Talc Lawsuits are Just Getting Started and the Jury Awards can be Staggering
Key Takeaways: Talc Lawsuits and Ongoing Accountability
- Talc-related mesothelioma lawsuits remain highly successful. Recent verdicts in Massachusetts, California, and New York show that juries continue to hold corporations accountable for selling asbestos-contaminated talc products. Multi-million awards and settlements confirm that justice is possible for victims and families.
- Everyday consumers are among the victims. Many individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma never worked in industrial settings. Exposure often came from trusted personal care products like Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, used for decades without warning of the danger.
- Internal evidence tells the real story. Corporate records and expert testimony have revealed that manufacturers and mining companies knew about asbestos contamination for years, yet continued to market these products as safe.
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Talc, Asbestos, and Mesothelioma: What You Should Know
The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. For countless individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma each year who have never worked around industrial asbestos, the source of their exposure is puzzling. The answer may lie in everyday personal care products. Millions of Americans have been using talc-based products, such as Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) iconic Baby Powder, for decades believing they were safe for everyday use and unaware they may have contained a known carcinogen. More distressing, since mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure, people often don’t associate their history of talcum powder use with their diagnosis.
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral used in powders, deodorants, and makeup, that often forms near asbestos deposits, making contamination a serious risk. When mined and manufactured without rigorous testing, this asbestos-contaminated talc can make its way into consumer products, exposing users to dangerous levels of asbestos. Even minimal exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Read more about the dangers of talc in everyday products in our blog.
Internal J&J documents reveal that asbestos had been detected in the company’s talc ores as far back as the 1950s. Despite this, J&J continued to market its powder as pure and safe, and according to a Reuters investigation, knowingly misled consumers for decades. Asbestos contamination is not limited to J&J: major brands, including Avon, Dr. Scholls, Gold Bond, CVS Brand, Old Spice, L’Oreal, MAC, Clinique, Urban Decay, Maybelline, and many others have been found to contain traces of asbestos.
Across the country, juries continue to hold major corporations accountable for concealing the dangers of asbestos contamination in talc. More than 60,000 lawsuits have been filed against J&J alone, alleging that its talc-based products caused cancer.
The following verdicts, all handed down in 2025, demonstrate both the devastating personal impact of mesothelioma and the growing recognition of corporate misconduct that allowed it to happen.
Significant Verdicts in Asbestos-Contaminated Talc and Related Mesothelioma Lawsuits in 2025
Janice Paluzzi – $8 Million Verdict (Massachusetts, July 2025)
Janice Paluzzi, a lifelong Massachusetts resident, developed pleural mesothelioma after decades of using J&J’s talcum powder on herself and her seven children. Having no other known exposure to asbestos, she filed suit in 2021, alleging that her illness was caused by asbestos fibers inhaled from the company’s powders.
At trial, her attorneys presented decades of internal Johnson & Johnson records showing the company was aware that its talc supply was contaminated but continued to market the product as safe. A Suffolk County jury agreed, awarding Paluzzi a total of $8 million: $5 million for past pain and suffering and $3 million for future pain and suffering.
Anna Bishop – $12.25 Million Verdict (New York, August 2025)
Anna Bishop lived most of her life less than a mile from Vanderbilt Minerals’ talc mining operations in Balmat, New York. Confined to her home due to disability, she unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers released into the air from the nearby mine for decades. After her death in 2023, her sister sought justice on her behalf.
A New York jury awarded $4.5 million for Bishop’s pain and suffering and $7.75 million in punitive damages, finding that the mine’s owners, Vanderbilt Minerals, had known since the 1940s that its operations released asbestos into the surrounding environment, but chose not to disclose the danger. Expert witnesses testified that Bishop’s lifetime exposure was dozens of times higher than the threshold known to cause mesothelioma, and talc particles in her lung tissue linked her disease to the mining operations.
Paul Lovell – $42.6 Million Verdict (Massachusetts, July 2025)
In one of the largest mesothelioma verdicts in Massachusetts history, a Boston jury awarded $42.6 million to Paul Lovell, who developed mesothelioma after decades of daily use of J&J’s Baby Powder. Lovell, who, again, had had no occupational exposure to asbestos, used the powder on himself and his children for more than 40 years.
