Latest News on Talcum Powder Lawsuits
As of November 2024, over 62,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against companies that made or sold talc products. These companies knew their products could contain asbestos — a known carcinogen — but failed to warn the public.
As awareness of the potential health risks associated with talc products grows, more families are turning to the legal system to seek justice and compensation for the harm they've experienced.
Talcum Powder Litigation Updates at a Glance
- Plaintiffs claim asbestos-contaminated talc may cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
- Popular products that may have contained asbestos-contaminated talc include Johnson’s® Baby Powder, Gold Bond®, and Clubman Pinaud® Powder.
- Lawsuits have been filed against many cosmetic and personal care companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Avon, and Estée Lauder™.
- In October 2024, a jury awarded $15 Million to a Connecticut man who used talcum powder and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- J&J proposed an $8 Billion settlement to resolve talc ovarian cancer claims, increasing their original bankruptcy offer by more than $1 Billion.
Our experienced attorneys can figure out how you were exposed to asbestos — and which talcum powder companies may be to blame.
We've handled over 8,700 asbestos claims for families nationwide. Contact us now to see if we can pursue compensation on your behalf.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update 2023-2024
Since these lawsuits began, thousands of victims have come forward to seek justice for health issues caused by talc products, and billions of dollars have been paid out.
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to providing you with the latest talcum powder lawsuit updates. Find out what's going on with litigation now.
1. Jury Awards $15 Million to Mesothelioma Patient
Latest News on J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit | October 15, 2024
In Connecticut, a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $15 Million to Evan Plotkin, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma when he was 64 years old. Plotkin allegedly used J&J's talcum powder for decades before developing this cancer.
The jury also ruled that Plotkin is entitled to additional punitive damages, which will be determined by a judge later on.
2. Third Bankruptcy Filed in J&J Talc Lawsuit
Talcum Powder Litigation Update | October 9, 2024
Red River Talc, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, officially filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This marks J&J's third attempt at ending talcum powder litigation through bankruptcy.
The company claims its decision to move forward with this plan came after approximately 83% of plaintiffs voted in support of their $8 Billion settlement proposal.
3. J&J Plans to Add $1.1 Billion to Talc Settlement Proposal
Talc Powder Lawsuit Update | September 6, 2024
Johnson & Johnson allegedly plans to add an additional $1.1 Billion to their proposed $6.48 Billion talc ovarian cancer settlement. By offering more, the company hopes to get more plaintiffs to support the offer and vote in their favor.
However, the courts still need to approve the proposal, and many victims feel the offer is still far from fair, considering their medical bills, the loss of their loved ones in some cases, and the injustice of what they went through.
4. J&J's Settlement Proposal Gets Support from Plaintiffs
J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | August 26, 2024
At least 75% of plaintiffs have reportedly voted in favor of J&J's $6.48 Billion settlement proposal to resolve all talc ovarian cancer claims against them. This was the level of support needed to meet bankruptcy law requirements.
The J&J talc settlement will still need to be approved by the courts before J&J can officially resolve the ovarian cancer claims against them through bankruptcy.
The company has been negotiating with plaintiffs who oppose the settlement offer for not being high enough in the hopes of removing any holdouts to the offer.
5. Avon Ordered to Pay $24 Million to Mesothelioma Patient
Talcum Powder Litigation Update | July 29, 2024
An Illinois jury has ordered Avon to pay $24.4 Million to Cipriano Ramirez, who was employed as a janitor at the company's facility in the early 1980s.
Ramirez regularly worked around talc that may have been contaminated with asbestos, and in 2023, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
6. J&J Proposes $505 Million Settlement to Talc Miners
Johnson and Johnson Lawsuit Update | July 16, 2024
J&J offered a settlement of $505 Million to bankrupt talc supplier Imersy Talc America and the company’s former owner, Cyprus Mines Corporation.
A portion of this settlement will go into a bankruptcy trust established by the mining companies. This trust is intended to provide compensation to current and future families impacted by talc-related cancers.
7. Talc Classified as “Probably Carcinogenic”
Talcum Powder Litigation Update | July 5, 2024
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Research conducted by the IARC found an increased rate of ovarian cancer in women exposed to talc while working in the pulp and paper industry.
The agency also acknowledged that talc may become contaminated with asbestos during the mining process, a mineral that is known to cause multiple forms of cancer.
8. Lawsuit Against Scientist Who Linked Talc to Cancer Is Thrown Out
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | July 1, 2024
A lawsuit filed by LTL Management against Dr. Jacqueline Moline was dismissed by a federal judge in New Jersey. The lawsuit challenged her 2020 paper linking asbestos-contaminated talc products to mesothelioma.
