Too much exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer as a result of the ultraviolet (UV) rays. Therefore, sunscreen is a popular way to block the UV rays from your skin to avoid damage. However, emerging evidence indicates that some types of Neutrogena sunscreen contain benzene, which is a human carcinogen linked to leukemia. These findings indicate that individuals who use these types of sunscreen to protect their skins are at a higher risk of developing other types of cancers.

Sunscreen manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and should warn consumers of potential dangers. If you used Neutrogena sunscreen and have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. By filing a claim or joining a class-action lawsuit against the manufactures of these products, you can recover compensation for your damages. At Consumer Alert Now, we will offer you the information you require about the Neutrogena sunscreen and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

Health Risks Related to Benzene Exposure

Benzene is a clear and highly flammable chemical found in plastics, rubber and used as a paint thinner. The majority of the benzene in the atmosphere comes from gasoline, and the chemical is considered a human carcinogen. The Food and Drug Administration regulates products like sunscreen and prohibits benzene in drugs and their products. According to tests done by Valisure, Neutrogena sunscreens contain benzene, and thus the products pose a significant danger to the consumers.

When you use sunscreen that contains benzene, the chemical will enter your bloodstream. Prolonged benzene exposure may result in serious health complications, including cancer. Leukemia is a deadly cancer of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues. There are several types of leukemia, some that occur in children and others in adults. Your white blood cells function to protect your body from infections. However, when you have leukemia, the cells are produced in excess and cannot function properly.

Generally, scientists believe that leukemia occurs when there are mutations in the genetic makeup of the blood cells. Some of the risk factors of developing leukemia include genetic disorders, previous cancer treatment, and exposure to chemicals. One of the chemicals that could cause blood cancer with prolonged exposure is benzene. Therefore, the use of sunscreen that contains this chemical may increase the risk of developing leukemia.

The major types of leukemia that could result from prolonged exposure to benzene include:

  • Acute Myelogenous leukemia. AML can occur both in children and adults but is the most common form of leukemia in adults.
  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia. ALL is predominant in young children but can also occur in adults
  • Chronic Myelogenous leukemia. An individual suffering from CML may fail to experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, if you have been exposed to benzene for some time, it would be wise to consult a doctor for further testing.

The symptoms of leukemia vary significantly depending on the type. Some of the symptoms you may experience from this condition include:

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Significant weight loss
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Tiny red spots on the skin
  • Excessive night sweats
  • Severe and frequent infections

If you experience any of the above symptoms after using Neutrogena sunscreen, it would be wise to seek immediate medical care. This can help in the early detection and treatment of the condition. Also, it can help in documentation of your injuries that are crucial pieces of evidence in your lawsuit.

Neutrogena Sunscreen Recall

In July 2021, Johnson & Johnson recalled some sunscreens after allegations that they contain benzene carcinogen. The recall came after an independent pharmaceutical company tested the sunscreen and other skincare products and detected a signidf0cant amount of the chemical in the products. According to the results from the tests, the amount of benzene in Neutrogena sunscreen was significantly higher than the amount required by the FDA.

Several individuals have filed lawsuits to represent all individuals who were diagnosed with cancer after using Neutrogena sunscreen. In their recall, Neutrogena manufacturers argued that they did not use benzene as an ingredient in the sunscreen. However, an investigation to determine how the benzene entered the product is underway. Some of the sunscreens that were recalled include:

  • Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
  • Aveeno Protect +Refresh aerosol sunscreen
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen
  • Neutrogena Beach Defense Aerosol Sunscreen
  • Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen

You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered leukemia or any other health issues related to benzene exposure after using Neutrogena sunscreen.

Lawsuits against Neutrogena Sunscreen Manufacturers

Neutrogena sunscreen manufacturers have been hit by a nationwide class-action lawsuit claiming that their product contains benzene which causes leukemia. The expected cause of action for lawsuits against manufacturers include claims for:

Defective Design

Sometimes, products are poorly designed. Even when it is not intentional, a defective design will result in a defective product. A product manufacturer must ensure that their products are designed correctly to avoid defects that could be dangerous to consumers. In most cases, a faulty design results in a whole line of defective products. In a lawsuit based on defective product design, there are several ways to determine if the design falls under acceptable standards.

First, you can compare the products with others that were produced during the same time. Also, you can check whether the manufactures followed the regulations set for products of that category. A faulty product design would be ground for a lawsuit against the manufacturers.

Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects are product defects that arise during the manufacturing stage of the product. A defectively manufactured product has flaws that arise when there is an error in making the product. As a result, the product may be different from others on the shelf. The manufacturer has a responsibility to control the quality of their products. Therefore if a manufacturing defect makes it unsafe for consumers, they should not sell it. If an injury or illness results from a product manufacturing defect, you may have a defective product lawsuit.

