In a landmark decision that may reshape the landscape of cosmetic talc litigation, a Cook County jury awarded $24.4 million to Cipriano Ramirez and his family in July 2024, holding Avon Products, Inc. liable for occupational asbestos exposure linked to its talc-based products. The verdict marks one of the largest awards against Avon to date and signals expanding liability beyond consumer use to workplace exposure.

Ramirez, a former janitor at Avon’s Morton Grove manufacturing facility, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2023—a rare and aggressive cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. His legal team successfully argued that he was exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc while cleaning machinery and handling product waste during his employment in the early 1980s.

The jury found that Avon failed to warn employees about the risks associated with its talc supply chain and neglected to implement safety protocols, despite internal knowledge of contamination risks. The case has drawn national attention for its implications in both occupational health and product liability law.

The Plaintiff: Cipriano Ramirez

Cipriano Ramirez worked as a janitor at Avon’s Morton Grove facility for nearly a decade. His duties included cleaning industrial mixers, sweeping powder residue, and disposing of waste from talc-based product lines. According to trial testimony, Ramirez was never provided with respiratory protection or warned about the potential hazards of airborne talc dust.

In 2023, Ramirez was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma—a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. His condition rapidly progressed, leaving him dependent on oxygen therapy and unable to work. The lawsuit was filed on his behalf by his wife Maria and their three adult children.

Lead attorney Jennifer Alesio of Simmons Hanly Conroy stated, “This verdict sends a clear message: companies cannot hide behind branding while exposing workers to lethal toxins. Mr. Ramirez was a loyal employee. Avon owed him safety and transparency.”

Trial Highlights

The trial lasted three weeks and included testimony from industrial hygienists, pathologists, and former Avon employees. Key evidence included:

• Internal Avon memos acknowledging asbestos contamination in talc shipments
• Expert analysis confirming the presence of asbestos fibers in archived Avon talc samples
• Medical records linking Ramirez’s mesothelioma to occupational exposure
• Testimony from Ramirez’s family detailing his decline and suffering

Avon’s defense argued that Ramirez’s exposure was minimal and that the company had no reason to believe its talc was hazardous. The jury rejected these claims and found Avon liable for negligence and failure to warn.

The $24.4 million award includes:

• $6.2 million for medical expenses and lost wages
• $12 million for pain and suffering
• $6.2 million for loss of consortium and emotional distress

Expanding Liability: From Consumers to Workers

Historically, talcum powder litigation has focused on consumer use—particularly among women who developed ovarian cancer after years of applying talc-based products to their bodies. The talcum powder mesothelioma connection has gained traction more recently, as researchers and attorneys uncover evidence of asbestos contamination in cosmetic-grade talc.

Ramirez’s case is significant because it shifts the focus to occupational exposure. Unlike consumers, workers like Ramirez were exposed to raw talc in bulk quantities, often in poorly ventilated environments. This raises new questions about employer responsibility, workplace safety standards, and the duty to warn.

Legal analysts believe this verdict could open the door to additional mesothelioma lawsuits from former Avon employees, contractors, and warehouse workers who handled talc-based products without proper protection.

Avon’s Legal Exposure

Avon Products, Inc., now a subsidiary of Natura &Co, has long marketed its talc-based products as safe and gentle. Popular items such as Skin So Soft Silky Talc, Sweet Honesty Talc, and Avon Body Talc were distributed widely throughout the U.S. and internationally.

As of October 2025, Avon is named in over 1,200 talc-related lawsuits. Most involve ovarian cancer or mesothelioma diagnoses linked to long-term product use. Some cases have been consolidated into federal multidistrict litigation (MDL 2738), while others proceed in state courts.

While Avon has denied liability and continues to contest claims, several cases have reached confidential settlements. Ramirez’s verdict is the first major jury award against the company for occupational exposure.

Implications for Asbestos Claims After Death

Ramirez’s case also highlights the importance of timely legal action in asbestos-related illnesses. Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years, meaning symptoms often appear decades after exposure. In many cases, victims die before their claims are resolved.

Under Illinois law, families may pursue asbestos claims after death through wrongful death statutes. These claims can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and punitive damages. Ramirez’s family filed their lawsuit shortly after his diagnosis, allowing him to testify and participate in the proceedings.

Legal experts urge families affected by mesothelioma to act quickly, preserve medical records, and consult experienced attorneys to ensure their rights are protected.

What This Means for Future Plaintiffs

The Ramirez verdict sets a powerful precedent for future plaintiffs seeking justice for asbestos exposure linked to cosmetic talc. It reinforces the legal principle that manufacturers are responsible not only for consumer safety but also for protecting workers in their supply chain.

Key takeaways for potential plaintiffs:

• Occupational exposure to talc may qualify for compensation under product liability and negligence statutes
• Documentation of employment, product handling, and medical diagnosis is critical
• Claims must be filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by state
• Families may pursue claims posthumously if the victim dies before trial

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we specialize in mesothelioma lawsuits and advocate for individuals harmed by unsafe consumer and workplace products. We understand the emotional and financial toll of these diagnoses and are committed to securing justice for victims and their families.

Conclusion

The $24.4 million verdict in favor of Cipriano Ramirez and his family marks a turning point in talc litigation. It validates the suffering of workers exposed to asbestos-contaminated talc and holds Avon accountable for its role in that exposure. As more plaintiffs come forward, this case may serve as a bellwether for future occupational claims and deepen public awareness of the talcum powder mesothelioma connection.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after working with talc-based products, you may have legal options. Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. to learn more about your rights and how we can help.

References

• Simmons Hanly Conroy. (2024, July 29). $24.4 Million Asbestos Talc Verdict Secured in Chicago Trial. https://www.simmonsfirm.com/news/item/24-million-verdict-chicago-asbestos-talc-case/
• Asbestos.com. . (2024, August 1). Jury Awards $24.4M in Talc Case Against Avon. https://www.asbestos.com/news/2024/08/01/asbestos-contaminated-talc-case-avon/
• Mesothelioma Hope. (2024, August 5). $24 Million Verdict in Avon Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Lawsuit. https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/blog/24-million-avon-talcum-powder-mesothelioma-lawsuit-verdict/
• Drugwatch. (2025, October). Talcum Powder Lawsuit – Ovarian Cancer Claims. https://www.drugwatch.com/talcum-powder/lawsuits/
• ConsumerShield. (2025, September 1). Talcum Powder Lawsuit Updates & News. https://www.consumershield.com/product-liability/talcum-powder/updates
• Melinda J. Helbock Law Offices. (2025). Mesothelioma Lawsuits & Claims After Death: Asbestos Legal Options for Families. https://www.helbocklaw.com/mesothelioma-lawsuits-claims-after-death-legal-options-for-families/