LTL Management, which was created to protect J&J from talc lawsuits, has filed multiple lawsuits against researchers in an attempt to discredit their findings.
The dismissal of this lawsuit allows Dr. Moline’s findings to be used in ongoing and future cases arguing that talc products cause mesothelioma.
9. J&J to Pay $700 Million Over Talc Marketing Claims
Talc Powder Lawsuit Update | June 11, 2024
Johnson & Johnson will pay $700 Million to 42 states and Washington D.C. in order to settle an investigation into the company’s marketing practices.
The states claimed J&J misled consumers to believe their talc products were safe by not disclosing the potential risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
10. Jury Awards $260 Million Mesothelioma Talc Verdict Against J&J
Johnson and Johnson Lawsuit Update | June 3, 2024
An Oregon jury awarded 49-year-old Kyung Lee a $260 Million talc verdict. Lee, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma a year prior, used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products for over 30 years.
Mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos, and Lee’s mother began using Johnson’s Baby Powder on her when she was just an infant.
As a leading mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law has secured significant results from both settlements and trial verdicts.
Find out if you may qualify for compensation now. Mesothelioma settlements average more than $1 Million.
11. J&J Proposes $6.48 Billion Bankruptcy Settlement for Talc Ovarian Cancer
Update on J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit | May 1, 2024
In their third attempt to file for bankruptcy, Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $6.48 Billion settlement to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer claims against the company. This money would be paid out over the next 25 years.
However, many parties doubt $6.48 Billion is enough, considering courts rejected an earlier offer by J&J of a similar amount. Plaintiffs have until July 26 to vote on the offer, which requires a 75% approval rate to pass.
12. Family Awarded $45 Million Talc Mesothelioma Verdict
Talc Powder Lawsuit Update | April 19, 2024
A Chicago jury ordered J&J and its spinoff company Kenvue Inc. to pay $45 Million to the family of Theresa Garcia, who passed away from mesothelioma in 2020.
The lawsuit was filed by Garcia’s daughter, who claimed her mom was exposed to asbestos while using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powders on her children and grandchildren.
This case marks the first successful talc mesothelioma lawsuit verdict against Kenvue, which officially separated from J&J in 2023.
13. Judge Rules J&J Has the Right to Contest Scientific Evidence
Update on Talcum Powder Lawsuits | March 27, 2024
In a recent development, a judge has ruled that Johnson & Johnson will be allowed to contest the scientific evidence presented against them in talcum powder litigation. This decision comes in light of new evidence and recent legal changes.
The victim's lawyers believe the scientific evidence linking Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products to certain types of cancer remains strong.
14. Talc Suppliers Propose $862 Million Trust
Talcum Powder Litigation Update | February 1, 2024
Bankrupt talc companies Imerys Talc America, Inc. and Cyprus Mines Corp. proposed the creation of a joint asbestos trust fund containing $862.5 Million.
This money would be used to settle claims against the suppliers that allege their talc contained asbestos and caused victims to develop cancer.
Imerys, which is one of the world’s largest producers of talc, faced nearly 15,000 lawsuits before filing for bankruptcy in 2019.
15. Over 50,000 Talc Cancer Lawsuits Filed Against Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | December 1, 2023
To date, more than 50,000 J&J talcum powder lawsuits have been filed over allegations of asbestos contamination in the company’s talc products.
Despite mounting legal challenges, Johnson & Johnson continues to claim that its products are safe, don’t contain asbestos, and don’t cause cancer.
However, thousands of victims and their families claim otherwise. At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to holding powerful companies accountable for placing their profits over the health and well-being of the public.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to find out if you may qualify for compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
16. J&J Considers Third Bankruptcy Filing
Talcum Powder Litigation Update | October 18, 2023
Despite two previous rejections, Johnson & Johnson is once again considering filing for bankruptcy through LTL Management, the subsidiary it created to take on the responsibility of the thousands of talc lawsuits.
The company is facing another 18 jury trials linked to its talcum powder products over the next year, which may result in significant costs.
By filing for bankruptcy and reaching a global settlement, J&J aims to manage these expenses in a more predictable manner.
17. Judge Dismisses J&J’s Second Bankruptcy Attempt
J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update 2023 | July 28, 2023
A judge dismissed Johnson & Johnson’s second bankruptcy attempt, which would have allowed the company to spend $8.9 Billion to settle all talcum powder cancer claims filed against them.
