Johnson & Johnson Proposes $8.9 Billion Talcum Powder Cancer Settlement
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.
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?
While 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, endometrial ovarian cancer, or mesothelioma. 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.