Jurors found J&J negligent and in breach of warranty, concluding that the company failed to warn consumers and deliberately concealed health risks. The award included $15 million for past pain and suffering; $9 million for future pain and suffering; $608,300 for past medical expenses; $2 million for future medical expenses; $5 million for past loss of consortium and $11 million for future loss of consortium, reflecting both the human and financial toll of preventable corporate negligence.
Judith Lapointe – $83 Million Verdict (Massachusetts, August 2025)
When 72-year-old Judith Lapointe died of mesothelioma just weeks after diagnosis, her husband of 56 years filed suit against American Art Clay Company (AMACO), alleging decades of exposure to asbestos-contaminated pottery clay. Lapointe had grown up in her family’s ceramics studio, sanding and shaping products made with contaminated talc.
A Boston jury found AMACO’s conduct “malicious, willful, and reckless,” awarding $83 million, including $60 million in punitive damages, sending a clear message to the company. The verdict recognized evidence that AMACO knew of asbestos hazards in its clays as early as the 1960s yet failed to warn artists, teachers, or students who regularly used their materials. The total amount included $10 million for Lapointe’s pain and suffering and $13 million for the loss of consortium suffered by her husband.
Mae Moore – $966 Million Verdict (California, October 2025)
In one of the largest asbestos-related verdicts to date, a Los Angeles jury ordered J&J to pay $966 million to the family of 88-year-old Mae Moore, who died in 2021 after a lifetime of using the company’s talc-based powders, including J&J’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. The award included $16 million in compensatory and $950 million in punitive damages, reflecting the jury’s strong condemnation of the company’s decades-long concealment of asbestos contamination. An appeal by J&J is pending.
Contact An Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney Today
Each of these verdicts underscores a devastating truth: asbestos-contaminated talc has claimed the health and lives of people who never imagined they were at risk. For decades, trusted brands and industrial suppliers dismissed evidence of contamination, choosing to protect profits instead of consumers.
At Shepard O’Donnell, we have decades of experience representing individuals and their families affected by mesothelioma, including those who never worked in industrial settings. We understand the emotional and physical toll of these diagnoses and fight hard to hold corporations responsible.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and suspect talc exposure, you are not alone. Contact Shepard O’Donnell for a confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you pursue the justice you deserve. We have secured numerous life-changing verdicts for our mesothelioma clients.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Talc and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
What is the link between talc and mesothelioma? Talc and asbestos are both naturally-occurring minerals that form in close proximity to one another underground, often resulting in cross-contamination. When talc deposits are contaminated with asbestos and used in consumer products, microscopic asbestos fibers can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Even minimal exposure has been shown to cause mesothelioma and ovarian cancer, often decades after use.
Which products have been linked to asbestos-contaminated talc? Numerous talc-based powders and cosmetics have tested positive for asbestos contamination. The most notable are Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, but different brands of body and cosmetic powders have also been implicated, including Avon, Dr. Scholl’s, Gold Bond, Maybelline, and L’Oreal among others. Consumers who used these products daily for years did so without any knowledge of the risk and many have subsequently developed mesothelioma.
Have talc-related mesothelioma lawsuits been successful? Yes. Juries across the country have returned significant verdicts for victims, siding against companies that knowingly sold contaminated talc products. Recent verdicts include $42 million in Massachusetts, $83 million in another Massachusetts case, and $966 million in California. These outcomes, which include significant punitive damages directed at the companies, demonstrate that juries are holding corporations accountable and providing justice for victims.
Can I file a lawsuit if I never worked with asbestos? Absolutely. Many successful plaintiffs had no occupational asbestos exposure and their only contact came through household talc products or living in proximity to a contaminated talc mine. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to speak with an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can review your history and identify possible sources of exposure.
Why should I choose Shepard O’Donnell for my case? With more than 30 years of experience representing victims of mesothelioma, Shepard O’Donnell combines deep legal knowledge with compassion and care. Our firm has the resources, experts, and experience to take on powerful corporations to help you pursue the justice and financial security your family deserves.
