J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit: What You Need to Know About the Class Action Lawsuit(2025)

For decades, Johnson & Johnson was a household name, trusted for its iconic baby powder. But beneath the soothing scent lies a growing storm of legal battles. Thousands of lawsuits have accused the pharmaceutical giant of selling talc-based products allegedly linked to cancer, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. At the heart of the controversy: claims that J&J’s baby powder contained asbestos—a known carcinogen—and that the company knew, but failed to warn the public. Now, with billions of dollars at stake and courtrooms buzzing on both sides of the Atlantic, J&J faces one of the largest corporate liability cases in recent history.

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The Beginning of Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Johnson & Johnson, a trusted name in personal care for over a century, found itself facing a wave of talcum powder lawsuits starting in the early 2000s. The lawsuits claimed that the company’s widely used talcum powder products—especially its baby powder—were linked to serious health problems, most notably ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

The legal trouble began after medical studies suggested a potential connection between talcum powder use in the genital area and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Additionally, some tests and investigations raised concerns that the talc used in J&J’s products might have been contaminated with asbestos, a known cancer-causing mineral that can sometimes be found near talc deposits in nature.

Plaintiffs argued that Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known about the risks but failed to warn consumers, continuing to market their products as safe. This led to thousands of talcum powder lawsuits being filed in the U.S. and later around the world.

The talcum powder lawsuits escalated as juries began awarding significant damages to plaintiffs, spotlighting the issue in the public eye and sparking ongoing legal battles. Over time, this growing crisis prompted Johnson & Johnson to stop selling talc-based baby powder in key markets and attempt to manage the talcum powder lawsuits through a controversial legal strategy.

Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit – Full Overview

Johnson & Johnson (J&J), one of the world’s most recognized healthcare brands, is at the center of a massive talcum powder lawsuit. For years, this product was marketed as safe, gentle, and essential for hygiene—especially for babies and women. However, tens of thousands of talcum powder lawsuits now claim that regular use of J&J’s talcum powder led to serious health issues, most notably ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Core Allegations

Plaintiffs argue that J&J’s talc products were contaminated with asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that can be found near talc deposits and is known to cause cancer when inhaled. Internal documents released in court have raised concerns that the company may have known about potential asbestos contamination for decades, yet continued to market the product without warning labels or adequate safety testing.

Legal Action and Verdicts

Over 60,000 lawsuits have been filed—most of them from women who developed ovarian cancer after long-term use of the powder in their daily hygiene routines. Some high-profile cases have resulted in multi-million and even billion-dollar verdicts, including a 2018 Missouri case in which 22 women were awarded $4.7 billion (later reduced on appeal).

J&J’s Response

Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied all allegations, stating that their talc products are safe, asbestos-free, and rigorously tested. Despite this, the company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S. and Canada in 2020, and globally by 2023, switching to a cornstarch-based alternative.

To manage the mounting legal claims, J&J created a subsidiary, LTL Management, and transferred its talc liabilities to it before filing for bankruptcy—a controversial legal maneuver known as the “Texas Two-Step.” This was meant to allow J&J to propose a $10 billion settlement to resolve all current and future claims. However, multiple courts have questioned the validity of this strategy, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Global Legal Challenges

Beyond the U.S., J&J is also facing legal scrutiny in countries like the UK, where thousands are joining class action talcum powder lawsuits. The international scale of the litigation underscores both the global reach of J&J’s products and the potential impact of these legal decisions.

Why It Matters

This case is more than just a corporate scandal—it’s a turning point in consumer health product safety and corporate accountability. The outcome could reshape how companies handle potential product risks, disclosure, and liability on a global scale.

This is the recent updates on the cases of settlements.jury verdicts.

Early Jury Verdicts (2016–2018)

• February 2016 – Jacqueline Fox Case
  The family of Jacqueline Fox was awarded $72 million in the first high-profile talcum powder lawsuit linking the product to ovarian cancer. This verdict was later overturned on appeal.
  
• May 2016 – Gloria Ristesund
  A jury awarded $55 million in damages after determining talc use contributed to her cancer diagnosis.
  
• October 2016 – Deborah Giannecchini
  Awarded $70 million, including punitive damages. The jury also held talc supplier Imerys liable.
  
• May 2017 – Lois Slemp
  Slemp received $110 million in a case where jurors agreed there was a link between prolonged talcum powder use and her ovarian cancer.
  
• August 2017 – Eva Echeverria
  A Los Angeles jury granted $417 million, the largest single verdict at the time. However, this verdict was later overturned.
  
