What Is the Latest on the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Many companies knowingly sold asbestos-containing talcum products without warning consumers about the risks. Worse, these products were often promoted as safe or healthy for individuals.
Now, many families have turned to filing talcum powder cancer lawsuits to seek justice and compensation for their illnesses.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Updates 2024-2025
- Over 62,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against product manufacturers and suppliers.
- Billions of dollars have already been paid to ovarian cancer victims, who make up the majority of those injured by talc products.
- In March 2025, a bankruptcy judge rejected J&J's $8 Billion settlement proposal to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer claims filed against them, allowing these claims to proceed in court.
- In October 2024, a Connecticut jury ordered J&J to pay $15 Million to a mesothelioma patient who used talcum powder for decades.
- J&J agreed to a $700 Million talc settlement with 42 states and Washington D.C. for misleading consumers about the safety of their products.
- Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit verdicts for mesothelioma awarded $320 Million in 2024 alone.
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped clients nationwide stand up to the companies that harmed them. Let us fight for you.
How Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer?
Talcum powder is made from talc, which has been classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Talc naturally occurs near asbestos, a known cancer-causing substance. When mined and processed, it may become contaminated with microscopic asbestos fibers, which can enter the body and irritate healthy tissue.
Exposure to talc has been linked to several cancers, including:
- Ovarian cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Stomach cancer
- Lung cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Regular use of talcum powder is associated with a 33% increased risk of ovarian cancer, according to the Journal of Epidemiology.
Despite these findings, companies like Johnson & Johnson have continued to deny that their products could cause cancer. Our talc powder lawyers may be able to hold them accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to see if we can pursue a talcum powder lawsuit settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Who Qualifies for the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
Eligibility for the talcum powder lawsuit revolves around having a related diagnosis and a history of using talc-based products like baby powder, other cosmetics, and more.
You may qualify to file a talcum powder lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Used a product containing talc or were exposed to talc at work
- Has since been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or another type of cancer
If you’re the family member or estate representative of someone who has passed away from cancer caused by talcum powder, you may be able to file an asbestos claim after their death.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you may qualify for compensation from a talc lawsuit. There's no cost to speak with us.
Past Talcum Powder Settlement Amounts & Verdicts
Though talcum powder companies claim their products are safe, billions have already been paid out in talcum powder lawsuit settlements and jury verdicts.
Talc settlements are negotiated with the company out of court, while verdicts are awarded by a jury or judge after a trial in court.
Past talcum powder settlements and verdicts include:
- $15 Million for a Connecticut man: In October 2024, a jury ruled in favor of a man who developed mesothelioma after decades of using J&J's talcum powder.
- $260 Million to an Oregon woman: A mother with mesothelioma won her lawsuit against J&J in June 2024 after decades of using talc-based baby powder, though this result was overturned later.
- $45 Million for the family of an Illinois woman: In April 2024, a jury ordered J&J and their spinoff company Kenvue Inc. to pay the family of a woman who passed away from mesothelioma after using their products. This was the first talc verdict against J&J's affiliate company.
- $52.1 Million to a California mesothelioma patient: A jury ruled in favor of a woman who used Avon face and body powders throughout her life. She argued that asbestos and talc in the company’s cosmetic products caused her to develop cancer.
- $700 Million to more than 40 states: In order to end an investigation into their marketing tactics, Johnson & Johnson agreed to settle state-level talcum powder lawsuits that alleged the company concealed the risk of their products.
- $24.4 Million to a Chicago man: A jury ruled in favor of a mesothelioma patient who was exposed to talc while working at an Avon facility.
- $100 Million for 1,000 ovarian cancer claims: J&J announced they would resolve more than 1,000 talc claims through a global settlement in 2020.
- $18.8 Million to a 24-year-old man: The victim blamed J&J’s talc-based powders for his mesothelioma, and a California jury ruled in his favor in 2023.
- $4.69 Billion for 22 women (reduced to $2.1 Billion): Plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit claimed asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder caused them to develop ovarian cancer. The original 2018 verdict was reduced in 2021.
