Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation: A $4.7 Billion Verdict and Its Implications
In 2018, a landmark legal decision sent shockwaves through the world of personal injury law and product liability. A Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to pay nearly $4.7 billion to 22 women who claimed that the company’s talcum powder products contributed to their development of ovarian cancer. This verdict, Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation (2018), $4.7 billion awarded to 22 women, highlighted the potential dangers of talc-based products and ignited a fierce legal battle that continues to unfold today.
The Case That Started It All
The case, heard in a St. Louis court, involved 22 women who alleged that their long-term use of J&J’s talcum powder, specifically for feminine hygiene, led to their ovarian cancer diagnoses. The plaintiffs argued that J&J knew for decades that its talc products contained asbestos, a known carcinogen, yet failed to warn consumers about the risk. Evidence presented during the six-week trial suggested that J&J had covered up evidence of asbestos contamination for over 40 years.
The jury sided with the women, awarding them $550 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $4.14 billion in punitive damages. This was one of the largest jury awards in U.S. history for a product defect claim.
The Aftermath: Appeals, Bankruptcies, and Ongoing Litigation
J&J immediately announced its intention to appeal the verdict, arguing that the trial was “fundamentally unfair” and that its products are safe. While a judge initially denied J&J’s bid to overturn the verdict, the Missouri Court of Appeals later reduced the total compensation to $2.1 billion in 2021.
The legal saga didn’t end there. Facing a growing number of lawsuits—over 90,000 as of November 2025—J&J employed a controversial legal strategy known as the “Texas two-step.” The company created a subsidiary, LTL Management LLC, and assigned all its talc-related liabilities to it, subsequently placing the subsidiary into bankruptcy. This move was widely criticized as an attempt to shield J&J’s assets from potential payouts to victims. However, in March 2025, a Texas judge dismissed J&J’s third attempt to settle talc-related claims via bankruptcy, allowing ovarian cancer claims to proceed in court.
As of November 2025, over 67,000 product liability lawsuits are still pending against Johnson & Johnson.
The Science Behind the Claims: Talc, Asbestos, and Cancer
The central issue in the talcum powder litigation is the alleged link between talc, asbestos contamination, and cancer, specifically ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
- Talc: Talc is a mineral composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In its natural form, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Talc is widely used in cosmetic products, including baby powder and adult body powders, due to its ability to absorb moisture and reduce friction.
- Asbestos: Asbestos is a group of minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. However, asbestos fibers are also known to cause cancer when inhaled or ingested.
- Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Symptoms can be vague and difficult to detect in the early stages, making it a particularly deadly disease.
- Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
Studies on the link between talc and ovarian cancer have yielded mixed results. Some studies have suggested a possible increase in ovarian cancer risk with perineal talc use, while others have found no such association. The presence of asbestos in talc is a key factor, as asbestos is a known cause of both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans” due to the potential for asbestos contamination and “limited evidence” of causing ovarian cancer in humans.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder products, especially Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Statute of Limitations: There is a statute of limitations for filing talcum powder lawsuits, meaning there’s a limited time to take legal action. The specific time frame varies by state, typically ranging from one to four years from the date of diagnosis or death.
- Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): Many talcum powder lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Joining the MDL can streamline the legal process.
- Potential Compensation: Compensation in talcum powder lawsuits can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Settlement amounts vary widely depending on the specifics of the case. Legal industry experts estimate that a talc settlement could pay out between $100,000 and $1 million per person. The average settlement for a talcum powder mesothelioma lawsuit is $1 million to $1.4 million.
Taking Action
If you believe you have a claim, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in product liability and talcum powder litigation. An attorney can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.
Here’s what an attorney can do for you:
- Investigate your case and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Determine the applicable statute of limitations in your state.
- Navigate the complexities of the MDL and other legal proceedings.
- Negotiate with J&J and their legal team to reach a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
The Future of Talcum Powder Litigation
The Johnson & Johnson talcum powder litigation is far from over. With thousands of cases still pending and ongoing scientific research into the link between talc and cancer, this legal battle will likely continue for years to come. The outcomes of these cases will have significant implications for J&J, the personal care industry, and consumers who have been affected by potentially dangerous products.
Do you have questions about talcum powder lawsuits? Contact us today for a free consultation.