum powder is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used by women for decades, if not longer. Prevalent in hygiene and beauty products such as baby powder and makeup, it is known for its soft texture and ability to absorb moisture. It also has industrial applications, Many people use baby powder and other talcum powder products in the genital region to reduce chafing and absorb moisture. Unfortunately, it has come to light in the last few years the use of talcum powder can cause cancer.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer Impacts in Georgia
The cancer risk is particularly significant for women. When used in the genital region, the talc particles can make their way into the vagina, where they migrate into the fallopian tubes and are eventually deposited in the ovaries. Once there, they can cause significant inflammation, a known precursor to ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed early on, and often only after it has spread throughout the pelvis and abdomen. As a result, it is one of the most difficult cancers to treat and in many cases, it tragically results in death. Statistics indicate approximately 14,000 women in America die from ovarian cancer every year. For those women who survive but are still of child-bearing age, they will be unable to become pregnant naturally because treatment often requires the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you need to think about your future and your family. You need a Georgia talcum powder attorney who not only knows how to get results but also understands how devastating an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be.
Talcum Powder and The Risk of Mesothelioma
Many talcum powder products are contaminated with asbestos. This contamination can occur naturally as both minerals can form alongside each other. While it’s unclear whether pure talc can cause cancer, we do know talcum powder contaminated with asbestos increases your risk of cancer. Asbestos has been shown to cause mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer is often deadly.
In addition to cosmetic uses, talcum powder also has industrial applications. Because it is not being applied to the skin, manufacturers are perhaps less scrupulous about asbestos contamination. However, those people using these products in factories and other industrial settings may be unknowingly inhaling tiny asbestos particles from the talk, increasing their risk of contracting mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to prolonged exposure to talcum powder, a Georgia talcum powder attorney can determine whether you have a claim and help you understand your options.
Medical Science Supports Georgia Talcum Powder Liability
Researchers and medical professionals have been investigating the connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer since the 1960s. Multiple studies, both in America and abroad, have demonstrated a clear link between the use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer. Some studies have estimated long-term and repeated use of talcum powder can increase a woman’s chance of cancer anywhere from 30% to 60%. Despite what seems to be a clear cause-and-effect relationship, companies that produce talcum powder products deny any connection and the FDA claims its own studies are inconclusive.
Nonetheless, women and other cancer victims have successfully brought claims seeking compensation. Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest producers of talcum powder products, has been ordered millions of dollars in damages in multiple cases. For example, 22 women in St. Louis were awarded almost $5 billion in damages for their claims, once the claimants were able to prove the company was aware there may be a link between their product and ovarian cancer.
Since Johnson & Johnson and others continue to dispute there is no connection between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, you need someone on your side to hold these companies accountable. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a Georgia talcum powder attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
You Need to Speak to a Georgia Talcum Powder Lawyer Quickly to Protect Your Rights
Every state imposes a deadline to file lawsuits for various types of legal claims, including personal injury and product liability claims. These deadlines, referred to in legal terms as “statutes of limitations,” are very important to your case – if you fail to file your lawsuit by the deadline provided by the law, you will lose all of your rights to pursue compensation. No matter how strong your case is, no matter how serious the harm you suffered, you will be prohibited from pursuing legal action. This is important even if you don’t want or plan to file a lawsuit. Insurance companies, corporations, and other parties won’t even discuss your claim, let alone settle it, if the deadline to pursue legal action has already passed.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Dangerous Drug Claims?
For claims seeking compensation for cancer caused by talcum powder, the Georgia statute of limitations applies as follows:
- You must file your lawsuit within two years from the date your cancer was discovered or should have been discovered; or
- If the victim has died, you must file your lawsuit within one year of the date of death.
Unfortunately, the window of time you have to file your lawsuit is more complicated than simply knowing the statute of limitations. Georgia has enacted a 10-year “statute of repose” that prohibits lawsuits from being filed more than 10 years after the product was sold. As a result, you may be barred from pursuing legal action even if you file your claim within two years of your diagnosis. It is important to note that there are exceptions to the statute of repose, so it is critical you seek legal guidance.
Many women make the mistake of thinking it’s too late to file a claim or that they have plenty of time. Before deciding what to do, you should speak with a Georgia talcum powder attorney who will be able to determine whether you can pursue a claim for compensation. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to prove your claim.
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