Written by Victoria Frusci
Many health studies have linked talc baby powder use to ovarian, fallopian and peritoneal cancers. Based on our information from prior trials, medical studies, we can discuss how qualifying claims may be evaluated.
Though leading companies like Johnson & Johnson have recently replaced the talcum powder in their old formulas with cornstarch, talc baby powder remained a household staple for over a century. As the harmful effects of talc become increasingly evident, the widespread scale of talc product use becomes all the more concerning. This tragedy has led to many trials with significant verdicts.
The medical journeys that women and their loved ones have experienced are tragic. Recent 2025 jury trial verdicts reflect this:
- Baltimore, MD ($1.5 Billion): In December 2025, a jury awarded more than $1.5 billion to a single plaintiff, Cherie Craft, who developed mesothelioma after lifelong use of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder. This is believed to be the largest talc-related award for a single plaintiff.
- Los Angeles, CA ($966 Million): In October 2025, the family of Mae Moore was awarded $966 million ($16 million compensatory and $950 million punitive) in a fatal mesothelioma case.
- St. Paul, MN ($65.5 Million): In December 2025, a jury awarded $65.5 million to Anna Jean Houghton Carley, a 37-year-old mother diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- Boston, MA ($42.6 Million): In August 2025, a jury awarded $42.6 million to Paul Lovell, a mesothelioma patient.
- Los Angeles, CA ($40 Million): In December 2025, two women (Monica Kent and Deborah Schultz) were awarded $40 million in compensatory damages in a bellwether ovarian cancer trial.
- Broward County, FL ($20 Million): In November 2025, the family of Dr. Alberto Casaretto Sr. was awarded $20 million in a mesothelioma case.
What Types of Cancer Could Be Considered?
Johnson’s proposed bankruptcy plan and prior trial verdicts against Johnson & Johnson focused on these cancers:
- Primary ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Primary peritoneal cancer
Since high-grade serous cancers frequently originate in the fallopian tubes but present as ovarian cancer, they’re often grouped together.
Subtypes include:
- Serous Carcinoma
- Endometrioid Carcinoma
- Clear Cell Carcinoma
- Mixed Epithelial Carcinoma*
- Undifferentiated Epithelial Carcinoma
- Ovarian Carcinoma with Epithelial Component of Unknown or Unidentified Subtype (e.g., “ovarian adenocarcinoma”)
- Borderline Ovarian Tumors with Serous, Endometrioid, or Clear Cell Subtypes
*Only combinations of the above subtypes qualified as mixed epithelial carcinoma
What May Be the Settlement Factors and Criteria in a Future Settlement Plan?
Claims may be evaluated on a tiered compensation matrix, based on factors such as:
- Age at diagnosis
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis
- Duration of J&J talc product use
- Time elapsed between diagnosis and last J&J product use
- Frequency or pattern of J&J product use
- Non-J&J talc product use
Potential payout amounts may depend on:
- Type of ovarian cancer (as listed above)
- Severity and medical outcome
- Higher-severity cases (e.g., high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma) generally fell into higher compensation tiers
- Strength of exposure evidence
- Medical risk factors, such as family history or genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer
What Could Be Needed to Qualify for Payout?
- Documented medical diagnosis of one of the covered cancers, with:
- Confirmation by pathology report or medical records
- Diagnosis occurring after J&J talc product use
- Claimant attestation to:
- Use of Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower-to-Shower
- Regular perineal (genital) application after puberty for a minimum of four (4) consecutive years
What Other Conditions Lead to These Cancers?
Factors such as family history of ovarian or colon cancer in a close relative, or personal history of colon or breast cancer negatively impacted proposed payout amounts.
BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations were also noted as payout reductions, as they increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
What Does This Mean for Claimants?
We hope future trial will bring a settlement plan for ovarian, fallopian and peritoneal cancers. In the meantime, claimants can seek justice by filing individual lawsuits.
Rheingold, Giuffra, Ruffo, Plotkin and Hellman LLP is actively filing new J&J talc cases. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer and previously used J&J baby powder, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Be sure to have access to all medical records, and gather as much evidence as possible. It is advisable to document product usage patterns and keep any previously used products you may have. Our Drug Liability Department, led by Partner David B. Rheingold, is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.