“Mass. Attys Split As Punitive Damages Rules Go To Top Court.” – Michael McCann Quoted in Article
Michael McCann’s insights were featured in Law360’s “Mass. Attys Split As Punitive Damages Rules Go To Top Court.”
McCann explains that punitive damages in MA are limited primarily to cases of wrongful death where gross negligence is involved.
“If the role of punitive damages is to deter conduct, it has to have a deterrent effect. In order to do that for a company like Philip Morris, there has to be significant damages involved,” said McCann.
Shepard O’Donnell Named a Top-Tier Personal Injury Law Firm by Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” 2026
Shepard O’Donnell, one of the leading Massachusetts personal injury law firms representing victims of asbestos exposure and sexual abuse, received top-tier designation in the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” 2026 edition. For the fourth consecutive year, the firm was ranked “Tier 1” in personal injury litigation. The firm was also highly rated in mass tort litigation and class actions. Below are the firm’s complete rankings.
- Metropolitan Tier 1 (Boston)
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Metropolitan Tier 2 (Boston)
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
- National Tier 3
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
Law firms included in the “Best Law Firms” rankings are recognized for professional excellence and consistently strong ratings from clients and peers. The Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are determined by an exhaustive evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metro region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer included in Best Lawyers in that particular practice area and metro.
Erika O’Donnell Named a 2025 “Go To Lawyer” for Commercial and Consumer Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Shepard O’Donnell, one of the leading Massachusetts personal injury law firms representing victims of asbestos exposure and sexual abuse, announces that Co-Managing Partner Erika O’Donnell was named a 2025 “Go To Lawyer” for Commercial / Consumer Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
“Go To Lawyers” are nominated by their peers and chosen by a panel from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Honorees are selected for demonstrating in-depth knowledge in their field and deep experience with a record of success, according to the publication.
O’Donnell is a nationally respected litigator and personal injury law expert with nearly two decades of experience representing victims of toxic exposure and institutional sex abuse. She is widely recognized for her fierce advocacy, legal acumen, and deep compassion for clients suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestos-related diseases, smoking-related cancers, and other life-altering injuries stemming from corporate negligence. Erika has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in these cases.
As an active member of the Boston legal community, O’Donnell is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Worcester Bar Association, the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and the American Association for Justice. O’Donnell is a founding member of a prestigious national group of female toxic-tort litigators and serves as the first female Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel in the Massachusetts Asbestos Litigation (MAL) docket.
Spotlight on Sex Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities
Key Takeaways:
- Youth residential treatment facilities (RTFs) market themselves with caring and compassionate language that hides widespread abuse
- Some of the worst offenders in Massachusetts include Southcoast Behavioral Health Center, Arbour Hospital, and Westwood Lodge
- Patients enter with the hope of getting treatment and healing
- The marketing language used by these facilities often masks a darker reality
- Sex abuse at several MA RTFs has been well documented
- Survivors of sex abuse at RTFs continue to come forward to seek justice
We have written before about the 2024 Senate Finance Committee’s scathing report revealing widespread abuse and neglect at many youth residential treatment facilities (RTFs) across the country, including Massachusetts. RTFs are meant to help children and adolescents struggling with behavioral, mental health, or substance use issues, but as the report indicates, they often become places of further trauma.
The investigation revealed alarming patterns: children being subjected to abuse, including sex abuse, by staff or peers; excessive restraint and seclusion, and unsafe or unsanitary living conditions. The report found that these issues are rooted in an operating model that incentivizes revenue over care, leading facilities to hire underqualified or insufficient staff. This creates a dangerous environment where abuse flourishes. And despite repeated complaints, RTFs often dismiss victims’ reports or hide behind privacy laws to avoid accountability.
If you experienced sex abuse at an RTF, you are not alone. As a law firm helping victims of sexual abuse in youth facilities in Massachusetts, we are seeing an increasing number of survivors of sexual abuse in residential treatment facilities come forward to share their stories and demand justice. In this blog, we focus on three Massachusetts residential treatment facilities that are facing legal claims for sex abuse that occurred on-site for decades.
