Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

What Is the Ovarian Cancer Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Ovarian cancer talcum powder lawsuits are filed by women who allege that the use of talc-based body powders caused them to develop ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or other serious cancers.

Talcum powder claims are filed against companies who manufactured and sold talc-based products without warning of the potential health risks.

About Asbestos and Ovarian Cancer Talcum Powder Lawsuits

• Over 67,622 claims are currently pending in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is similar to an ovarian cancer talcum powder class action lawsuit.
• The ovarian cancer litigation (MDL-2738) consolidates claims against Johnson & Johnson and their affiliates. While most of the lawsuits involve ovarian cancer, some allege mesothelioma caused by asbestos-contaminated talc.
• In December 2025, a California test trial resulted in a $40 Million verdict for 2 longtime Johnson & Johnson talc users diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• Other companies named in lawsuits for talcum powder and ovarian cancer include Avon^®, Colgate-Palmolive, Imerys Talc America, Whittaker, Clark & Daniels, and more.
• Products involved in talc ovarian cancer lawsuits include Johnson's^® Baby Powder, Shower to Shower^®, and Cashmere Bouquet^®.
• In January 2026, a federal judge ruled that expert witnesses can testify about the link between genital talcum powder use and ovarian cancer, finding that they used reliable scientific methods to support their opinions.
• To date, courts have awarded at least $2.51 Billion to women who used talcum powder and later developed ovarian cancer.

For thousands of women, ovarian cancer talcum powder lawsuits have become a path to seek justice and hold negligent companies accountable for putting profits over safety.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, you may also be eligible to pursue compensation from a lawsuit.

How Does Talc Cause Ovarian Cancer?

Talc is a soft, powdery mineral often used in personal care products to absorb moisture and reduce friction. This includes popular talcum powder and body powder products, like those sold by Johnson & Johnson.

When applied to the genital area, talc particles can travel through the reproductive tract and reach the ovaries.

When women use talcum powder products, they may be exposed to asbestos and put at risk of developing ovarian cancer potentially decades after use.

Evidence presented in court shows that talcum powder manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson (J&J) were aware of concerns surrounding talc and ovarian cancer for years while continuing to market their products as safe.

The Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer

Over the last several decades, multiple studies have documented a link between genital talc use and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Talc particles have been identified in ovarian tumors during scientific examinations. Chronic inflammation from talc and asbestos fibers may lead to abnormal cell growth over time.

Women who regularly use talcum powder in the genital area have a 33% increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits have alleged that J&J knew about the link between their products and cancer for more than 50 years — but they're still fighting back, even after the company moved away from using talc in the U.S.

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, you may be able to take legal action against the product's manufacturer. We can help you prove you were exposed to asbestos through these products, even if you used them decades ago.

Who Can File a Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit?

Eligibility for a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit is determined by a victim's history of talcum powder use and their resulting diagnosis.

You may qualify to file an ovarian cancer talcum powder lawsuit if you:

• Used talc-based products like baby powder or feminine hygiene powders
• Were later diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma

If a loved one passed away from ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder use, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

Our talcum powder ovarian cancer lawyers can review your personal history and medical information to determine whether you may be eligible to pursue compensation.

Ovarian Cancer Talc Statute of Limitations

A talcum powder and ovarian cancer lawsuit must be filed before a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. These laws determine how long you have to take action after an ovarian cancer diagnosis or the loss of a loved one.

Ovarian cancer talc statutes of limitations typically range from 1 to 3 years, depending on the state. Once this deadline passes, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

If you believe talcum powder contributed to your ovarian cancer, contact Sokolove Law as soon as possible. Our talc attorneys can determine your ovarian cancer talc statute of limitations and work quickly to ensure your claim is submitted on time.

Talc Ovarian Cancer Settlements & Verdicts

Since the first talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed in 2009, juries across the country have awarded billions of dollars to women who developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder.

These verdicts reflect growing evidence that companies like Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers about the dangers of their talc-based products.

