Tens of thousands of women across the country have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that long-term use of its talcum powder products — most notably Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower — led to ovarian cancer diagnoses. The litigation has become one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history, with a growing number of women seeking accountability for the life-altering consequences of this alleged exposure.
As of 2025, the momentum has shifted. A bankruptcy court recently rejected Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt to avoid jury trials and potential large-dollar settlements through a controversial legal maneuver. New bellwether trials are now being scheduled, and many are asking: Will talcum powder settlements finally come?
Here’s the latest on where things stand with talcum powder lawsuits — and what it could mean for those impacted.
J&J’s Third Bankruptcy Filing Rejected
In March 2025, a federal bankruptcy judge struck down Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt to shift its talcum powder liabilities into Chapter 11 through a subsidiary company, LTL Management. This maneuver, known as the “Texas Two-Step,” had been previously attempted twice before and similarly dismissed by the courts.
Judges reviewing these filings found that J&J, with a market cap in the hundreds of billions, was not in genuine financial distress and that the tactic appeared designed to delay and limit compensation for victims. In the most recent ruling, the court emphasized that the bankruptcy filing was not made in good faith and that litigation must proceed in civil courts.
This legal defeat removes a major roadblock for plaintiffs and clears the way for new jury trials to move forward after months of delays.
To be clear, however, Johnson & Johnson continues to strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing in these cases.
Bellwether Trials Are Moving Ahead
With the bankruptcy maneuver rejected, several more bellwether trials are now being scheduled across the country. These early cases, selected from among the larger pool of plaintiffs, help gauge how juries might respond to evidence and arguments presented in future trials. They can also prove influential in any potential settlement negotiations.
One upcoming trial expected in California centers on a woman diagnosed with mesothelioma, allegedly caused by asbestos-contaminated talc in Johnson & Johnson’s products. Additional cases involving ovarian cancer claims are set to follow in state and federal courts in the months ahead.
These trials come on the heels of several high-profile jury verdicts. In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded ~$4.7 billion to 22 women who developed ovarian cancer after using J&J’s talcum powder. While the amount was reduced on appeal, the decision made national headlines and helped shape the public narrative around these cases.
Johnson & Johnson Continues to Deny Liability
Despite the losses in bankruptcy cases, mounting lawsuits, and jury verdicts, Johnson & Johnson maintains its position that its talcum powder products are safe. The company insists that its Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products never contained asbestos and that numerous studies support their safety.
In 2023, Johnson & Johnson discontinued sales of talc-based powders worldwide, replacing the formula with cornstarch. However, the company has stated that this decision was made due to "misleading litigation advertising” and not because the products posed a health risk.
J&J continues to publicly deny that its talc products cause cancer, and it has made clear that any potential settlements would not constitute an admission of liability.
Are Talcum Powder Settlements Coming?
Following the latest bankruptcy defeat, speculation has grown that Johnson & Johnson may pursue a global settlement. Reports in 2024 suggested the company was considering a resolution package potentially valued at $8 to $10 billion.
However, no formal settlement has been announced, and plaintiffs should not assume one is imminent. While the resumption of trials places added pressure on J&J, any settlement — if it occurs — would take time to negotiate, require court approval, and include a lengthy claims administration process.
Importantly, each case is different. Settlement offers (if any) may depend on specific case factors such as type of cancer, length and location of talc use, and supporting medical documentation.
And again, Johnson & Johnson continues to strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing.
Do You Qualify for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower talcum powder for 4 or more years continuously in the genital area.
- You must have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or endometrioid ovarian cancer.
- Your diagnosis must have occurred in 2009 or later.
- You must have used talcum powder before menopause.
Meeting these criteria helps ensure your case aligns with those most likely to be considered in litigation or a potential settlement process. If you believe you may qualify, don’t delay in exploring your legal options. Please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review with an experienced talcum powder lawsuit attorney.
What to Do Next
As bellwether trials move forward and Johnson & Johnson faces increasing legal pressure, this is an important moment for women and families who have been affected by talcum powder-related cancer diagnoses.
Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. Our legal team will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and determine whether you may qualify for a lawsuit.
We understand what you’re going through — and we’re here to help however we can.
Why Riddle & Riddle for Talcum Powder Claims?
With more than 190 years of combined legal experience and over $850 million recovered for our valued clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below), Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has what it takes to stand up to potentially liable corporate giants like Johnson & Johnson. We’ve helped thousands of clients secure the justice they deserve — and we treat every case with the respect, compassion, and relentless focus it deserves (see disclaimer below).
When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers.
Contact aN Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
252-397-7400
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
919-459-7855
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-759-6963
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-910-1860
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
252-397-0134
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-781-7980
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
336-395-5349
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
919-925-6039
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
910-387-0861
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-889-3926
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-396-6310
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529