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İle Christopher R. LoPalo, Ortak
As someone who has represented countless individuals and families affected by talc-related cancers, I’m often asked whether these cases are winding down. The short and unequivocal answer is no. In fact, the talc litigation landscape is very much alive, with several significant jury verdicts in recent months and major legal hurdles faced by the companies involved.
Recent jury decisions, combined with important rulings from bankruptcy courts, indicate that the path to justice remains open for those harmed by talc products. Here’s a closer look at what’s been happening:
Recent Major 2025 Verdicts
- $966 Million – Los Angeles (Oct. 7, 2025)
A California jury awarded $966 million to a woman diagnosed with mesothelioma after long-term use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder. The $16 million in compensatory damages, alongside $950 million in punitive damages, speaks to the severity of the harm caused, as well as the jury’s view on the company’s alleged misconduct. While Johnson & Johnson has indicated it will appeal, the reverberations of this verdict are already being felt across the country in other courtrooms. - $20 Million – Fort Lauderdale (Oct. 29, 2025)
A Florida jury awarded $20 million to the family of a physician who died of mesothelioma after years of talc use. This case underscores that major verdicts aren’t confined to any single demographic. Even those with non-occupational exposure or professional backgrounds are succeeding in court when the evidence supports their claims. - $42.6 Million – Massachusetts (July 29, 2025)
In another significant case, a Massachusetts jury awarded $42.6 million in compensatory damages after finding that a woman’s decades-long use of talc caused her mesothelioma and that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn consumers about the risks. Under Massachusetts law, punitive damages weren’t an option, but the award demonstrates the seriousness with which these cases are being considered in court. - $8 Million – Massachusetts (June 18, 2025)
In Suffolk County, a jury awarded $8 million to another woman diagnosed with mesothelioma due to prolonged talc use. The jury awarded $5 million for past pain and suffering and $3 million for future suffering. This case shows that even when verdicts aren’t as large as those in high-profile cases, meaningful compensation is still being granted to victims and their families.
The Takeaway
These recent verdicts confirm that talc litigation is far from over. Courts across the country remain receptive to well-documented claims, particularly those involving mesothelioma caused by asbestos contamination in talc products. From $8 million to nearly $1 billion in punitive damages, these cases highlight the seriousness of the allegations and the variability in outcomes, depending on the evidence, the disease in question, and the jurisdiction.
Moreover, the rejection of Johnson & Johnson’s proposed bankruptcy settlement further ensures that these claims will be litigated in open court rather than being bundled into a single, sweeping settlement deal. This ruling keeps the door wide open for those affected by talc-related cancers to pursue justice in a courtroom.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer after years of using talc products, these verdicts should serve as a clear signal: it’s not over. The courts are still open, and they’re still listening. The fact that juries continue to hold companies accountable, and that these cases continue to move through the legal system, means that your time to act is now. If you or a loved one is suffering, it’s crucial to reach out and explore your legal options.
The momentum in talc litigation is undeniable. As more cases move forward, there’s a real opportunity for justice for those harmed by companies who have failed to warn the public about the dangers of asbestos in their products.