Past ovarian cancer talc settlements and verdicts include:

• $2.12 Billion for 22 women in Missouri, which was reduced from an initial jury award of $4.69 Billion
• $40 Million to 2 ovarian cancer patients who routinely used J&J's talcum powder products
• $700 Million to resolve claims from multiple states over Johnson & Johnson’s marketing of their talc-based products
• $110 Million for a Missouri woman who used J&J talc products for more than 40 years before developing ovarian cancer
• $100 Million to settle over 1,000 lawsuits alleging that Johnson's Baby Powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma
• $72 Million to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer after decades of using Johnson's Baby Powder
• $70 Million for a California woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after long-term use of talc for feminine hygiene

About 90,000 victims — mostly women with ovarian cancer — are still suing the company. J&J has reportedly set aside $11 Billion to resolve all talc lawsuits.

While there's never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our talcum powder ovarian cancer attorneys will fight hard for everything you're entitled to. Find out more about top talc ovarian cancer settlements and verdicts.

$40 Million J&J Talc Ovarian Cancer Verdict

In December 2025, a California jury awarded $40 Million to Debra Schulz and Monica Kent after finding that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products caused their ovarian cancer. Schulz was awarded $22 Million and Kent $18 Million.

While they declined to award punitive damages, the jury found J&J liable for negligence, failure to warn, and false representation. The verdict reinforces the victims' claims that consumers were not adequately informed about the risks.

$2.12 Billion Missouri Asbestos-Contaminated Talc Ovarian Cancer Verdict

In 2018, Missouri jurors awarded $4.69 Billion to 22 women who developed ovarian cancer linked to J&J baby powder. An appeals court later upheld the ruling but reduced the award to $2.12 Billion.

The appeals court said the evidence showed that Johnson & Johnson had “disregarded the safety of consumers” in pursuit of profit and that the company's actions showed "significant reprehensibility."

From at least 1971 to the early 2000s, J&J's raw talc and manufactured powders sometimes tested positive for asbestos, according to internal company records. The ruling is still the largest ovarian cancer talcum powder verdict to date.

$700 Million J&J Talc Ovarian Cancer Settlement

In 2024, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $700 Million to settle lawsuits from 42 states and Washington, D.C. that they misled consumers about the safety of their talc-based baby powder.

Regulators claimed J&J marketed their products as safe for decades, despite growing concerns about asbestos contamination and the risk of illnesses like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. As part of the settlement, the company admitted no wrongdoing.

$100 Million Johnson & Johnson Talc Ovarian Cancer Settlement

In 2020, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay over $100 Million to resolve more than 1,000 talc lawsuits. The cases alleged that J&J’s baby powder was contaminated with asbestos and caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

The deal was the first large, global settlement of its kind for the company. Each victim would get around $100,000, though individual payouts likely varied based on individual circumstances.

$110 Million Johnson & Johnson Talc Ovarian Cancer Verdict

In 2017, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay more than $110 Million to Lois Slemp, a 62-year-old woman who developed ovarian cancer after using the company’s talc-based powders for four decades.

Jurors awarded $5.4 Million in compensatory damages and $105 Million in punitive damages, making it the largest talc verdict at the time against J&J.

Slemp’s lawyers claimed the company failed to caution consumers about potential asbestos-related cancer risks linked to products like Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. J&J has maintained that the talc used in their products is safe.

$70 Million Talc Exposure and Ovarian Cancer Verdict

In 2016, a St. Louis jury awarded more than $70 Million to Deborah Giannecchini, a California woman who developed ovarian cancer after decades of using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.

Diagnosed in 2012, she alleged the company engaged in negligent conduct by marketing their talc products as safe despite studies linking genital use of talc to increased cancer risk.

"[The jury] once again reaffirmed the need for Johnson & Johnson to warn the public of the ovarian cancer risk associated with its product."
– Talc Attorney for Deborah Giannecchini

This talcum powder ovarian cancer verdict, along with several earlier awards, helped fuel a surge of cases nationwide and also added to growing public scrutiny over the safety of talc.

$72 Million Talc Powder and Ovarian Cancer Verdict for Wrongful Death

In 2016, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 Million to the family of Alabama resident Jacqueline Fox, marking the first U.S. jury award in a talc ovarian cancer case.

According to court documents, Fox:

• Used J&J’s baby powder and Shower to Shower for feminine hygiene for more than 35 years
• Was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013
• Passed away in 2016 at age 62 from the disease

Missouri jurors awarded $10 Million in actual damages and $62 Million in punitive damages after finding the company liable for fraud, negligence, and conspiracy.

