As we start 2026, we know plaintiffs are frustrated with this litigation. Thankfully we do have some good news as discussed below. We believe a green light was just given for setting the first federal multidistrict trial start date.
Expert Challenges by J&J Fail in Federal Talc Ovarian Cancer Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Cases
In January 2026, retired Judge Freda Wolfson found the plaintiffs’ proposed experts were reliable and should testify[i]. In gearing up for the next trail, Judge Michael A. Shipp granted J&J’s motion to have another pre-trial battle of the experts. This is known as a “Daubert Motion[ii],” based on the name of a former Supreme Court case. Judges must determine that the experts base their testimony on reliable scientific information. Afterward, juries make the decisions on this evidence.
In 2020, Judge Freda Wolfosn decided that both parties had reliable experts who could be used at trial to help the jury decide the cases. For the upcoming 2026 trial, Judge Michael A. Shipp allowed J&J to redo the Daubert motions because new scientific studies were published since 2020. Retired Judge Freda Wolfosn was appointed to handle the Daubert motions.
In a recent 658-page ruling, Judge Wolfson cleared plaintiffs’ experts to testify that J&J’s talc products are linked to ovarian cancer. She concluded that the experts used reliable, mainstream scientific methods and that the epidemiological evidence shows a statistically significant association between genital talc use and ovarian cancer. Further, there was a finding that the post-2020 studies were also supportive.
Technically, Judge Wolfson’s decision is a “recommendation” to Judge Shipp, and he now must formally accept it. We believe he will.
When Will the First Ovarian Cancer Trial Start in Federal Court?
We expect the trial to start in the second half of 2026. Judge Shipp will announce the specific date in a few months. The trial could easily last 30 to 60 days. We hope there is a significant verdict for the plaintiff, and that this verdict would pressure J&J to accept a settlement framework.
State Court Talc Litigation: Recent Verdicts and Upcoming Trials
We have never seen a litigation with so many trials pending at once. J&J has taken a no settlement approach and seems fine spending the company’s wealth and fight trials.
2026 Trial Schedule and Updates
- Philadelphia Ovarian Cancer Trial (January 22, 2026): A significant ovarian cancer trial began in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has established a dedicated mass tort program for these cases, with additional trials expected throughout the year.
- Los Angeles Superior Court (January 20, 2026): A crucial trial involving ovarian cancer claims was scheduled to begin this month in the same courtroom that delivered a nearly $1 billion verdict in late 2025.
- New Jersey Superior Court (March 2, 2026): A trial date in the Carl case (state-level ovarian cancer claim) is currently set for March, though J&J has requested a continuance as of late January 2026.
Significant 2025 Verdicts
- 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.