Failure to warn Consumers on Potential Risks of the Product

Failure to provide adequate instructions and warnings about the product is considered a breach of manufacturers' responsibility towards you. Manufacturers must include all details about the ingredients in their products and warn consumers of the product's side effects. A claim based on failure to warn involves products 5hat is dangerous in a way that is not obvious to the consumer. According to the lawsuits filed against Neutrogena sunscreen, the plaintiffs accused the manufacturers of failing to label the products or indicate the presence of benzene correctly.

Fraudulent Concealment

Fraudulent concealment is the deliberate suppression, hiding, or non-disclosure of an important fact or situation with an intent to deceive. In lawsuits for dangerous products, the cases are built on a manufacturer's non-disclosure of the hazardous nature of their product. The lawsuits filed against manufacturers of the Neutrogena sunscreen claimed that the manufacturer concealed the fact that their products contain a significant amount of benzene. This product is dangerous to consumers.

Benzene is a product known to cause cancer. Therefore, failure to disclose its presence in the sunscreen by the manufacturers prompted consumers to buy it. As a result, many individuals have had leukemia.

Fraudulent/Negligent Misrepresentation

When a product manufacturer misrepresents a product, you have a right to file a claim to recover the losses you suffered from using the product. In product liability, misrepresentation can either be fraudulent or negligent. Fraudulent misrepresentation occurs when the manufacturer did not intend to misrepresent the product but did not follow the proper regulations to avoid the mistake.

On the other hand, fraudulent misrepresentation occurs when a manufacturer intentionally leaves out some information or indicates incorrect details on the product to mislead customers. For example, some lawsuits against Johnson &Johnson claim that they deliberately failed to reveal the presence of benzene on the sunscreen packages.

When you file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of defective products, the court does not require you to establish the manufacturer’s negligence. When a defective product causes your injuries, it is presumed that the manufacturer failed to perform their duty to ensure your safety. Therefore, you do not have a burden of proof in your claim.

In one of the lawsuits filed against Neutrogena sunscreen, the plaintiff Shelli French Filed the lawsuit in a California Federal Court claiming that the company breached the Federal and State laws prohibiting the sale and manufacture of sunscreens containing benzene. According to this class action, the Neutrogena products were tested and found to have benzene concentrations that exceed the FDA’s limit.

Based on the evidence from research done on people and animals, absorption of benzene into the skin causes cancer. Benzene is used to make plastic, dyes, detergents, and works as a paint thinner. The plaintiff in this lawsuit alleges that the Neutrogena sunscreen has a manufacturing defect, as evidenced by the high amount of benzene in the products. As a result, the company is selling the products illegally.

In her lawsuit, French is seeking to represent all United Citizens who purchased and used Neutrogena sunscreens. The plaintiff in this lawsuit seeks compensation and an order to prevent Neutrogena from selling benzene products.

In May of 2021, Valisure, an independent pharmacy, filed a petition with the Food Drug Association to recall all the batches of Neutrogena sunscreen that contained benzene. The plaintiff argues that Neutrogena failed to recall the product even after being tested and proven to have excessive amounts of benzene but instead issued a 25% offer on all products on their website.

Another class action filed in Florida claimed that Neutrogena and Johnson &Johnson knowingly produce and sell products that contain benzene. The class action includes all states except California and claims that Neutrogena manufacturers violated the Federal laws by failing to disclose to consumers the presence of benzene in the sunscreens.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neutrogena Sunscreen and its Role in Causing Leukemia

With research indicating the presence of carcinogenic chemicals in Neutrogena sunscreen, the manufacturers have recalled the product. However, even after the recall, some consumers have already used the product, and others suffer the side effects of using the product. The following are some frequently asked questions on the role of Neutrogena sunscreen in causing Leukemia:

1.  What ingredient in sunscreen is considered dangerous?

According to the numerous lawsuits filed against Neutrogena sunscreen manufacturers, the plaintiffs claim that the product contains benzene. Also, the tests done by Valisure laboratory found a significant amount of this chemical in the product. The toxicity of benzene has been known for decades and is classified as a human carcinogen.

2.  Does Neutrogena Sunscreen Cause Cancer?

Benzene is a carcinogen, and it is known to cause cancer. Therefore, if benzene is in the sunscreen, prolonged use of the product can cause cancer. When you apply sunscreen that contains benzene on your skin, your body absorbs the chemical into your bloodstream and may cause Leukemia.

3.  Do all sunscreens contain benzene?

Not all types of sunscreens contain benzene. However, a test conducted by Valisure indicated that some Neutrogena products contain benzene. Johnson and Johnson, the company that owns Neutrogena, issued a recall on some of the products in response to the test results from Valisure. J&J claimed that benzene was not an ingredient used in their sunscreens, and they recalled the product out of caution.

4.  What should I do if I was diagnosed with Leukemia after using a recalled sunscreen?

Leukemia is a severe condition that could take a toll on your health and finances. Therefore, an individual diagnosed with Leukemia after using Neutrogena sunscreen is entitled to compensation. You can file a defective product claim or join a class action for individuals with the same concerns about the product. It is essential to ensure that you keep the evidence to prove that you used the product, such as purchase records. With competent expert guidance, you may qualify as a plaintiff in the lawsuits and recover compensation for your injuries.

