Key Takeaways
- Johnson & Johnson faces over 60,000 lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products, including baby powder, caused cancer, with claims focusing on ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
- Settlement efforts have been complex and largely unsuccessful, with courts rejecting multi-billion-dollar proposals and the company’s bankruptcy strategies.
- The litigation remains active and highly contested, with significant jury verdicts, ongoing multidistrict litigation, and continued scrutiny over product safety.
Overview of the Johnson & Johnson Talc Lawsuit
The Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit is one of the largest and most complex product liability litigations in U.S. history. Plaintiffs allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products, most notably its baby powder, caused cancer. The primary claims focus on ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, with plaintiffs arguing that the talc was contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its products are safe and asbestos-free.
The litigation has been ongoing for several years and has resulted in thousands of lawsuits across the country. As of 2024, more than 60,000 claims are pending, with many consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). The lawsuits have led to significant jury verdicts, high-profile settlements, and intense public scrutiny of Johnson & Johnson’s product safety practices.
Background and Allegations
The Claims Against Johnson & Johnson
Plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products contained asbestos, which they claim caused them to develop cancer after prolonged use. The two main types of cancer cited are ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Ovarian cancer claims are typically brought by women who used talcum powder for feminine hygiene, while mesothelioma claims are linked to inhalation of asbestos fibers.
The lawsuits argue that Johnson & Johnson knew about the potential risks associated with talc and asbestos contamination but failed to warn consumers or recall the products. Internal company documents, some of which have been made public during litigation, have been cited by plaintiffs as evidence that Johnson & Johnson was aware of possible contamination for decades.
Johnson & Johnson’s Response
Johnson & Johnson has vigorously defended itself, asserting that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos. The company points to scientific studies and regulatory reviews that have not found a definitive link between talc use and cancer. Johnson & Johnson has also challenged the credibility of expert witnesses presented by plaintiffs, including reopening cases against certain experts accused of providing misleading testimony (Fierce Pharma).
Despite these defenses, the company has faced several large jury verdicts and ongoing legal challenges.
Major Legal Developments
Significant Jury Verdicts
The litigation has produced some of the largest product liability verdicts in U.S. history. In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded $4.7 billion to 22 women who claimed Johnson & Johnson’s talc products caused their ovarian cancer. This verdict was later reduced to $2.1 billion on appeal but remains a landmark in the litigation (Lawsuit Information Center).
Other notable verdicts include a $417 million award in California to a woman who developed ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder (Sokolove Law). These large verdicts have put significant pressure on the company to consider settlement options.
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
To manage the large number of cases, over 58,000 lawsuits have been consolidated in a federal MDL. This process allows for coordinated pretrial proceedings and discovery, streamlining the litigation and promoting consistency in rulings (Darrow AI). The MDL is ongoing, with new cases being added and bellwether trials scheduled to test the strength of the claims.
Settlement Proposals and Bankruptcy Attempts
Johnson & Johnson has attempted to resolve the litigation through large-scale settlements. In May 2025, the company proposed a settlement of up to $9 billion to resolve the ongoing claims. However, these efforts have faced significant legal obstacles. For example, Judge Christopher M. LĂłpez of the Southern District of Texas rejected a $10 billion settlement proposal, allowing the lawsuits to proceed in court (Asbestos.com).
The company has also tried to use bankruptcy as a strategy to manage the claims. Johnson & Johnson created a subsidiary, LTL Management, and attempted to use the bankruptcy process to resolve the lawsuits. However, courts have repeatedly rejected these efforts, most recently in 2024 when a Houston judge denied the company’s third attempt to settle approximately 90,000 lawsuits through bankruptcy (Fierce Pharma).
Ongoing Litigation and Company Strategy
With bankruptcy strategies blocked, Johnson & Johnson has stated it will return to the tort system to address the claims. The company has had some recent success in court, prevailing in 16 of 17 ovarian cancer cases tried in the past year (Johnson & Johnson Press Release). However, many cases remain unresolved, particularly those involving ovarian cancer.
Johnson & Johnson has resolved about 95% of claims related to mesothelioma, but the majority of ovarian cancer cases are still pending (AboutLawsuits). The company continues to face new lawsuits and ongoing scrutiny from both the public and regulatory agencies.
Health and Regulatory Issues
Talc and Asbestos
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that can be contaminated with asbestos, which is also found in the earth and is a known carcinogen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted testing of cosmetic products containing talc and has found some samples contaminated with asbestos (FDA Talc Information). However, the FDA has not mandated a recall of all talc-based products, and regulatory standards for talc purity vary.
Product Safety and Consumer Awareness
The litigation has raised significant questions about product safety and corporate responsibility. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S. and Canada in 2020, citing declining sales and misinformation about product safety. The company continues to sell cornstarch-based baby powder.
The lawsuits have increased consumer awareness about the potential risks of talc-based products, leading to changes in purchasing behavior and calls for stricter regulation of cosmetic ingredients.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical and Consumer Goods Industries
The outcome of the Johnson & Johnson talc litigation will have broad implications for the pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. The lawsuits highlight the importance of rigorous product testing, transparent risk communication, and proactive regulatory compliance. Companies may face increased scrutiny over ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes, especially for products intended for vulnerable populations such as infants and women.
Large verdicts and ongoing litigation can also impact a company’s reputation, financial stability, and market share. The Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuits serve as a cautionary tale for other manufacturers regarding the potential risks of product liability and mass tort litigation.
Conclusion
The Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit is a complex, ongoing legal battle involving tens of thousands of claims, significant jury verdicts, and high-profile settlement negotiations. The litigation has brought attention to the potential health risks of talc-based products and the challenges of managing mass tort claims in the U.S. legal system. As of mid-2024, the lawsuits remain active, with outcomes that could shape the future of product liability law and consumer safety standards.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of the Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit based on publicly available information as of June 2024. The litigation is ongoing, and the facts, legal arguments, and outcomes may change as new developments occur. This is not legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney.
