AUSTRALIA | Since launching its investigation in 2023, Shine Lawyers has received more than 1,300 registrations from women who believe their cancer was caused by using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.
A class action on behalf of Australian women who developed mesothelioma, ovarian and other female reproductive system cancers following use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products, has been commenced as a writ in the Supreme Court of Victoria against Johnson & Johnson and its related subsidiaries to advance the Australian class action.
“Australians and people across the world trusted Johnson & Johnson’s products for decades, applying talc to their and their babies’ bodies under the assumption that it was safe to do so. To find out that it wasn’t safe is a deep betrayal of consumers’ trust,” said Craig Allsopp, Head of Class Actions at Shine Lawyers.
“Juries in the United States have clearly expressed their disgust with J&J’s actions with their verdicts and the punitive damages awarded against the company, and we are working tirelessly to hold the company to account for its actions in Australia.”
Class Actions Practice Leader, Sarah Thomson, added that the Australian case will allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products were defective, unsafe, unfit for purpose and not of merchantable quality as required by the Australian Consumer Law.
It will also allege that Johnson & Johnson and its related subsidiaries were negligent for supplying talc due to its potential to cause cancer.
Thomson said they had heard from numerous women who believe their cancers were caused by applying Johnson & Johnson’s talc to their bodies, including their genital region.
“Some believe their cancer or mesothelioma was caused by inadvertently inhaling the talc when it was applied.”
The class action will also include those who had Johnson & Johnson’s talc products applied to their bodies as babies.
“This class action seeks accountability and compensation for women and families who have suffered immensely.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Australians have used this product since the seventies, some of whom may now be suffering with cancer or mesothelioma as a result.”
US litigation against Johnson & Johnson over talc has seen major successes, with multiple juries awarding compensation to mesothelioma victims, and courts blocking J&J from using the “Texas Two Step” bankruptcy strategy to shield itself from more than 67,000 claims.
In the UK, a growing group action of over 3,000 claimants is underway alleging J&J suppressed asbestos contamination risks, with early hearings already highlighting the severe human toll as dozens of claimants have died since filing.
More global news here