Southcoast Behavioral Health Center, Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Southcoast Behavioral Health is a 190-bed RTF in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, that claims to provide structured inpatient psychiatric care for children and adolescents ages 5–17 who are experiencing severe mental health symptoms or crises. Stays at Southcoast typically last seven to 14 days, during which patients receive 24/7 monitoring and care from a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and therapists. Southcoast Behavioral Health markets itself on its website as a “premier” psychiatric hospital offering “superior care” for children and adolescents in crisis. It purports to be a safe, supportive environment where young people can “stabilize and get on a path to a productive, bright future.” The website is filled with positive messages, including “age-appropriate care,” “individualized treatment,” “compassionate professionals,” and “healing environments.” Families desperate for help are told their children will receive evidence-based therapy and personalized attention from a “caring team.”
The contrast between these polished marketing materials and the allegations of abuse at Southcoast Behavioral Health is striking. The reality described by survivors, families, and investigators tells a dark story of abuse at this facility. Staff shortages and inadequate training, among other things, have left vulnerable youth in unsafe situations, often retraumatized by the people who promised to protect them. For too many children, “treatment” at Southcoast has meant enduring pain under the guise of care.
Arbour Hospital, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Arbour Hospital’s Adolescent Inpatient Program provides intensive, short-term psychiatric care for teens in crisis who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe mood changes, or behaviors that pose a danger to themselves or others. The program claims to offer a safe, structured environment where adolescents receive 24-hour nursing supervision and individualized treatment designed to promote stabilization and recovery. Like Southcoast, Arbour Hospital outwardly presents itself as a compassionate behavioral health facility dedicated to helping adolescents in crisis. Its website describes a caring, therapeutic environment where young people receive round-the-clock supervision, evidence-based therapy, and “compassionate, understanding behavioral health support.” It emphasizes patient dignity, collaboration, and “a quality, effective and positive experience.”
But again, recent revelations paint a very different picture. Behind the reassuring language lies a facility repeatedly cited for serious abuse and neglect, where the promise of “stabilization and recovery” often masks an ugly reality. Arbour Hospital’s claims of “qualified staff”, “respect” and putting “patients rights” first ring hollow in the face of widespread accounts of youth being assaulted or abused – sometimes by the very people charged with protecting them – and administrators who ignored or silenced complaints.
Westwood Lodge, Westwood, Massachusetts
Despite its closure in 2017, claims of sex abuse at Westwood Lodge continue to surface, and it may not be too late to hold those responsible accountable. Like many other facilities, Westwood Lodge (owned by Arbour Health Systems) once portrayed itself as a trusted, community-centered psychiatric hospital devoted to “healing,” “respect,” and “quality care.” Its marketing touted a supportive environment staffed by skilled professionals dedicated to guiding children and young adults through mental health crises. Parents and caregivers were led to believe they were entrusting their loved ones to a safe facility designed for recovery.
In reality, Westwood Lodge became synonymous with neglect, abuse, and institutional failure. The Boston Globe reported in 2017 that Westwood was permanently closed due to issues of patient safety, quality of care, and the facility’s failure to comply with Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) requirements. Regulators repeatedly cited the facility for safety violations and patient mistreatment. Reports from former patients and staff detailed sex, physical, and emotional abuse, overuse of restraints, falsified records, and administrators who routinely ignored or covered up serious incidents, including the death of a patient. Despite mounting evidence, Westwood continued to operate for years until it was closed by DMH. Once again, a hospital’s marketing language portraying it as a place of “healing and hope” proved little more than a misleading façade.
Contact an Experienced, Compassionate Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
The disconnect between the public image presented by these Massachusetts residential treatment facilities (and others like them) and their internal reality reflects a systemic problem: facilities profiting from the suffering of vulnerable children while hiding behind therapeutic jargon, privacy laws, and corporate spin. It has to stop!
We are Massachusetts residential treatment facility sexual abuse lawyers. Survivors deserve justice. If you or a loved one suffered abuse in a Massachusetts residential treatment facility, Shepard O’Donnell is here to help. Our experienced, compassionate attorneys stand ready to listen, fight for your rights, and pursue accountability from those responsible. Learn more about commonly asked questions about a sex abuse case in our blog, or contact us for a confidential consultation.