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you may be eligible for compensation. Let Sokolove Law help you understand your next steps.

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit News

The talcum powder ovarian cancer litigation continues to evolve, with major developments shaping how and when thousands of claims may be resolved.

Federal courts have ordered both sides into court-supervised mediation. This step is aimed at determining whether a negotiated global settlement is possible and may provide a path to compensation for women with ovarian cancer claims.

Find out about the latest talc powder ovarian cancer lawsuit news:

• 2026: At least 67,622 claims are now pending in the J&J MDL — up 9,375 cases from last year — highlighting the widespread harm of asbestos-contaminated talc products. The continued growth also shows that it's not too late for victims to come forward and pursue justice and compensation.
• 2025: A U.S. bankruptcy judge rejects J&J's proposed $8 Billion talc settlement, citing concerns over the amount not being enough and the voting process.
• 2024: Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary files for bankruptcy a third time, offering an $8 Billion ovarian talc settlement in hopes of securing court approval.
• 2023: Federal courts block both of J&J's first two bankruptcy attempts, ruling that the company wasn't in financial distress.
• 2021: Johnson & Johnson attempts their first Texas two-step bankruptcy plan, shifting talc liabilities to a subsidiary in an attempt to resolve tens of thousands of talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits for nearly $9 Billion.
• 2020: In the first large-scale talc ovarian cancer settlement, J&J pays more than $100 Million to resolve about 1,000 lawsuits.
• 2018: A Missouri jury orders J&J to pay $4.69 Billion to 22 talc ovarian cancer victims. Later reduced to $2.12 Billion, the verdict still provides meaningful compensation to the victims and their families.
• 2016: A type of ovarian cancer talcum powder class action lawsuit known as multidistrict litigation (MDL) is formed in the District of New Jersey, consolidating federal ovarian talcum powder lawsuits across the country.
• 2013: A jury finds J&J negligent for failing to warn about talc risks in Berg’s asbestos exposure case, but no damages are awarded.
• 2009: The first talc ovarian cancer lawsuit is filed by Deane Berg against Johnson & Johnson.

Since the first talc ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed in 2009, Johnson & Johnson has faced allegations that it knew about the potential health risks linked to its talc products but stayed silent to protect their profits.

Former FDA Commissioner David Kessler testified that Johnson & Johnson repeatedly tried to downplay or dismiss scientific findings showing asbestos in its talc-based products.

"It's my position that every time a scientist found chrysotile or tremolite [asbestos], your company descended on that scientist, right, and tried to explain that away. That I think is the story of the last 50 years."
– David Kessler, Former FDA Commissioner

How to File an Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Lawsuit

When you work with our team of experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer attorneys, you can leave the legal legwork to us.

As a national asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law has over 45 years of experience fighting powerful corporations and securing meaningful compensation on behalf of our clients.

We strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your family by handling every step of your claim. Find out how filing a talc ovarian cancer case works below.

1. Contact Our Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers

At Sokolove Law, we provide free case reviews to help you determine your eligibility to file a talc and ovarian cancer claim. When you contact us, a member of our team will ask you a few questions about your history of talcum powder usage and ovarian cancer diagnosis.

2. We’ll Collect Evidence of Your Asbestos Exposure History

To build your ovarian cancer talcum powder case, our asbestos attorneys will gather evidence showing which talc-based products you used and proof of your ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Asbestos ovarian cancer evidence may include:

• Medical records and pathology reports related to your cancer
• Receipts for purchases of talc-based products
• Witness statements indicating that you used certain talcum powders

Sokolove Law has relationships with medical and scientific experts who can testify to the connection between your talcum powder use and ovarian cancer.

3. We’ll File Your Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Depending on your situation, we can help you pursue the legal path that offers the strongest chance of compensation.

You may qualify to file either:

• An individual talc ovarian cancer lawsuit
• A claim within the ovarian cancer talcum powder class action

Your attorney will recommend the option that may offer you the greatest chance at compensation and file your claim before any legal deadlines.

4. We’ll Negotiate a Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Settlement

Your lawyer will work to negotiate a talcum powder ovarian cancer settlement with the companies responsible for your illness, which may allow you to receive compensation without going to court.

