The Guardian: Johnson & Johnson reaches settlement in nearly 76,000 talc lawsuits after a decade of litigation

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay approximately $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and other talc-based products caused ovarian cancer, potentially bringing a decade-long legal battle to a close, The Guardian reports.

According to the company, the settlement covers around 76,000 lawsuits, including cases consolidated in federal court in New Jersey as well as related claims filed in state courts. These represent nearly all remaining talc-related claims against the company. Johnson & Johnson had previously resolved most lawsuits alleging that its talc products contained asbestos and caused mesothelioma.

Law firms representing the plaintiffs confirmed the agreement, describing it as a significant resolution to years of litigation. For the settlement to take effect, 95% of plaintiffs with ovarian cancer claims in state or federal court must agree to its terms.

Johnson & Johnson Vice President of Litigation Erik Haas reiterated that the company considers the allegations to be without merit but said it had chosen to settle in order to bring the long-running litigation to an end.

The company expects to pay $3 billion in 2027, with additional payments scheduled for 2028. However, the total amount could increase depending on how many plaintiffs join the agreement. According to plaintiffs' attorney Chris Seeger, who participated in the negotiations, total payouts could ultimately reach $7 billion or more.

The settlement follows a series of legal victories for Johnson & Johnson, including favorable trial outcomes and court rulings that limited the testimony of some expert witnesses presented by the plaintiffs. Last week, a federal judge also questioned whether the plaintiffs would be able to prove that exposure to talc was the direct cause of their ovarian cancer.

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