Five Shepard O’Donnell Attorneys Recognized in the 2025 Edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers
Shepard O’Donnell, one of the top asbestos personal injury law firms in Massachusetts, representing victims of asbestos exposure and sexual abuse, announces that five of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers, with three included on the Super Lawyers list and two on the Rising Stars list.
Founder Michael Shepard was recognized in the Personal Injury – Products: Plaintiff, Class Action/Mass Torts: Plaintiff, and Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff, and Transportation/Maritime practice areas, and included in the Top 100: Massachusetts Super Lawyers Top List.
Co-Managing Partner Erika O’Donnell and Partner Michael McCann were recognized in the Personal Injury – Products: Plaintiff practice area. O’Donnell was also included in the Top 50: Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers Top List.
Associate Giuliana D’Esopo was recognized as a Massachusetts Rising Star in the Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff practice area, and Associate Kelsey McCandless was recognized in the Personal Injury – Products: Plaintiff practice area. The Rising Star designation recognizes lawyers under the age of 40 years old or those in practice for less than ten years.
Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service for lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The mission of Super Lawyers is to bring visibility to attorneys who exhibit excellence in practice. The selection process, as detailed on the Super Lawyers website, is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and evaluations that identify a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Shepard O’Donnell Named a Best Women-Led Law Firm by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Shepard O’Donnell, one of the top personal injury law firms in Massachusetts, representing victims of asbestos exposure and sexual abuse, has been recognized as a “Best Women-Led Law Firm” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for the second year in a row. The list celebrates the incredible contributions of female-led firms across Massachusetts and how these firms are helping women attorneys thrive professionally.
Shepard O’Donnell represents victims of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure, tobacco, and sexual abuse. The firm’s success is a direct result of the many women at Shepard O’Donnell who strive for greatness, including Co-Managing Partner Erika O’Donnell.
“We’re honored to be recognized alongside the many other women-led firms in Massachusetts,” said O’Donnell. “This recognition demonstrates our commitment to fostering a culture that empowers women attorneys and staff to thrive.”
To be selected as a Best Women-Led Law Firm, a firm must be led by a female attorney in Massachusetts and demonstrate success across a broad spectrum of criteria, including success in the local legal community through growth in revenue or employees; being recognized as a best workplace because of employee support programs; showing a high level of employee morale; demonstrating a strong and consistent community engagement; and having a record of promoting DE&I efforts designed to help women attorneys thrive professionally. The full list of honorees can be found here.
Shepard O’Donnell Now Representing Victims of Sexual Abuse in Residential Treatment Facilities
Shepard O’Donnell, one of the top personal injury law firms in Massachusetts, representing victims of asbestos exposure and sexual abuse, is now taking on cases involving sexual misconduct that occurred in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs). This expansion builds on the firm’s work advocating for survivors of abuse by physicians and in schools.
RTFs are intended to be places of healing and recovery for children and adolescents facing challenges such as mental health issues, behavioral needs, or substance use. However, there have been numerous reports of abuse in these facilities, showcasing the systematic failures that must be addressed. For many who enter them expecting help and support, the experience has been abusive and traumatic.
“Institutions have a fundamental duty to protect those who have entrusted them with their health and safety,” said Co-Managing Partner Erika O’Donnell. “We’re committed to holding these institutions accountable and ensuring that survivors of abuse have a path towards justice.”
Shepard O’Donnell is committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where victims of violent crimes or traumatic experiences can begin to process what’s happened to them. With a dedicated case team and a victim advocate, the firm offers a holistic approach that ensures clients receive comprehensive support, both legally and personally.
What To Expect in a Sex Abuse Case: Questions and Answers
Key Takeaways:
- The decision to file a sex abuse case can be frightening and overwhelming
- Sex abuse survivors often have many questions about how these cases work and what’s involved
- Having answers to these questions can help survivors decide whether or not to move forward with a sex abuse case
- The right legal team should let you set the pace, make your own choices about how to proceed, and offer you compassionate support throughout the process
Taking the courageous step to pursue legal action after experiencing sexual abuse is deeply personal and it’s only natural to feel uncertain, scared, or overwhelmed at the prospect. Many survivors share the same concerns and you are not alone in wondering what lies ahead.
