talcum powder lawsuit Updates
Massachusetts Jury Awards $8M in Mesothelioma Lawsuit Against J&J Over Asbestos-Contaminated Talc
A Suffolk County, Massachusetts jury awarded $8 million to a plaintiff diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma after decades of using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder. The verdict found J&J liable for negligence and breach of warranty, concluding asbestos contamination in its talc products caused her cancer. This marks another trial loss for J&J, which faces over 50,000 similar claims alleging asbestos-linked cancers from talc exposure. Despite prior verdicts and ongoing bankruptcy maneuvering, the company continues defending cases at trial—a strategy increasingly seen as financially and reputationally costly.
Philadelphia Court Launches Mass Tort Program for J&J Talc-Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits, Sets 2026 Bellwethers
The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has established a new mass tort program for lawsuits alleging Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder caused ovarian cancer. The docket currently includes 26 cases, with additional filings expected. The court scheduled two bellwether trials for early 2026 to evaluate claims, signaling accelerated progress in state-level litigation. This move coincides with J&J’s continued defense strategy despite prior trial losses and reputational impacts. The Philadelphia program—noted for its plaintiff-friendly rulings—adds pressure alongside federal talc MDLs and bankruptcy challenges. Outcomes will influence broader settlement negotiations for thousands of pending claims.
Philadelphia Launches Talcum Powder Mass Tort Program
The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has created a new mass tort program for lawsuits claiming Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder causes ovarian cancer. Currently, 26 cases are on the docket, with more anticipated. The court has scheduled two bellwether trials for early 2026. This development reflects growing frustration with the slower pace of the existing MDL, and it is expected to drive increased state court litigation as plaintiffs seek more timely resolution options.
J&J Talc Bankruptcy Plan Rejected, Shifting Burden to Civil Courts
A U.S. bankruptcy judge has rejected Johnson & Johnson’s $9 billion plan to resolve over 60,000 talc-related lawsuits, forcing a significant pivot in litigation strategy. The decision pressures plaintiffs' attorneys to file approximately 30,000 individual lawsuits in civil courts before statutory deadlines. This transition will require substantial resources for filing fees and legal labor, with no guaranteed outcome. While this presents challenges for some law firms, the focus remains on securing maximum settlements for victims. The collapse of the bankruptcy strategy underscores the unpredictability of mass torts, emphasizing the need for perseverance in achieving justice for those harmed by J&J’s talc products.
About the Talcum Powder Lawsuit
The Talcum Powder Lawsuit began in 2009 when a woman claimed she developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson and Johnson's talcum powder. One lawsuit, in particular, was filed by 22 women in 2016, and two products were named: Shower to Shower and Johnson’s Baby Powder.
Thousands of talcum powder lawsuits have been filed to date, alleging that J&J was aware of harmful substances, such as asbestos fibers and other harmful carcinogens, in their products. According to the talcum powder lawsuits, the company continued making and marketing this dangerous product even though they knew it to be harmful.
It was further claimed that J&J hid these issues from government agencies, as well as the public. In June 2020 in the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District, a trial was held and a jury found Johnson and Johnson (J&J) and Johnson and Johnson Consumer Companies Inc. (JJCI) responsible for all claims and awarded 22 plaintiffs $500 million in actual damages against JJCI and $125 million in actual damages against J&J. The jury also called for $4.14 billion in punitive damages to punish J&J for knowing and hiding the dangers of their product. This amount was reduced to $900 million against JJCI and about $716 million against J&J.
Thousands of people have come forward claiming they have developed ovarian cancer from using talcum powder products. Product liability lawsuits attack companies at each stage of the product cycle, such as distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers. Many plaintiffs have even gone after big store chains such as Walmart, Target, and Walgreens to seek compensation for their suffering. The FDA took samples of J&J’s talcum-based baby powder and discovered asbestos. This prompted J&J to remove their product from the shelves. Further investigations showed that the same powders were previously proven to have asbestos and that the company had known about the issues since 1971.
J&J Has Switched from Talcum Powder to Cornstarch
In a major shift, Johnson & Johnson swapped talcum for cornstarch in their baby powder. While they claim talcum is safe, decades of talcum powder lawsuits alleging health risks, particularly ovarian cancer, and shifting consumer preferences, likely played a significant role. Cornstarch-based powder offers an alternative that, while not without its own potential concerns, addresses public concerns and keeps them competitive in the market.
How to Pre-Qualify for the Talcum Powder Lawsuit
You may be eligible to join the talcum powder lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson, if you have used talcum powder and developed the following cancer(s):
- Ovarian Cancer
- Primary Peritoneal Cancer
- Mesothelioma cancer
Please Note: You can also submit a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has suffered from cancer due to talcum powder usage.
Claimants must be able to provide their diagnosis to pre-qualify. They can use their medical diagnosis and other healthcare documents to prove their case. It’s important to note that many cancers and illnesses take years to be discovered, and they should speak with a medical professional if they have concerns after using talcum powder. A medical diagnosis is the only way to be sure.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect?
Determining a typical settlement amount in the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit is complex due to the unique nature of each case. Factors such as the severity of the illness, the strength of the evidence, jury decisions, and the skill of the lawyers involved all influence the settlement amount.
Settlements can vary widely, with some being as low as $100,000 and others reaching into the millions. For example, in 2020, there were settlements of $100 million for 1,000 lawsuits and a significant $2.12 billion for 22 women. There's been a proposal for a massive $8.9 billion global settlement covering nearly 40,000 cases, highlighting the scale of these cases. However, average figures can be misleading. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility and to understand what damages you may be able to potentially receive. All cases are unique.
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