• April 2018 – Stephen Lanzo III (Mesothelioma Case)
  Lanzo and his wife were awarded $117 million, claiming talcum powder lawsuit and talcum use caused his mesothelioma. This verdict was upheld on appeal.
  
• July 2018 – 22 Plaintiffs in Missouri
  In a landmark verdict, 22 women were jointly awarded $4.69 billion, with over $4 billion in punitive damages. The amount was later reduced to around $2.1 billion after appeal.
  

Mid-Litigation Developments & Settlements (2019–2023)

• October 2019 – Barden Case (New Jersey)
  A jury awarded $787 million in total to plaintiffs in a mesothelioma case, including both compensatory and punitive damages.
  
• 2020 – Mass Settlement & Product Withdrawal
  Johnson & Johnson agreed to settle over 1,000 ovarian cancer claims for $100 million. Around the same time, they discontinued talc-based baby powder sales in the U.S. and Canada after the FDA found asbestos in samples.
  
• April 2023 – Bankruptcy Settlement Proposal
  J&J attempted to resolve tens of thousands of talcum powder lawsuits through a proposed $8.9 billion settlement using a subsidiary bankruptcy strategy.
  
• July 2023 – Bankruptcy Plan Denied
  A U.S. bankruptcy court rejected the company’s attempt to limit legal liability through this bankruptcy mechanism.
  

 Recent Verdicts & Bankruptcy Updates (2024–2025)

• January 2024 – Multistate Marketing Settlement
  Johnson & Johnson tentatively agreed to a $700 million payout to settle allegations from more than 40 states about misleading marketing of talc products.
  
• April 2024 – Theresa Garcia Case
  An Illinois jury awarded $45 million to the family of Theresa Garcia, who died from mesothelioma linked to talcum powder use.
  
• May 2024 – Ovarian Cancer Settlement Offer
  J&J proposed a $6.48 billion bankruptcy-based settlement to address ovarian cancer claims, subject to approval.
  
• June 2024:
  
  • Kyung Lee Case (Oregon) – Jury awarded $260 million in a mesothelioma case. A request for a new trial was denied.
    
  • The previously mentioned $700 million multistate marketing settlement was finalized.
    
• August 2024 – Michael Perry Case (South Carolina)
  A jury awarded $63.4 million in a mesothelioma lawsuit related to talc use.
  
• September 2024 – Red River Talc Bankruptcy Filing
  J&J created a new subsidiary, Red River Talc LLC, to file for bankruptcy and facilitate an estimated $8 billion settlement. Over 75% of claimants supported the plan.
  
• March 2025 – Third Bankruptcy Plan Rejected
  A judge dismissed J&J’s third bankruptcy-based proposal for a $9 billion settlement, citing procedural concerns. The company was ordered to return to standard civil litigation.
  
• July 2025 – Paul Lovell Case (Massachusetts)
  A jury awarded $42.6 million to Paul Lovell, who developed mesothelioma after years of using talc products. J&J announced plans to appeal.
  

Chronological Summary Table

Are You Eligible to File a Talcum Powder Claim?

You may be eligible to join a lawsuit or settlement if:

• You used Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products (e.g., Baby Powder or Shower to Shower) regularly over an extended period (especially for feminine hygiene or personal care use).
  
• You were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or mesothelioma.
  
• You are the family member or estate representative of someone who passed away due to one of these cancers.
  
• Your diagnosis occurred before or shortly after J&J’s product withdrawal (2020 or earlier).
  
• You are not already part of a settled claim or did not sign a final release of liability.
  

Note: There are time limits (statutes of limitation) depending on your state—often between 2–4 years from diagnosis or discovery of the link to talc. You should act promptly.

How to Start Your Claim

If you believe you or a loved one may qualify, here’s how to proceed:

 Step 1: Gather Medical & Product Use Records

• Document your diagnosis (pathology reports, treatment records).
  
• Provide evidence of talc product use, such as receipts, photos, or personal testimony.

 Step 2: Contact the Claims Administration Desk (CAD)

• The CAD is a dedicated support line to guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and potential legal representation.

Call CAD No. 210-9040-944

Don’t Wait — File Before Deadlines Expire

Many victims and families are still eligible for compensation. Billions have already been awarded or proposed in settlements. If you or a loved one suffered from ovarian cancer or mesothelioma due to talcum powder use, you have the right to seek justice.

Act Now to Preserve Your Legal Rights.

Call (+1 210-9040-944) or visit MassTort Lawsuit to check your eligibility and begin your claim.