This dismissal was due to J&J’s attempt to misrepresent the financial situation of its subsidiary LTL Management, which was found to not be facing immediate economic hardship.
18. Over $18 Million Awarded in J&J Talc Mesothelioma Verdict
Talc Lawsuit Update 2023 | July 28, 2023
Emory Hernandez Valadez, a 24-year-old man in California, was awarded $18.8 Million from a mesothelioma lawsuit after being exposed to talcum powder.
Valadez’s mother used Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder on him as a child, which his family believes was tainted with asbestos and caused him to develop cancer.
19. Johnson & Johnson Offers $8.9 Billion in Second Bankruptcy Attempt
J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update 2023 | April 4, 2023
For a second time, Johnson & Johnson has attempted to file for bankruptcy in an effort to avoid the growing number of lawsuits against them.
The company is proposing an $8.9 Billion settlement to be paid out over the next 25 years, which would resolve all cancer-related talc claims linked to their products.
While a settlement would provide victims with compensation faster, some believe this amount isn’t enough to cover their medical expenses and suffering. Ultimately, the court will decide if J&J’s bid for bankruptcy is acceptable.
20. Court Rejects Johnson & Johnson Bankruptcy Filing
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update 2023 | January 30, 2023
A U.S. Court of Appeals in Philadelphia rejected J&J’s attempt to file for bankruptcy on behalf of its subsidiary, which the company created to avoid the more than 38,000 talcum powder lawsuits filed against it.
J&J's effort to shift the blame and debt to a subsidiary is a known tactic called the Texas two-step. Courts rejected the proposal because the company didn't meet the standards of financial distress.
If you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer after using talcum powder products, Sokolove Law is here to help. We’ll handle every step of the legal process, so you can focus on your health and loved ones.
Past Updates on Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Talcum powder lawsuits have been going on for over a decade, and multiple important developments have shaped the legal landscape of these cases and impacted outcomes for plaintiffs.
Find out more about past updates on the talcum powder lawsuit below.
J&J to Stop Selling Talc-Based Powder Globally
Johnson and Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | 2022
Johnson & Johnson has announced that the company will stop all sales of its talc-based powders by 2023. This announcement comes after more than 38,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against J&J.
Despite claiming that their talc products are safe and don’t cause cancer, the company plans to switch to a cornstarch-based alternative.
$2.1 Billion Talc Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Verdict Upheld
Johnson and Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review J&J’s appeal of a $2.12 Billion verdict awarded to 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using the company's talcum powder products.
This is the first ovarian cancer class action lawsuit against J&J and the largest talcum powder verdict to date.
The women were awarded $4.69 Billion in July 2018, but this amount was later reduced. At the time of the ruling, 11 of the 22 women had already passed away.
J&J Tries to Use “Texas Two-Step” Bankruptcy Strategy
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | 2021
In an effort to avoid the costs of ongoing talcum powder lawsuits, Johnson & Johnson attempted to use the “Texas two-step” bankruptcy strategy, which involves:
- Creating a smaller company called a subsidiary
- Transferring the lawsuits against them to this new company
- Placing the subsidiary into bankruptcy
By creating LTL Management, J&J plans to limit financial exposure while continuing operations as usual. This controversial tactic has faced significant legal challenges and criticism from plaintiffs and legal experts.
Baby Powder Manufacturer Sets Aside $3.9 Billion for Talc Litigation
Johnson and Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update | 2021
A J&J securities filing revealed the company has set aside $3.9 Billion for litigation expenses, primarily for cases involving their talcum powder products and cancer.
This growing number reflects the increase in talcum powder lawsuits currently pending against Johnson & Johnson.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you may be eligible for compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
Talcum Powder Settlement Updates
Families across the country have received billions of dollars from talcum powder settlements and verdicts for ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The latest talcum powder settlement and verdict updates include:
- $4.69 Billion for 22 women with ovarian cancer, later reduced to $2.1 Billion
- $260 Million to an Oregon woman with mesothelioma
- $117 Million for a couple in New Jersey
- $18.8 Million for a 24-year-old California man who used J&J's baby powder
- $55 Million to a woman with ovarian cancer, though this verdict was later overturned due to issues with where the lawsuit was filed
- $24.4 Million for an Illinois janitor with mesothelioma who worked at Avon
- $29 Million to a woman with mesothelioma who used talcum powder
- $15 Million to a Connecticut man with mesothelioma
- $70 Million for an ovarian cancer patient who used J&J talc products
- $45 Million to an Illinois family in a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit
- $325 Million to a woman and her husband in New York, which was later lowered to $120 Million before being overturned
- $417 Million for a woman who used J&J’s baby powder and later developed ovarian cancer, though a new trial was later ordered
- $72 Million to the family of a woman who passed away from ovarian cancer
- $110 Million for a Virginia woman who filed an ovarian cancer lawsuit
Around 95% of J&J mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court, allowing many families to receive compensation faster. Mesothelioma settlements are worth $1 Million to $1.4 Million on average.
