BLOG: Johnson & Johnson proposes $700 million settlement amidst ongoing talc cancer lawsuits
Published on: 8/19/2024
Johnson & Johnson has announced a tentative $700 million settlement to address claims from 42 US states and Washington, DC. The states have accused the manufacturer of misleading consumers about the safety of its talcum powder, which has been linked to serious health conditions, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The settlement addresses allegations that Johnson & Johnson misled consumers into thinking its talc products were safe. The company has not admitted to any wrongdoing and continues to assert that its talc products do not cause cancer.
However, even if accepted, this settlement only scratches the surface of the broader litigation that Johnson & Johnson faces. This is because the states brought legal action against Johnson & Johnson under laws designed to protect consumers from deceptive business practices. These are distinct from personal injury lawsuits.
Personal injury lawsuits are filed by individuals seeking compensation for harm caused by a company´s products. Approximately 52,000 such lawsuits remain active against the talc manufacturer, although Johnson & Johnson has set aside billions to end all personal injury claims in the US.
What are these claims about?
Studies have increasingly connected talc use with various cancers, including ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer. This is because some talc products are contaminated with asbestos, a well-known carcinogen.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified talc contaminated with asbestos as carcinogenic to humans.
- The World Health Organization´s cancer agency has classified talc as "probably carcinogenic" for humans.
Research suggests that Johnson & Johnson has been aware of the cancer risk since the 1970s but failed to warn consumers, choosing instead to prioritise profits over safety. This negligence has had devastating consequences for thousands of individuals, many of whom now face life-changing and life-ending diagnoses.
The broader impact: talc litigation in the UK
The implications of these settlements extend beyond US borders, particularly for consumers in the UK who may have used Johnson & Johnson´s baby powder.
UK products may have been similarly contaminated with asbestos. Given that Johnson & Johnson only stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the UK in 2022 - two years after halting sales in North America – our lawyers are demanding justice for UK consumers.
The US settlements and the evidence uncovered during litigation provide a strong foundation for claims in the UK. Our legal experts believe these developments bolster the chances of success for UK victims seeking justice and compensation. If you have developed ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, fallopian tube cancer, or peritoneal cancer, or you have lost someone who did and suspect there is a link to talc use, you could join our no-win, no-fee legal action. Together, we can secure the justice you and your family deserve.