Johnson & Johnson lawsuit refers to an expansive and ongoing set of legal actions facing the healthcare giant, predominantly centered on claims that its talcum powder products caused cancer, specifically ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. While the company has also contended with opioid litigation and other product liability suits, by 2025, the talcum powder cases have become its most high-profile legal challenge, involving tens of thousands of plaintiffs, enormous verdicts, and repeated attempts at large-scale settlements and bankruptcy maneuvers.
Background and Origins of Johnson & Johnson Lawsuit
Lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson first gained widespread attention in the past decade, with allegations that long-term use of the company’s talc-based products — especially Johnson’s Baby Powder — caused ovarian cancer in women and mesothelioma in both men and women through inadvertent exposure to asbestos allegedly present in the talc. Evidence from internal documents submitted in trial suggested J&J was aware of a possible link between talc contaminants and cancer risks as early as the 1970s but continued to market the powder as safe for daily use, while failing to warn consumers of potential dangers.
Key Legal Claims and Verdicts in the Talcum Powder Lawsuits
- Product Liability and Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs claim Johnson & Johnson knew or should have known about the risk that its talc was contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, and failed to adequately warn the public of these risks, leading to preventable cancers.
- Fraud and Misrepresentation: J&J stands accused of misleading the FDA, physicians, and consumers regarding the safety of its products, allegedly suppressing negative studies and prioritizing brand protection over public safety.
- Mass Tort and Class Action Litigation: By August 2025, more than 66,000 lawsuits remain pending in multidistrict litigation before Judge Michael A. Shipp in New Jersey, with over 90,000 total claims nationwide against J&J and other parties.[1][3][4][5][6][13][17][20]
Major Legal Developments in 2025
Jury Verdicts: In July 2025, a Massachusetts jury ordered J&J to pay over $42 million to a man who developed mesothelioma after decades of using their talc products. Other recent verdicts on similar grounds have been handed down, fueling momentum for plaintiffs.[1][2][3]
Settlement Offers and Bankruptcy: J&J has repeatedly attempted to resolve these claims through large-scale settlements in bankruptcy court, proposing payments of $8-10 billion to address current and future ovarian cancer and mesothelioma cases. However, federal bankruptcy judges have rejected these proposals, citing irregularities and abuses of process, especially regarding rushed and manipulated voting among plaintiffs.[4][6][15][20]
Appointment of Mediators: The federal court overseeing thousands of talc lawsuits appointed a mediator in July 2025 to structure settlement discussions, requiring both sides to negotiate in good faith even as J&J maintains its aggressive stance in court.[1][3]
Bellwether Trials: The first bellwether trial in federal court, Judkins v. Johnson & Johnson, involves a woman alleging ovarian cancer from years of talc product use, selected as the pivotal opening case for the mass litigation.[1][3]
Johnson & Johnson’s Legal Strategy and Public Response
J&J continues to deny all allegations, insisting its talc powders do not contain asbestos and do not cause cancer. The company has ceased selling talc-based powders in the United States (2020) and globally, shifting to cornstarch alternatives. While J&J maintains the safety of its products, it now faces the prospect of litigating thousands of claims individually in the tort system after failed bankruptcy and settlement efforts.[9][6]
Other Major Lawsuits: Opioids and Product Liability
- Opioid Litigation: J&J resolved opioid-related lawsuits brought by U.S. states via nationwide settlements, such as Washington receiving $149.5 million in 2025 and New York receiving up to $263 million in 2021. These agreements fund public health responses to the opioid crisis but do not include admissions of wrongdoing.[12][16][19]
- Additional Product Liability Cases: J&J faces ongoing claims related to its pelvic mesh implants, metal-on-metal hip devices, and other consumer products, contributing to a total of over 100,000 lawsuits since 2020.[10]
Broader Implications and Industry Impact
The Johnson & Johnson lawsuits highlight the growing legal and financial risks facing major consumer and pharmaceutical companies, especially regarding long-term product safety and transparency. The talcum powder litigation sets a precedent for how companies can be held accountable for historical marketing and internal safety decisions. The outcomes of bellwether trials and settlement negotiations will influence corporate conduct, compensation structures, and regulatory oversight for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson & Johnson Lawsuit
What is the basis of the lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson?
Plaintiffs allege J&J’s talcum powder contains asbestos, which causes ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, and claim the company failed to warn users of these risks.
What is the status of J&J’s bankruptcy and settlement offers?
Judges have repeatedly rejected J&J’s attempts to settle through bankruptcy courts. As of August 2025, the company faces over 66,000 pending talc lawsuits and returns to the tort system to fight claims individually.
How much have verdicts and settlements cost J&J?
Individual jury verdicts have ranged from tens of millions to over $2 billion in high-profile cases. J&J’s proposed settlements have topped $8 billion, but none have yet been approved.
Does J&J admit liability for the alleged harms?
Johnson & Johnson denies all allegations, asserts its products are safe, and continues to appeal adverse verdicts.
Conclusion
The Johnson & Johnson lawsuit represents a landmark in American product liability litigation, with tens of thousands of consumers seeking accountability and compensation for alleged harms from a widely used product. The company’s ongoing legal battles over talcum powder, opioids, and other products have already resulted in historic verdicts and settlements. The next phase, as J&J reverts to individual trials in federal court, promises to shape the future of mass torts and consumer protections.
Anyone potentially affected by Johnson & Johnson’s talc products should stay informed about new verdicts, settlements, and claim deadlines as the litigation continues to unfold and impact industry practices nationwide.