Below are our answers to some questions you might have as you seek justice for the trauma inflicted on you. Keep in mind that these answers are based on the way we, at Shepard O’Donnell, handle sex abuse cases and may not be the same for all law firms.
- What does it mean to seek “justice”? Justice means different things to different people. For some, it’s not about money, but more about accountability, like an admission of wrongdoing or changes at an institution to prevent future harm. For others, financial compensation plays a role in helping them rebuild their lives. From the very beginning, we will work with you to uncover what justice means for you. The answer helps us shape the path forward in a way that is most meaningful to you.
- What will our initial meeting be like? The first meeting is about getting to know each other. We’ll share how we approach cases, and you’ll have space to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. When you feel comfortable, we’ll talk briefly about the abuse and help you understand the ways in which it has impacted your life. Some people are surprised at the various ways past trauma has shaped who they are today. We work hard to create a safe environment in which to open up, either in our office or in your own home. At this time, we will also talk about boundaries, whether that includes avoiding certain topics you’d rather not discuss, or not leaving messages on a home phone, we’ll respect your wishes. Our goal is to help you feel secure at every step.
- Will I have someone to support me through the process? You don’t have to go through this alone. Our attorneys are committed to being as accessible as possible, and you’ll also have direct access to our dedicated, in-house victim advocate, who is available by phone or text whenever you need. Their role is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to process what’s happened, help you understand your rights, and make sure you feel empowered and informed as you move forward. They’re also there to help you prepare important paperwork, such as potential restraining orders, and to connect you with local resources like counseling services, support groups, or other information. Your advocate will ensure that your voice is heard, your needs are respected, and your choices are honored.
- How many times will I have to tell my story? This is a big concern for many survivors and we understand why. Retelling your story is often re-traumatizing. Our goal is to minimize how many times you have to go through it and there will likely be some time between when you share it with us initially and when you may have to repeat it. Our victim advocate is there to ensure you won’t have to tell your story needlessly and is available to support you throughout.
- How involved do I have to be? It’s completely up to you. Some survivors want to know every detail and be part of every decision. Others prefer only to hear from us when absolutely necessary. You can choose the level of involvement that feels right for you.
- Will I face judgement or shame? Our sex abuse team understands that trauma can impact people in many ways—mental health struggles, difficulties at work, challenges in relationships, or coping behaviors like drinking or drug use. There is no shame in that. We aim to take a holistic approach to each individual situation and if you need help beyond the case itself, such as counseling or financial resources, our victim advocate is there to connect you with the services you feel may be right for you. Our role is to support you, not judge you.
- Can my name be kept confidential? Many people considering legal action against a sex abuser worry about who else might find out. If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, we will certainly keep your confidentiality. In Massachusetts, we can file cases using pseudonyms (like “Jane Doe”) and while the accused will know your name, it won’t be made public. Even when multiple survivors are part of the same lawsuit, plaintiffs won’t know each other’s identities unless they choose to connect. We also take extra care to make any necessary court documents trauma-sensitive, avoiding unnecessary details that could potentially identify you. We’ll always review these filings with you before they are submitted to ensure you feel comfortable and are part of the process in every way you want to be.
- How quickly do I have to decide if I want to move forward? Aside from the statute of limitations, the timeline is yours to set. If the statute of limitations is close, we might encourage you to file simply to preserve the statute, since this may be the only opportunity you have to file your case. After that, you set the pace. At each stage, whether requesting medical records, sending a demand letter, or filing a case, you’ll decide if and when you feel ready to move forward.
- Will I have to face the person I’m accusing? This is a very common fear and although every case is different, we’ll protect you as much as possible. If a case goes to trial, the accused does have the right to be in the courtroom but you will never be closer than that. Sexual abuse cases often resolve before a deposition is required, however, if necessary, we would arrange things so you don’t have to be in the same room during questioning. And you will never go through this alone: someone from your legal team or your victim advocate (or both) will be by your side.
