Australian Woman Leads Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
An Australian woman, Amanda Bradley, is spearheading a significant class-action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that their talcum powder caused her ovarian cancer. Diagnosed at 34, Bradley attributes her illness to the long-term use of J&J’s products, which she claims turned her life upside down.
Amanda Bradley’s Battle with Cancer
Amanda Bradley is now 45 years old and reflects on a traumatic journey. Her ovarian cancer diagnosis was preceded by severe bloating and the discovery of a large cancerous cyst. This diagnosis led to aggressive treatments and a complete hysterectomy, permanently altering her fertility and health.
“I went from being a healthy young woman to a cancer patient overnight,” Bradley expressed, highlighting the emotional struggles that accompany her condition. She emphasizes the loss of the opportunity to start a family, which weighs heavily on her heart.
Class Action Against Johnson & Johnson
Bradley’s case is one of over 1,300 Australian women participating in a class-action lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products are defective and unsafe, asserting a direct link between these products and various cancers, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
- Class action launched against Johnson & Johnson.
- More than 1,300 participants since 2023.
- Claims of negligence and defective products under consumer law.
Craig Allsopp, head of class actions at Shine Lawyers, stated, “The discovery that talcum powder is not safe represents a betrayal of consumer trust.”
Concerns About Talc and Asbestos
Talc, a mineral often found in baby powder, can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. The World Health Organization has established that no level of asbestos exposure is considered safe. Experts maintain that it is challenging to eliminate asbestos from talc completely, increasing the risks for users.
Shine Lawyers are calling on women who used J&J talc products from 1971 to 2023 and were diagnosed with various cancers to come forward. The ongoing legal battle in Australia follows similar high-profile cases in the United States, where juries have awarded substantial settlements to those impacted by Johnson & Johnson’s talc products.
Recent Verdicts in the United States
In recent years, U.S. courts have imposed significant penalties on Johnson & Johnson due to claims related to their talcum powder. Notable cases include:
| Date | Location | Verdict Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| California – 2021 | California | $966 million | Including $16 million in compensatory damages and $950 million in punitive damages for a mesothelioma victim. |
| Maryland – 2025 | Maryland | $1.5 billion | One of the largest talc verdicts ever. |
| Los Angeles – 2020 | Los Angeles | $40 million | Awarded to two women claiming long-term use led to their cancer. |
As the class action progresses in Australia, Shine Lawyers continue to fight for accountability and compensation for affected women and their families.