- $29 Million to a California woman: In 2019, a jury sided with a woman who developed mesothelioma after using talc products from Johnson & Johnson for over 30 years.
- $70 Million to a woman with terminal cancer: A court awarded punitive damages to a California woman with ovarian cancer in 2016.
In one case, we secured $2.86 Million for a Delaware factory worker who was exposed to talc while dusting molds for ceramic sinks and bathtubs. Our team was able to trace the fibers in his lungs to a specific talc mine owned by R.T. Vanderbilt.
At Sokolove Law, our dedicated talcum powder lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson, claiming the company’s talcum powder products caused users to develop ovarian cancer and other serious illnesses.
J&J has been such a big target for legal action because they knew their talc products were dangerous but hid this information from the public for decades.
In 1975, Johnson & Johnson released an internal memo ordering management to stop all talc safety studies. The pharma giant was afraid these studies would uncover evidence that their products were harmful and halted them, prioritizing their profits at the expense of the consumer's well-being.
Facing mounting legal pressure in 2021, Johnson & Johnson attempted to use the “Texas Two-Step” strategy to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection — and avoid paying out talcum powder lawsuit settlements and verdicts.
The courts have repeatedly blocked the company’s attempts to file for bankruptcy, stating that Johnson & Johnson isn't in financial distress.
J&J set aside $4.5 Billion for baby powder cancer victims in 2022. Despite increasing this amount to $8.9 Billion a year later, courts rejected the settlement because it was too low.
$8 Billion J&J Talc Settlement Proposal Rejected
In May 2024, Johnson & Johnson proposed an $8 Billion settlement to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer lawsuits filed against them. This marked the company’s third attempt at using bankruptcy to settle talc-related claims.
However, in March 2025, a U.S. bankruptcy judge rejected the proposal, in part because the plan didn't have enough support from victims with ovarian cancer.
While J&J claimed that at least 83% of plaintiffs voted in favor of their plan, the judge found that the voting process was flawed, with many votes being improperly collected or lacking clear client consent.
Additionally, critics of the plan argued that $8 Billion wouldn't have been enough to fairly address the medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages of the over 60,000 ovarian cancer victims.
The rejected J&J baby powder settlement didn't include mesothelioma lawsuits, which the company has been settling individually.
Get a free case review now to see if we can help you secure compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
Choosing the Best Talcum Powder Lawyer
To find the best talcum powder lawyer for your case, it’s important to look for someone who has access to key resources and a history of successfully securing results.
The best lawyer for talcum powder lawsuits can offer you:
- Free Case Reviews: We provide free, no-obligation case reviews to determine if you may be eligible to file a talcum powder lawsuit.
- Decades of Experience: For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped clients who’ve been injured through no fault of their own pursue justice and compensation.
- Billions of Dollars in Results: We’ve recovered more than $9.8 Billion total for thousands of families across the country.
- A Nationwide Reach: As a national law firm, Sokolove Law can handle talcum powder cases in all 50 states.
- Extensive Resources: Our team has a warehouse of evidence related to different products that contained asbestos.
- No Out-of-Pocket Costs: There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our talc powder lawyers. We only get paid if you’re awarded money, so there’s no financial risk to take legal action.
If you have a case, our talcum powder attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and loved ones.
“Hiring Sokolove Law was the smartest thing we ever did. Filing the lawsuit was easy because the firm made it easy. We didn’t have to do anything.”
– John, Asbestos Exposure Victim & Firm Client
How to File Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits
When you work with our team of experienced talc powder lawyers, you can leave the legal legwork to us.
We strive to make filing a talcum powder lawsuit as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your family by handling the entire process. Find out more about the steps to file a lawsuit below.
1. Contact Our Talcum Powder Attorneys
The first step of the legal process is to see if you may be eligible to file a talcum powder claim.
At Sokolove Law, our team can let you know if you may qualify for compensation — for free. Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started.
