Talc-based products remain in the legal spotlight as thousands of women continue pursuing claims tied to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The most noteworthy products are Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder line. Here’s the latest on what’s happening and why it matters:
1. MDL Status: Over 66,000 Lawsuits and Counting
The federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in New Jersey continues to swell. As of October 2025, there are more than 67,000 lawsuits consolidated in the MDL.
2. Johnson & Johnson Bankruptcy Attempts Rejected
- In March of 2025, a federal bankruptcy judge in Texas dismissed the third attempt by a J&J subsidiary, Red River Talc LLC, to resolve tens of thousands of talc lawsuits by filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. With bankruptcy attempts rejected, Johnson & Johnson is expected to oppose the suits in court individually.
- In the upcoming months, we expect to see continued efforts towards settlement negotiations or individual trials.
- Of course, successful individual trials make it more likely that there will be efforts to reach a global settlement of all cases.
3. Bellwether Trials & Boston Jury Verdicts
The first MDL bellwether trial, Judkins v. Johnson & Johnson, has been selected. It involves an ovarian cancer diagnosis potentially linked to decades of Baby Powder use. Meanwhile, in Boston, a jury awarded $8 million ($5 million in past pain and suffering, $3 m future damages) in a case alleging mesothelioma caused by asbestos in J&J talc. In August, another Boston jury awarded 42 million to a plaintiff who claimed that his mesothelioma was caused by many years of using talc-based products.
There are also noteworthy upcoming bellwether trials in California that are separate from the MDL. On November 3, the first ovarian cancer trial in California’s Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings (JCCP) will begin in Los Angeles. The trial will be the first major state court action involving ovarian cancer claims since J&J’s bankruptcy maneuvers stalled litigation nationwide.
4. Monumental Verdicts Still Reverberating
- Missouri mass verdict (2018): A St. Louis jury awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women—later reduced to $2.1 billion at the appeals level.
- California verdicts: A separate case led to a $417 million award for a woman who sued over ovarian cancer. Additionally, in October 2025, J&J was ordered by a Los Angeles jury, to pay a whopping $966 million to the family of a mesothelioma victim. Although appeals are sure to follow, juries seem to be sending a clear message to Johnson and Johnson with their awards.
These verdicts continue to influence both settlement tactics and public perception.
5. Settlement Negotiations & Mediation
J&J is simultaneously engaging in MDL mediation. A mediator was appointed in July 2025 to oversee settlement negotiations for the ovarian cancer claims. Both sides have been ordered to participate in good-faith discussions.
- State Consumer Protection Lawsuit
- In January 2024, J&J agreed to pay $700 million to settle allegations by 42 state attorneys general that the company wrongfully marketed its baby powder without warning consumers of health risks.
- The Basis for the Claims
- Scientific support: Multiple studies—including a peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Oncology 2024 report—back the conclusion that genital talc usage is associated with a 30–60% increased ovarian cancer risk.
- Regulatory watch: The International Agency for Research on Cancer now classifies genital talc use as a “probable” ovarian carcinogen (Group 2A).
- Corporate knowledge: Court disclosures reveal that J&J was aware of asbestos contamination risks as early as 1971 but continued to market without warning.
6. What’s Ahead: Trials, Appeals & Settlement Frontiers
Key Developments
- MDL Trials: Bellwether trials set the tone. Trials in which the Plaintiffs are successful typically result in more interest in settlement negotiations. Defense verdicts tend to entrench companies in a defense posture.
- Bankruptcy Efforts: J&J’s bankruptcy efforts remain blocked; further appeals are likely.
- Settlement Push: Mediation is proceeding, but fixed‑payout proposals face strong resistance.
- Continued Filings: New cases are still pouring into the MDL at a rate of thousands per month.
- Moreover, with over 66,000 plaintiffs filed, J&J confronts a relentless legal tide.
Why It Matters for You
- Ongoing Cases: If you or a loved one regularly used talc products (such as Baby Powder or Shower to Shower), you may still qualify—even if the statute of limitations is of concern. However, you must act quickly to explore your legal rights.
- Legal Options: You could join either the MDL or individual state suits, participate in bellwether cases, or seek inclusion in anticipated national settlement programs.
- Experience Matters: It is important to partner with experienced, knowledgeable attorneys. At Lacy Katzen LLP, we have been representing individuals harmed by corporate greed for over 75 years.
In Summary
The talc litigation against Johnson & Johnson remains among the most dynamic mass tort scenarios today.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after a history of using talc, it’s not too late to explore legal action. Contact Lacy Katzen LLP to discuss your situation. Our experienced team can help clarify your claim, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process. Call for a free consultation.
