Latest MDL-2738 Updates on Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits
As of September 2024, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is facing 58,052 pending talcum powder lawsuits consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL 2738) before Judge Michael A. Shipp in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. These lawsuits claim J&J’s talc-based baby powder products caused ovarian cancer.
On May 1, 2024, J&J proposed a $6.48 billion settlement to resolve these ovarian cancer lawsuits. The settlement would be paid out over 25 years and funded through the bankruptcy of J&J’s subsidiary, LTL Management, LLC. To proceed, 75% of the plaintiffs must vote to approve the settlement within 90 days. By July 2024, reports indicated that the required threshold was likely met, following a secret ballot vote.
In early September 2024, J&J increased its settlement offer by an additional $1.1 billion, also to be paid over 25 years. According to Reuters, J&J reached an agreement with a prominent plaintiffs’ lawyer representing 12,000 clients, which may secure the needed support to finalize the deal. However, the settlement offer does not cover mesothelioma cases.
This is not J&J’s first attempt at settling talcum powder claims. In April 2023, LTL Management filed for bankruptcy in a bid to protect J&J from litigation, offering a $9 billion settlement. However, courts rejected the bankruptcy strategy multiple times, causing earlier settlement efforts to fall through.
Diagnosed with OVARIAN CANCER or Mesothelioma after talcum powder use?
Key Moments in the Talcum Powder Lawsuits:
September 2024
- J&J adds $1.1 billion to its settlement offer. Support from a major plaintiffs’ lawyer indicates the company may have achieved the 75% plaintiff approval needed.
August 2024
- A South Carolina jury orders J&J and co-defendant American International Industries to pay $63.4 million in damages in a mesothelioma case. Additionally, J&J’s third attempt at bankruptcy is denied, though reports suggest the company met the required plaintiff approval for its settlement.
July 2024
- A federal judge allows J&J’s $6.48 billion settlement plan to move forward, despite objections. Also, The World Health Organization reclassifies talc as a “probable carcinogen,” bolstering claims that talc use increases cancer risks.
June 2024
J&J settles deceptive talc marketing claims with 42 states and Washington D.C. for $700 million, while an Oregon jury awards $260 million to a woman diagnosed with mesothelioma linked to J&J’s talcum powder.
Why Are People Filing Talcum Powder Lawsuits?
Thousands of people have filed lawsuits claiming that prolonged use of J&J’s talcum powder led to ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. These cases are primarily consolidated in MDL 2738 in New Jersey. J&J is the main defendant, but other companies involved in the production and distribution of talc-based products are also named in some lawsuits.
J&J has defended itself by arguing that ovarian cancer can be caused by various factors, but multiple scientific studies and epidemiological research suggest a link between talcum powder use and increased cancer risk. Courts have issued significant verdicts, including punitive damages, holding J&J accountable for failing to warn consumers about the potential risks.
Who Can File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talc-based products, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to build a strong case and seek compensation.
Plaintiffs should also be mindful of their state’s statute of limitations, which typically allows for about two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Talc-related cancer symptoms can take decades to appear, so early consultation with a lawyer is essential.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Talcum Powder Case
When selecting a law firm, look for experience in personal injury litigation and successful track records in talcum powder lawsuits. Choose a firm that has the resources and expertise to handle complex cases, and make sure they offer flexible options, such as virtual consultations.
Top firms to consider include The Torts Attorney’s legal partner, which has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for its clients.