- Will I be cross-examined? The very idea of being questioned can feel overwhelming and scary, and truthfully, a deposition can be painful and frustrating. But it can also be empowering. Many survivors describe finding their voice and the strength to finally be able to say, “this is my story and this is the terrible thing someone did to me.” We have seen clients come out of the experience with a renewed sense of purpose and a steely resolve to bring the perpetrator to justice. Not all cases require a deposition or trial, but if yours does, we’ll prepare you carefully and stand with you every step of the way.
- Do I have to file a criminal case? Civil and criminal cases are separate, and the choice is yours. A criminal case involves bringing your complaint to the police and many survivors of sexual abuse don’t feel comfortable doing so. You can certainly pursue a civil case without filing a criminal one. While you may be asked why you didn’t go to the police when the incident occurred, there may be many valid reasons why and we’ll help you share your story in a way that feels comfortable. To the extent you may also be involved in an ongoing criminal case, we will be there, as your civil attorneys, to make sure that your rights are protected.
Contact a Compassionate Sex Abuse Attorney Today
The decision to pursue a legal case against an abuser is never an easy one. If you have been the victim of physician sexual abuse, school sexual abuse, or sexual abuse while attending a Residential Treatment Facility, we encourage you to take the important first step to contact us at (800) 451-4471 for a free, confidential, no-obligation discussion about possible legal action.
At Shepard O’Donnell, our sex abuse attorneys represent both women and men who are looking to hold perpetrators, and the institutions that employ(ed) them, accountable for their reprehensible actions. We would be glad to explain what’s involved in the process of filing a claim and answer any additional questions you may have.
We are committed to protecting your confidentiality and ensuring that you feel safe and supported throughout the legal process. Your healing, your rights, and your story are important, not just as a legal case, but as a person who matters.
Read more about our approach to working with sexual abuse survivors.
Can Talcum Powder Cause Mesothelioma?
Key Takeaways:
- Many personal care and cosmetics products are made with talc, including powders, deodorants, and makeup
- Talc deposits can be contaminated with asbestos
- Numerous popular brands of body powder and makeup used asbestos-contaminated talc
- Regular and even occasional exposure to contaminated talc products has been shown to cause mesothelioma and ovarian cancer
Mesothelioma is an insidious disease with a long latency period, meaning it often takes decades to develop, typically 20-50 years from initial exposure. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When most people think of asbestos exposure, they think of workplace exposure through industrial materials such as insulation, gaskets, and heavy machinery. However, there is a growing percentage of mesothelioma victims who weren’t occupationally exposed to asbestos.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, but has never worked with or around asbestos, you may be wondering how the disease could have developed. The answer could lie in the everyday products many of us have used for decades, not knowing they could have contained asbestos. The culprit? Asbestos-contaminated talc.
What is Talc and Why Does It Contain Asbestos?
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined for a variety of applications. When made into a powder, it effectively absorbs odor and moisture, and helps reduce friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and helping prevent rashes. According to the FDA, talc is used in a wide range of cosmetic and other personal care products to prevent caking, wick moisture, or improve the feel of products, and can be found in everything from body powder to blush.
Talc and asbestos are both naturally occurring silicate minerals composed of the same chemical elements: silicon, magnesium, iron, oxygen, and hydrogen, and naturally form in similar geological conditions. Because of this, it is not uncommon for asbestos minerals to form within talc deposits, and when these contaminated deposits are extracted for use in consumer products, the result can be deadly.
What Evidence is There That Talcum Powder is Harmful?
It is important to note that not all talc contains asbestos, however, even the relatively small amounts that have been detected in some talc products have been shown to cause mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Evidence of the dangers of asbestos-contaminated talc is well documented:
- The American Cancer Society classifies talcum powder containing asbestos as carcinogenic.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorizes talc with asbestiform fibers (including asbestos and fibrous talc) as a known carcinogen. The IARC also notes that exposure from cosmetic and body powder use is well documented.
- The FDA has acknowledged concerns about asbestos contamination in talc since the 1970s.
