Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder (Ovarian Cancer & Mesothelioma) Mass Tort Bankruptcy Litigation
Case Overview
For decades, plaintiffs have alleged that asbestos contamination in Johnson & Johnson's iconic talc-based products — most notably Johnson's Baby Powder — caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma in thousands of women who used them. Internal J&J documents uncovered in litigation showed that the company's own scientists detected asbestos in talc samples going back to the 1970s, yet the company continued to market the products as safe. J&J discontinued its talc-based Baby Powder in the U.S. and Canada in 2020, citing 'misinformation' and declining sales, but maintained the product was safe. By 2023, roughly 60,000 personal injury claims were pending nationwide.
To resolve its mounting talc liability, J&J employed a controversial legal maneuver known as the 'Texas Two-Step,' spinning off its talc liabilities into a subsidiary called LTL Management LLC and filing it for bankruptcy — a move intended to consolidate all claims into a single bankruptcy proceeding and cap J&J's total payout. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals twice dismissed the LTL bankruptcy as filed in bad faith, ruling that a financially healthy company could not use bankruptcy to shield itself from mass tort liability. J&J subsequently proposed a $6.475 billion settlement to resolve all current and future talc claims. In 2025, a federal judge was weighing whether to approve the plan, which requires support from 75% of claimants. The case remains one of the most closely watched mass tort proceedings in modern U.S. legal history.
Who May Qualify
You may be eligible if you regularly used Johnson & Johnson talc-based products (such as Johnson's Baby Powder or Shower to Shower) and were subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, peritoneal cancer, or mesothelioma. Family members of deceased individuals who meet these criteria may also file claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Johnson & Johnson talcum powder settlement I can file a claim for?
J&J has proposed a $6.475 billion bankruptcy settlement to resolve all talc-related cancer claims, but it must be approved by the bankruptcy court and accepted by 75% of claimants before it becomes final. If you have a pending claim or believe you qualify, you should consult a mass tort attorney immediately, as deadlines in bankruptcy proceedings can be strict.
What cancers are linked to Johnson's Baby Powder?
Plaintiffs in the J&J talc litigation primarily allege ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer from perineal use of talc products, as well as mesothelioma linked to asbestos contamination of the talc. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies talc-based body powder used in the genital area as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans.'
What is the Texas Two-Step bankruptcy and how does it affect my J&J claim?
The 'Texas Two-Step' is a maneuver where a company creates a subsidiary, transfers its liabilities to it, and then has that subsidiary file for bankruptcy — shielding the parent company from individual lawsuits. J&J used this strategy twice with LTL Management, but the Third Circuit rejected both attempts. The current settlement proposal is being evaluated in a new bankruptcy filing and could, if approved, require claimants to accept a set payment rather than pursue individual jury trials.
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