2. We’ll Prove Your Exposure History
To file a talc powder lawsuit, our knowledgeable attorneys will gather evidence to establish:
- What products you were exposed to
- Which companies may be at fault
- How long you were exposed for
- What you were diagnosed with as a result
Our team will collect medical records, expert testimony, witness statements, and more to prove talc products may have caused your illness.
3. We’ll File Your Talc Powder Lawsuit
Depending on the specifics of your case, we can help you decide if it would be more beneficial to file your claim individually or as part of the class action lawsuit for talcum powder.
Your talc powder lawyer will recommend the option that may award you with the most compensation in your case and then file the lawsuit on your behalf.
4. Get a Talcum Powder Payout
Your lawyer will work to negotiate a talcum powder lawsuit settlement with the company responsible for your exposure to asbestos, which may allow you to receive compensation without going to court.
Approximately 95% of Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuits for mesothelioma result in a settlement. The average asbestos settlement is over $1 Million.
Many families prefer settlements because they can provide compensation faster. If a settlement isn’t reached, we’re prepared to present your case in court and fight for a verdict on your behalf.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Deadline
When you work with Sokolove Law, our attorneys can ensure your claim is filed within the talcum powder statute of limitations, a set of laws that restricts how long you have to take legal action.
The talcum powder lawsuit deadline ranges from 1 to 6 years after your diagnosis or the death of a loved one.
Contact Sokolove Law as soon as possible before it’s too late. If the deadline passes, you won’t be able to file a talc lawsuit again.
History of Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Lawsuits
For decades, studies have shown a clear link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. As the public became more aware of this connection, many began to take legal action for their illnesses.
Find out more about the history of talc powder ovarian cancer lawsuits:
- 1957: Tremolite asbestos fibers were found in talc mined by an Italian supplier, which was used in products in the United States.
- 1967: Asbestos was found in Vermont talc mines owned by Windsor Minerals Inc., a subsidiary of J&J.
- 1972-1975: Three separate labs found asbestos in Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products, but the company kept this information hidden from the FDA.
- 1982: Dr. David Cramer at the Harvard Medical School published the first study linking talcum powder to ovarian cancer. Further research in the 1980s and ‘90s supported his findings.
- 1992: One medical study urged manufacturers to put warning labels on talcum powder products because of the threat to women’s health.
- 2009: The first talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit was filed against Johnson & Johnson.
- 2016: Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 Million to the family of an Alabama woman who died from ovarian cancer, marking their first significant talcum powder loss in court.
- 2018: A jury awarded $4.69 Billion to 22 women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using J&J’s talcum powder.
- 2019: The FDA discovered asbestos in Johnson & Johnson talc products.
- 2020: In their first talcum powder global settlement, J&J agreed to pay over $100 Million to resolve more than 1,000 ovarian cancer claims filed against the company.
- 2023: J&J discontinued their talcum powder products, replacing talc with cornstarch.
- 2024: Over 62,000 talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits are pending against J&J by families who used the company’s baby powder products.
- 2025: J&J's $8 Billion settlement proposal was rejected by a bankruptcy judge, allowing ovarian cancer claims to proceed in court.
Companies have refused to take accountability for the dangers of their products. Thousands of people have already been negatively impacted by talcum powder products — and they deserve justice.
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to holding negligent talc companies accountable and seeking justice for those who’ve been harmed. Get the latest talcum powder litigation updates.
Mesothelioma from Talcum Powder
Since talcum powder may contain asbestos, users may also be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this rare cancer, which forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
In one study, researchers examined 122 individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma. None of these participants had a history of asbestos exposure, yet all regularly used cosmetic talc.
When talcum powder particles are breathed in or swallowed, microscopic asbestos fibers may enter the body and irritate healthy tissue, which can potentially result in mesothelioma.
As a leading mesothelioma law firm, we can help you figure out the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to and which companies may be to blame for your illness.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if we can file a talcum powder mesothelioma lawsuit and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Companies Named in Talcum Powder Litigation
Johnson & Johnson wasn’t the only manufacturer of talc-based cosmetic products and baby powders. In fact, numerous other popular companies have also been involved in recent talcum powder litigation.
