BLOG: Johnson & Johnson aims to end talc cancer legal battle with $6.5 billion settlement
Published on: 8/19/2024
Johnson & Johnson is attempting to resolve the mounting litigation surrounding its talc- based products by proposing a $6.5 billion settlement. This move comes after years of legal battles, with thousands of plaintiffs alleging the company´s talcum powder products, including its iconic baby powder, were contaminated with asbestos and caused various forms of cancer.
The talc settlement proposal
The proposed settlement aims to end around 54,000 US lawsuits. These lawsuits have been filed by people who claim Johnson & Johnson’s talc products caused their cancers. Despite Johnson & Johnson’s ongoing denial of these allegations, the company proposed this settlement to end the litigation.
Under the proposal, Johnson & Johnson would pay $6.5 billion over 25 years. However, this settlement is contingent on the approval of 75% of the claimants. If approved, the settlement will effectively resolve all ovarian cancer claims against the company, accounting for about 99% of the talc-related lawsuits.
This settlement is the latest in a series of legal maneuvers by Johnson & Johnson to manage its talc-related liabilities.
A history of legal action
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Johnson & Johnson continues to assert that its talc products are safe. Nevertheless, the company has faced several significant losses, including a $2.12 billion verdict awarded to 22 women who claimed that asbestos in its talc caused their ovarian cancer. This verdict was originally $4.7 billion but was reduced on appeal.
More recently, Johnson & Johnson also agreed to pay $700 million to settle claims from 43 US states and Washington, D.C.
Johnson & Johnson discontinued the sale of its talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and globally in 2023, replacing it with a cornstarch-based formula. This shift was driven by mounting legal pressures and growing public concern over the safety of talc products.
What’s next?
The outcome of the latest settlement proposal represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing talc litigation saga.
For UK talc cancer victims and their families, the US cases highlight the importance of legal recourse. If you believe you have been affected, our legal experts can help you explore your options for seeking justice and compensation.
If you or a loved one used Johnson & Johnson talc for over five years and developed cancer, join our no-win, no-fee group action claim, and we´ll help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.