Johnson & Johnson Seeks to End Talc Lawsuits With $6.48 Billion Settlement

In May 2024, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) proposed a $6.48 billion settlement to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and other products made from talc cause cancer. The talcum powder settlement proposal is the latest attempt by the pharmaceutical giant to end the significant legal challenges it has faced over the years.

Learn more about the proposal and how to get legal help for talc-related cancer.

About the Johnson & Johnson Talc Settlement

The proposed settlement would cover both current and future claims filed by women who used the company’s talc-based products and later developed ovarian cancer. The funds would be distributed over a 25-year period.

This settlement marks J&J’s third attempt to resolve the product liability lawsuits filed against it through bankruptcy. The company’s last two attempts were rejected by the courts.

Legal experts maintain that J&J’s efforts to push talc lawsuits to bankruptcy court using a tactic known as the Texas two-step were strategic moves to minimize its legal liability and avoid full accountability.

Next, plaintiffs who have filed talc powder ovarian cancer lawsuits will have three months to vote on the settlement proposal. If 75% of victims say the proposal should be accepted, J&J will be able to set up an asbestos bankruptcy trust and shield itself from future lawsuits related to its talc products.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after using talc-based cosmetic products, you may be entitled to compensation. Get a free case review right now to see if you qualify.

Is $6.48 Billion Enough for All Victims?

The big question looming over the proposed talc ovarian cancer settlement is whether $6.48 billion is sufficient to cover the extensive number of claims and the severity of the health impacts suffered by the victims.

Given the high medical costs, ongoing treatment needs, and the significant pain and suffering endured by those affected, the settlement may not provide adequate compensation.

Victims and their families must weigh the benefits of immediate financial relief against the potential for larger awards through continued litigation.

This decision is complicated by the fact that once the baby powder lawsuit settlement is accepted, it prevents any future claims. This has left many victims torn between accepting guaranteed compensation now or holding out for a potentially higher payout in the future.

J&J’s Ongoing Legal Woes

For decades, everyday consumers, backed by the court system, have stood up to Johnson & Johnson, forcing it to take accountability for the harm caused by its asbestos-contaminated talc products.

As a result, the company has paid billions of dollars in lawsuit settlements and verdicts to victims who developed ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and lung cancer after years of using Johnson & Johnson baby powder and talcum powder.

Key Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit highlights include:

• October 2019: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected asbestos in Johnson’s® baby powder, leading to a recall and raising significant concerns about product safety.
• February 2021: J&J set aside $3.9 billion to cover talc-related claims, acknowledging the growing number of lawsuits and the financial risk they posed.
• July 2021: A landmark verdict awarded $2.12 billion to 22 women who claimed their ovarian cancer was linked to asbestos in J&J’s talc products.
• October 2021: An appeals court blocked J&J’s attempt to push 38,000 talc lawsuits to bankruptcy court, a decision seen as a victory for victims.
• April 2023: J&J’s $9 billion settlement offer was rejected, forcing the company to reassess its strategy to resolve the growing number of claims it faced.
• April 2024: J&J was ordered to pay $45 million in a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit, further highlighting the company’s ongoing legal challenges.

Despite these incidents and significant verdicts for victims, J&J continues to maintain that its talc products are safe and do not cause cancer, citing a lack of conclusive scientific evidence. Thousands of cancer victims have evidence that says otherwise.

Get Help From a Talcum Powder Lawyer Now

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using talc-based baby powder, LawFirm.com may be able to help you take legal action and seek compensation.

We’ve partnered with asbestos lawyers who have the resources to go head-to-head with Johnson & Johnson and hold it accountable for the harm it’s caused.

Our legal partners never charge any upfront or out-of-pocket costs, and they can help families in all 50 states.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our form to take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.