In addition to J&J, companies that made or sold cosmetic talc products include:
- Avon
- Chanel
- Clinique®
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Estée Lauder™
- Mary Kay
- Imerys Talc America
- Revlon
- Sanofi
- Vanderbilt Minerals
- Whittaker, Clark & Daniels
A California jury found Avon responsible for a 76-year-old’s mesothelioma after she used their talc-based face and body powders for much of her life. The jury awarded her $40 million in compensatory damages and an additional $10.3 million in punitive damages.
Talcum powder lawsuits claim these companies failed to warn consumers about the potential health risks of their products, including makeup, body powders, face powders, and more.
Products that Contained Talc
Many cosmetic and personal care products were made with talc, which could have been contaminated with asbestos. In response to growing health concerns and legal claims, some companies have reformulated their products to remove talc.
Popular products that contained talc include:
- Cashmere Bouquet®: Sold until 1995, this talcum powder product was known for its iconic floral scent and was a staple in many households.
- Chanel No. 5® Body Powder: In 2017, Chanel stopped using talcum powder alongside its famous fragrance to make a scented body powder.
- Clubman Pinaud® Powder: This talc product was often used in barbershops for its ability to soothe skin after shaving.
- Gold Bond® Medicated Powder: Widely used by athletes for its ability to calm irritated skin, absorb moisture, and provide a cooling sensation, its new formula now uses cornstarch instead of talc.
- Johnson's® Baby Powder: Johnson & Johnson's signature baby powder contained talc until 2023, when the company officially switched to a cornstarch-based formula.
- Shower to Shower®: This J&J body powder was popular for its moisture-absorbing properties and was used daily by many consumers.
This list is not exhaustive. If you or a loved one used a product containing talc and later developed mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, you may be able to take legal action and pursue compensation.
"There seems to be no end to the number of products that companies place into the stream of commerce, despite their knowledge of side effects that they hide from the consumer, putting profits ahead of people.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Get Help Filing a Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, our asbestos attorneys can help families in all 50 states seek justice by filing a talcum powder cancer lawsuit.
With over 45 years of experience standing up to powerful corporations, our team has the resources and skills needed to secure compensation on your behalf.
We’ve recovered over $5.6 Billion for clients impacted by asbestos-related diseases like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with us. We only get paid if your case results in compensation, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
J&J Talc Baby Powder Lawsuit FAQs
What is the status of the talcum powder lawsuit?
As of April 2025, over 62,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed, and billions of dollars have been paid to cancer patients and their loved ones.
Johnson & Johnson's proposed $8 Billion bankruptcy settlement for ovarian cancer claims was rejected by a bankruptcy judge, allowing lawsuits to move forward as victims seek compensation from individual settlements or trial verdicts.
Get a free case review now to find out if we can help your family file a talc lawsuit and pursue compensation.
What are the criteria for the talcum powder lawsuit?
Criteria for the talcum powder lawsuit include a mesothelioma or ovarian cancer diagnosis and a history of working with or using products that contain talc.
Our talcum powder lawyers have access to resources and relationships with medical experts who can help link your diagnosis to your use of talc products.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if you may qualify for the talcum powder lawsuit.
How many talcum powder claims are there?
More than 62,000 talcum powder claims have been filed against Johnson & Johnson, with plaintiffs alleging that the company’s talc-based products caused ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.
As additional victims are diagnosed and discover the potential link between their cancer and asbestos-contaminated talc, this number will continue to rise.
How much will the talcum powder lawsuit settle for in 2025?
Johnson & Johnson proposed an $8 Billion settlement to resolve all current and future talcum powder lawsuits involving ovarian cancer, which would've awarded plaintiffs around $75,000 to $150,000 each.
However, amid concerns that this amount wouldn't be enough, a judge rejected the proposal.
Individual talcum powder settlement amounts will vary based on the unique details of each case, like the cost of your medical bills and the severity of your illness.
Has anyone received money from a talcum powder lawsuit?
