Judge “Obliterates” Johnson & Johnson Defense in Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits
A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled against Johnson & Johnson in ongoing talcum powder / baby powder lawsuits in a major victory for baby powder cancer claims.
The decision, according to co-lead plaintiffs counsel Leigh O’Dell, “obliterates” the baby powder manufacturer’s claims that these talcum powder lawsuits are based on “junk” science.
In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Freda Wolfson said that “In conclusion, what remains clear from the general causation evidence relied on by the experts on both sides of this matter, is that there is scientific evidence supporting each side’s opinion.”
Johnson & Johnson had centered its arguments around the so-called “Daubert standard,” alleging that the scientific evidence supporting the plaintiffs’ case was not credible.
In her ruling, Judge Wolfson emphatically disagreed.
While the ruling is a win for those who claim Johnson & Johnson deliberately ignored or downplayed potential cancer risk associated with possible asbestos in talcum powder, the outcome of these cases is far from certain.
Judge Wolfson continued, “[This ruling] does not mean one side’s interpretation is more reliable than the other.”
This will likely come down to a “battle of the experts,” Judge Wolfson wrote.
Nevertheless, this is a major victory for victims who claim asbestos contamination in Johnson & Johnson talcum powder caused their cancer, and those affected are encouraged to file a baby powder cancer claim as soon as possible.
“This ruling means that the case and lawsuits will proceed and the experts on each side will be allowed to present their positions on whether this product causes cancer that harms females.”
-Gene Riddle, managing partner and attorney, Riddle & Brantley

Have you been diagnosed with cancer after using Johnson & Johnson talcum powder-based products?
Potentially large settlements may be on the horizon and you may be entitled to compensation if you’ve used Johnson & Johnson talcum powder and been diagnosed with a specific type of cancer (see below).
At Riddle & Brantley, our talcum powder lawyers are actively investigating these claims and are ready to fight for those whose cancer has potentially been caused by asbestos-contaminated talcum powder.
Potential cancers that may be caused by potentially contaminated Johnson & Johnson talcum powder / baby powder include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrioid ovarian cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Borderline serous tumor
- Borderline mucinous tumor
Those qualifying for baby powder cancer claims:
- Must have used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower talcum powder for 4+ years continuously in the general area
- Must be diagnosed with any of the cancers listed above
- Must have been diagnosed in 2000 or later
- Must have used talcum powder before menopause
- Must have received chemotherapy or hysterectomy
Plaintiffs in ongoing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson allege that the manufacturer was aware of potentially cancer-causing asbestos contamination in its baby powder products since the 1980’s.
If you have been diagnosed with one of the cancers listed above after using Johnson & Johnson talcum powder / baby powder, please call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation.
There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your potential talcum powder cancer claim.

Potentially Large Settlement(s) on the Horizon
Johnson & Johnson had already suffered a series of stinging defeats in courtrooms prior to the decision to allow these lawsuits to go forward.
In September 2019, the manufacturing giant was ordered to pay $37.3 million over allegations that asbestos in Johnson & Johnson talcum powder caused mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.
More major court decisions and settlements may be on the way.
“If your cancer was potentially caused by possibly asbestos-contaminated Johnson & Johnson talcum powder, now is the time to file a claim.”
-Gene Riddle, attorney and managing partner, Riddle & Brantley
For more information on how Riddle & Brantley is committed to holding Johnson & Johnson accountable for potentially dangerous talcum powder / baby powder, please see our talcum powder cancer lawsuit page.
To speak with a product liability attorney handling baby powder cancer claims, please call 1-800-525-7111 today or fill out the short form below.
We believe Justice Counts for victims of dangerous products and we would love to help you if we can.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation case review.