- A 2024 NIH study found a positive association between the use of intimate care products, including talc, and ovarian cancer.
- Research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM) supports the causal link between asbestos-contaminated talc and ovarian cancer.
- The JOEM research shows that asbestos exposure by inhalation can occur during cosmetic talc use.
Anyone using talcum powder would almost certainly have inhaled the fine dust at some point and even indirect exposure through a family member or roommate using the product is possible. Mesothelioma, one of the deadliest asbestos-related diseases, is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers and requires only minimal exposure to develop. There is no proven safe threshold for exposure to asbestos.
Could I Have Been Exposed to Asbestos in Talc?
Talc-containing products are marketed under many different brand names. While most commonly associated with baby powder, the potential for exposure extends well beyond infants.
Many everyday products contain talc, including:
- Deodorant: Talc is used for its odor-absorbing properties.
- Intimate and body powders: These powders are commonly used by both men and women for a feeling of freshness.
- Makeup and cosmetics: Talc is widely used in products like blush, eyeshadow, and face powder by both adults and children. Especially troubling is that asbestos has been found in children’s makeup sold by Claire’s and Justice stores as recently as 2020.
Talc is also common in workplace routines:
- Outdoor occupations: Body powders are frequently used on hot, humid days to prevent chafing and control odor when working outside. Workers (including electricians, construction workers, or line workers) often apply it under clothing or in shoes.
- Barbershops: Barbers routinely use talcum powder to reduce irritation after a shave or to remove loose hair.
Even leisure activities can bring exposure:
- After a day at the beach, many people use body powder to help remove sand before heading home.
Shepard O’Donnell maintains an extensive record of brands whose talc products are alleged to be contaminated with asbestos, including familiar household names such as Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Scholls, Gold Bond, CVS Brand, Old Spice, L’Oreal, MAC, Clinique, Urban Decay, Maybelline, and many more.
Anytime powdered talc is used, millions, even billions, of fibers are released into the air. If those fibers are contaminated with asbestos and inhaled, there is the potential for disease to develop. Worryingly, the IARC warns in a 2024 monograph that “because of the challenges of accurate measurement, contamination of talc with asbestos may still be a concern and may lead to exposure of workers and the general population to asbestos (e.g., via contaminated talc-based make-up and body powder).”
A Case in Point: Johnson & Johnson
The talc product most familiar to many people is Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Baby Powder, which was made with talc until the company began phasing out its use in 2022. Internal company documents show that asbestos has been present in J&J’s talc ores since at least the 1950s. While J&J maintains its products are safe, a Reuters investigation reveals that the company knew its talcum powder was sometimes tainted with asbestos but kept the information quiet.
The company currently faces more than 50,000 lawsuits alleging its talc-based powder products contain asbestos that caused ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. These lawsuits date back to 1999, when a woman claimed that long-term use of J&J powder led to her mesothelioma. In 2009, another woman sued the company, alleging that its talc-based products caused her ovarian cancer. In 2023, a 24-year-old man won a $18.8 million jury verdict in his suit against the company after he developed mesothelioma in the tissue around his heart as a result of heavy exposure to the company’s talc since childhood. In 2025, a Boston jury awarded a $42 million verdict to a man who asserted that his mesothelioma was caused by asbestos-laced baby powder.
J&J has been hit with over $4 billion in judgments to date and is trying to use a controversial legal maneuver called the Texas Two-Step in order to protect itself from the costs of talc powder lawsuits related to ovarian cancer. You can read Shepard O’Donnell’s founding partner, Michael Shepard’s, insights into the Texas Two-Step here, here, and here.
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe it may be linked to the use of talcum powder or other talc products, we encourage you to contact the mesothelioma legal team at Shepard O’Donnell. We’re here to listen to your story and will give you an honest assessment of whether we believe you have a viable claim. Our team maintains an extensive list of products that have been shown to contain asbestos, and we’ll ask the right questions to help determine where your exposure may have occurred.
There have already been numerous successful lawsuits brought by mesothelioma victims who were exposed to asbestos through the use of contaminated talcum powders. You may have a path to justice, and we’re here to help you find it.