Yes. Billions have already been paid out to thousands of victims who filed talcum powder lawsuits for mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
Some past talcum powder lawsuit payouts include:
- $260 Million to an Oregon mother with mesothelioma
- $117 Million for a New Jersey couple
- $15 Million to a man in Connecticut
- $29 Million for a woman with talc-related cancer
- $18.8 Million to a 24-year-old mesothelioma patient in California
At Sokolove Law, we’ll fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to. We have a history of holding powerful companies like J&J accountable.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to see if our talc powder lawyers can fight for you.
What is the average settlement for talcum powder lawsuits?
While talcum powder lawsuit settlement amounts may vary, individual mesothelioma settlements award between $1 Million and $1.4 Million on average.
Talcum powder lawsuit settlements may be influenced by:
- Which state your lawsuit is filed in
- How severe your diagnosis is
- The type of talcum powder you used
- How long you used talcum powder for
- What type of cancer you were diagnosed with
If you used talcum powder and were diagnosed with cancer, contact Sokolove Law now.
What is the largest jury verdict awarded so far for a talcum powder case?
The largest jury verdict awarded for a talcum powder case was $4.69 Billion to 22 women who claimed their ovarian cancer was caused by Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.
While this verdict was later reduced to $2.1 Billion, it still stands as one of the largest payouts in the history of talcum powder litigation.
How can I find the best lawyer for talcum powder lawsuits near me?
To find the best lawyer for your talcum powder lawsuit, look for an established national law firm that has a long history of success with asbestos litigation. We can use our extensive resources to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the most compensation possible.
As an award-winning asbestos law firm with offices and licensed attorneys in nearly every state, Sokolove Law can help families nationwide seek compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
In many cases, we may even be able to travel to you and meet with you in the comfort of your own home.
Is there a talcum powder class action lawsuit?
Yes. There are currently over 58,000 claims consolidated in the talc class action lawsuit or multidistrict litigation — and it’s not too late for you to join.
Get a free case review now to see if you may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit for compensation.
What is the statute of limitations on talcum powder lawsuits?
The talcum powder lawsuit statute of limitations ranges from 1 to 6 years after a cancer diagnosis or the death of a loved one depending on the state you live in.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started. If the deadline passes, you could miss out on the money you deserve.
When did the talc lawsuits start?
In 2006, the first industrial talc verdict awarded $3 Million to a woman whose husband passed away from mesothelioma. He used asbestos-contaminated talc in his work as a potter.
The first J&J talc lawsuit was filed in 2009 by Deane Berg, a South Dakota woman with ovarian cancer who allegedly used the company's Shower to Shower talcum powder for over 30 years.
Berg was initially offered a $1.3 Million settlement from Johnson & Johnson, but she declined because the company wanted her to sign a confidentiality agreement that would prevent her from warning others about their products.
When her case went to trial in 2013, the jury ruled in Berg’s favor — but she was not awarded any compensation.
Does talcum powder cause cancer?
Yes, potentially. Researchers have found that regular use of talcum powder may increase a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer by as much as 33%.
Talcum powder contaminated with asbestos fibers can also increase the risk of mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of different organs.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure — even a single fiber can cause cancer.
How do you get cancer from talcum powder?
Talc can naturally occur alongside asbestos, which is known to cause cancer. During the mining process, talc can become contaminated with microscopic asbestos fibers.
When using talcum powder, airborne fibers may enter the body and linger for decades. These fibers can cause inflammation in otherwise healthy tissue, leading to the development of cancer.
Did Johnson and Johnson know talcum powder could cause cancer?
Yes. Three separate labs found asbestos, a known carcinogen, in Johnson & Johnson’s talc products between 1972 and 1975. However, the company didn’t report these findings to the FDA.
Even today, after the FDA detected asbestos in J&J’s baby powder in 2019, the company continues to publicly claim their products are safe and don’t cause cancer.
Our asbestos attorneys can help you hold J&J accountable.
Call (800) 647-3434 now to get started with a free case review.