Joining a Class Action Lawsuit against Neutrogena Sunscreen Manufacturers

A class-action lawsuit is a legal action where multiple individuals bring a joint claim. Individuals who form class action lawsuits have suffered a similar injury or loss from a particular product. When individuals come together alleging common harm, the court can certify them as a class. When you join a class action, a representative for the class is appointed to represent the whole group.

A class action differs from Multidistrict litigation in that a class action is a single lawsuit with many plaintiffs while the MDL involves multiple plaintiffs and lawsuits. Class action lawsuits can come in many forms, provided that the same person or product harms all class members. After detecting benzene in the Neutrogena sunscreens, multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers.

If you wish to join a class-action lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson for cancer caused by their sunscreen, you may benefit you could enjoy:

  • Lower cost of litigation. The cost of litigation for a class action claim is often divided among the class members, making it more feasible. Also, most class actions will not require you to pay legal fees unless you win the case. Unlike filing an individual claim, you will not spend money on attorneys until you recover compensation.
  • Opportunity to litigate. Exposure to benzene could cause different levels of injuries. Some people realize the effect of the product when it is too late, and others may have stopped before they suffered severe effects. If your claim is not for a lot of money, joining a class action may cause you to recover more.
  • High Likelihood of compensation. Another advantage of joining a class action is that damages are spread among the plaintiffs, and everyone will recover some form of payment if the judgment is against the defendant.
  • Greater efficiency. When each plaintiff files a lawsuit against the product manufacturers, verdicts may contradict and affect compensation. However, a class action is handled by one judge, and the judgment for each plaintiff is similar.
  • Experienced legal representation. Filing a lawsuit against a big company like Johnson & Johnson may be complicated. Therefore, it can be costly to source competent legal guidance when you file an individual claim. Joining a class action allows you to have expert legal advice and an increased chance of compensation.

It is crucial to understand that entering a class action lawsuit takes away your right to file an individual claim against the manufacturers of Neutrogena sunscreen. If you feel that the class action does not address your specific need, you can opt out of the class and file an individual lawsuit.

Compensation Benefits in a Defective Product Lawsuit

If you suffered Leukemia from the recalled Neutrogena sunscreen, you can file an individual lawsuit or join a class action for the product. If you are successful in the lawsuit, you may be able to recover the following compensatory damages:

Medical Bills

The health complications that result from prolonged exposure to benzene can take a toll on your life. Leukemia is a life-threatening condition whose treatment is costly. Common treatments used in the treatment of Leukemia include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant. Also, before you realize that you have Leukemia, you may have spent a considerable amount in medical treatment. If you are successful in your claim against the manufacturers of Neutrogena sunscreen, you may recover compensation for medical bills.

If you experience any of the symptoms of Leukemia, it would be wise to seek immediate medical care. Also, ensure to keep a record of all your symptoms and treatment procedures. This information will be crucial when proving your claim. Also, you should keep a record of purchases on the product.

Lost Wages

Leukemia, especially in its late stages, could cause you to spend a significant amount of time in hospital. The treatment procedures for this disease may make it impossible for you to return to work for some time. Lost wages are the amount you lose in wages, monthly salary overtime, and other benefits for failure to go to work.

You can recover compensation for your lost wages if the effects of the sunscreen prevented you from working. You can prove lost wages by obtaining a letter from your employer. The letter will indicate the number of hours you work per day and earn per hour. This will help establish the hours you missed and the amount you lost.

Lost Future Earning Capacity

Different types of Leukemia will have other effects on your health. You may be unable to return to work as a result of this disease condition. Future earning capacity is the amount you would have earned in the future if you did not suffer the disease or injuries. If you cannot return to the job position you held before suffering from Leukemia, you may recover compensation for lost earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

An individual who has Leukemia resulting from prolonged Neutrogena sunscreen may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and anguish from your illness. Although you cannot attach a monetary value to pain and suffering, the court may consider the severity of the injuries and their effect on your life to determine the amount you deserve.

Join a Neutrogena Sunscreen Lawsuit Near Me

Just as families prepare to spend time outdoors in summer, they are hit by unwelcome news that some popular sunscreens have been found to contain benzene which is a carcinogen. Most individuals use sunscreen to reduce skin damage from exposure to sunlight. Instead of serving their purpose, some sunscreens like Neutrogena increase the risk of developing other types of cancer like Leukemia.

If you or your loved one has suffered Leukemia from using Neutrogena sunscreen, you may have grounds to bring a lawsuit against its manufacturers. Since most dangerous products result from design defects, manufacturing errors, or failure to warn consumers, manufacturers must take responsibility for the harm they caused you. You can recover compensation by filing an individual lawsuit or joining other victims to take a class action against the product’s manufacturers.

If you are hoping to file a successful claim, it is crucial to seek expert guidance. At Consumer Alert Now, we will guide you and connect you with legal experts to help you through the claim process. Call us today at 800-511-0747.