While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our talcum powder cancer lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you deserve.
Talc Powder Litigation Timeline
Talcum powder litigation may have only begun less than two decades ago, but these cases were built upon decades of investigation and research into deceptive corporate practices and negligence.
Here is a brief timeline of key events:
- 1970s: Internal testing conducted by three separate labs found asbestos in Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products. After these results, the company halted its studies on the safety of talc products.
- 1997: Darlene Coker filed the first talcum powder lawsuit after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, though she later dropped the lawsuit due to a lack of evidence available at the time.
- 2006: A New Jersey jury awarded a woman $3 Million after her husband passed away from mesothelioma. This was the first verdict involving asbestos in industrial talc, which he used as a potter.
- 2009: Deane Berg became the first individual to win an ovarian cancer lawsuit against J&J, though the jury didn’t award her compensation.
- 2017: The first talc ovarian cancer class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson was filed by 22 women with ovarian cancer. A Missouri jury eventually awarded them a $4.69 Billion verdict.
- 2019: Testing conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the presence of asbestos in select J&J talc products.
- 2020: Johnson & Johnson announced it would stop selling talc-based products by 2023 globally, switching to a cornstarch-based formula instead.
Over the years, talcum powder litigation has continued to expand alongside a growing awareness and concern over the safety of these products.
Thousands of lawsuits have now been filed against J&J, Avon, Revlon, Sanofi, and other companies — but there’s still time for you to get involved and contact Sokolove Law.
Get All the Latest Talc Powder Lawsuit Updates
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to providing families with the latest talc powder lawsuit updates and fighting for those impacted by illnesses like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
As one of the first national asbestos law firms, we can represent victims in all 50 states and level the playing field against the talcum powder companies that caused them harm.
Our team has secured more than $5.5 Billion for asbestos exposure victims and their families.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our asbestos attorneys. We only get paid if your case results in compensation, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
J&J Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update FAQs
What is the update on the talcum powder lawsuit?
As of November 2024, over 62,000 talcum powder lawsuits for ovarian cancer and mesothelioma have been filed against companies that made or sold asbestos-contaminated talc products.
Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest defendants in the talc litigation, is attempting to file for bankruptcy to avoid the claims filed against them.
The company has offered an $8 Billion settlement to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer claims, which the majority of plaintiffs have reportedly voted in favor of.
Contact Sokolove Law now if you or a loved one used talcum powder products and later developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. We may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf.
Has anyone received money from a talcum powder lawsuit?
Yes. Patients and their families have received billions of dollars from talcum powder lawsuit settlements and verdicts, including:
- $2.12 Billion for 22 women with ovarian cancer
- $260 Million to an Oregon woman with mesothelioma
- $72 Million for the family of an ovarian cancer victim who passed away
- $15 Million to a mesothelioma patient in Connecticut
- $110 Million for a woman in Virginia with ovarian cancer
- $45 Million to the loved ones of a mesothelioma patient
Call (800) 647-3434 now to find out if you may be eligible for money from a talcum powder lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
What's going on with the Johnson & Johnson lawsuit?
In May 2024, Johnson & Johnson proposed a $6.48 Billion settlement to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer claims against the company. This was later increased to around $8 Billion.
Approximately 83% of plaintiffs impacted by ovarian cancer have voted in favor of the settlement. Court approval is still needed to finalize the agreement and officially resolve the claims.
The company has already settled 95% of the mesothelioma lawsuits filed against it at this time.
What was the verdict in the J&J talc case?
In October 2024, a J&J talc verdict awarded $15 Million to a Connecticut man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after decades of using the company’s talc products.
There have been multiple other talcum powder verdicts against the company, and thousands of other lawsuits are still pending at this time.
What is the largest jury verdict awarded so far for a talcum powder case?
A $4.69 Billion talcum powder jury verdict was awarded to 22 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Although this amount was later reduced to $2.12 Billion, it still stands as the largest payout for a talcum powder case so far.
How many plaintiffs are in the talcum powder lawsuit?
As of November 2024, there are over 62,000 plaintiffs in the talcum powder lawsuit. There's still time to take a stand and join talcum powder litigation for compensation.
Get a free case review now to see if we can help you take legal action and fight for justice.
