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Johnson & Johnson Proposes $8.9 Billion Talcum Powder Cancer Settlement

Riddle Brantley LLP   |  April 5, 2023   |  

Potentially marking the final phase of a years-long legal battle, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $8.9 billion to potentially settle thousands of claims alleging that the company’s talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other health problems. The proposed settlement still requires approval by a federal bankruptcy court and plaintiffs — and many are signalling they are not satisfied (more on that in a minute).

Regardless of whether the plan is accepted by plaintiffs, however, the $8.9 billion set aside by Johnson & Johnson vastly exceeds its previous plan allocating $2 billion for claimants.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2023, we can no longer accept claims involving mesothelioma potentially linked to talcum powder, only those involving ovarian cancer or endometrial ovarian cases, due to developments in this litigation. 

Reception Among Plaintiffs’ Attorneys

Not all plaintiffs’ attorneys are satisfied, however, saying that while $8.9 billion sounds like a lot, it leaves relatively little for each individual victim. Over 70,000 plaintiffs have alleged that Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder caused cancer in talcum power lawsuits. 

A separate group of lawyers representing a relatively small number of plaintiffs called the offer a “landmark” deal, and “a significant victory for the tens of thousands women suffering from gynecological cancers caused by J&J’s talc-based products.”

Next Steps in a Potential Talcum Powder Settlement

To move forward, a federal court will first have to approve the most recent bankruptcy filing by a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, as well as the settlement offer itself. At that point, a significant number of the 70,000+ claimants will also have to sign off on the global settlement. Johnson & Johnson previously lost a separate legal effort to settle the talcum powder claims through a subsidiary bankruptcy filing.

What Can Victims Expect?

Talcum Powder Lawsuit Lawyers - Riddle & BrantleyWhile the recent offer has yet to be approved by federal court and accepted by a majority of plaintiffs, it seems possible that the $8.9 billion deal proposed by Johnson & Johnson will ultimately be finalized. To be clear, however, no compensation is guaranteed, and the global settlement amount will be distributed among victims according to criteria and, potentially, a “tiered” system designed to evaluate and categorize claims by their severity.

Legal analysts, however, have noted that a recent average of talcum powder verdicts equated to more than $300,000 in compensation for each victim, and others have speculated that most claims will be worth over $100,000. However, it’s important to note there are no guarantees and the proposed settlement has not yet been approved.

“Is There Still Time to File a Claim?”

There may still be time to file a claim if you believe that Johnson & Johnson talc-based products caused your diagnosed ovarian cancer or endometrial ovarian cancer. Riddle & Brantley is actively investigating these claims and we would love to help however we can. Please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below for a FREE case review with an experienced talcum powder attorney at Riddle & Brantley. There is no obligation, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation.

Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your claim. You may be entitled to significant compensation. We believe Justice Counts for victims of potentially asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, and we’re ready to help fight for your legal rights.

IMPORTANT: As of August 2023, we can no longer accept claims involving mesothelioma potentially linked to talcum powder, only those involving ovarian cancer or endometrial ovarian cases, due to developments in this litigation.