However, if an ovarian cancer talc settlement can't be reached, we’re prepared to present your case in court and fight for compensation from a talc ovarian cancer verdict.

Choosing a Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Attorney

Talc lawsuits are complex, involving decades of internal corporate documents and scientific research about asbestos and talc. Choosing the right talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney may make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

It’s important to look for a lawyer who has extensive experience in talc powder litigation, a proven track record of securing asbestos compensation, and the resources to stand up to large corporations like Johnson & Johnson.

By working with Sokolove Law, you can benefit from:

• Over 45 years of experience with 9,200+ successful asbestos exposure cases
• More than $5.7 Billion total in past results for clients with asbestos-related diseases
• No upfront costs or hourly fees, allowing you to take legal action without any financial risk
• Offices across the country, allowing us to help families in all 50 states
• Relationships with medical and scientific experts who can connect long-term talc use to ovarian cancer

Our asbestos and talc legal teams can manage everything from evidence gathering to negotiations on your behalf, while providing clear communication and personalized support throughout the legal process.

Asbestos-Containing Talc Products Linked to Ovarian Cancer

For decades, millions of women used talc-based powders as part of their daily hygiene routine, often without any warning about potential cancer risks.

Studies have linked long-term use of talcum powder products in the genital area to ovarian cancer, especially when the talc is contaminated with asbestos.

Talcum powder products that tested positive for asbestos include:

• Avon Skin So Soft Satin Talc
• Cashmere Bouquet Body Powder, Face Powder, and Dusting Powder
• Chanel No. 5^® Body Powder
• Gold Bond^® Medicated Powder
• Mennen^® Baby Powder and Baby Magic^®
• Johnson’s Baby Powder
• Shower to Shower Body Powder
• Many other talc-based products

If you regularly used talc-based powder and later developed ovarian cancer, a talcum powder attorney at Sokolove Law can review your history and help determine if you may have a legal claim.

Signs of Ovarian Cancer from Talcum Powder

There’s no unique set of ovarian cancer symptoms that only occur when talcum powder is the cause — it generally presents the same way regardless of the trigger.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer due to talcum powder include:

• A frequent need to urinate
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Fatigue
• Quickly feeling full while eating
• Unexplained weight loss

Many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer after long-term talc use may not recognize the signs at first. If you have a history of talc use, keep an eye out for any changes to your health.

It’s also important to get a second opinion if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is another asbestos-caused cancer that can sometimes be mistaken for ovarian cancer.

How Long Does It Take to Get Ovarian Cancer from Talcum Powder?

There’s no exact timeline for how long it takes to develop ovarian cancer from talcum powder. The disease generally forms slowly over many years, and women often report using talcum powder regularly for decades before their diagnosis.

Because of the long gap that often exists between exposure and diagnosis, you may still be able to file a talc ovarian cancer lawsuit even if your talc use occurred decades ago.

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder is treated the same way as other forms of ovarian cancer. Most patients undergo a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, and treatment plans depend on the cancer’s stage, type, and how far it has spread.

Early detection can offer more options, but many cases are diagnosed at later stages because symptoms often appear gradually.

Ovarian cancer treatments may include:

• Surgery: Removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby tissue where cancer may have spread
• Chemotherapy: Often given after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery
• Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy: Medications that attack cancer cells to destroy them
• Hormone Therapy: Drugs that block hormones in cancer cells to prevent them from growing

Treating ovarian cancer can be expensive, with costs adding up quickly. Talc ovarian cancer treatment expenses often exceed $200,000 a year, according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

If talcum powder may have contributed to your diagnosis, a lawyer can help you pursue compensation to ease the financial burden of your medical care.

Get Help from Our Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawyers

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, compensation may be available. Thousands of women have come forward, and billions of dollars have already been awarded.

At Sokolove Law, our asbestos law firm can review your case for free and determine if you may qualify for a talcum powder settlement. We can handle every part of the legal process, allowing you to focus on treatment and recovery.

To date, our firm has recovered over $5.7 Billion total for clients affected by ovarian cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team.

Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to find out if you may be eligible for an ovarian cancer talc settlement.

Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Lawsuit FAQs