Talcum powder lawsuit claims against Johnson & Johnson represent one of the largest mass torts in American history. Over 67,000 federal cases are consolidated in MDL-2738 in New Jersey. Plaintiffs allege that decades of talcum powder use caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. J&J’s three attempts to resolve these claims through bankruptcy have all failed. As a result, cases are now moving forward through traditional litigation and court-supervised mediation. If you used talc-based baby powder for years and later developed cancer, you may qualify to file a claim.
Case Timeline
Last checked: July 10, 2026
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July 10, 2026 (Ruling): A Minnesota judge on June 29, 2026 upheld a $65.5 million jury verdict, finding sufficient evidence that J&J’s talc-based powder exposed a woman to asbestos causing her mesothelioma. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The first federal bellwether (Carter Judkins) in MDL-2738 remains on track for trial in the second half of 2026 before Judge Michael A. Shipp, D.N.J. (Judge Freda Wolfson has retired from the MDL). (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Settlement): J&J’s latest attempt to resolve 60,000+ talc claims via a ~$9 billion bankruptcy settlement was rejected by a U.S. bankruptcy judge, and no global federal settlement has been finalized as of June 2026. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Case Status): As of July 2026 the MDL had roughly 68,435 pending federal cases (over 90,000 talc lawsuits filed overall), making it the largest active MDL in the federal system with more than $7 billion in verdicts. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Ruling): A Los Angeles jury returned a defense verdict on June 5, 2026 in the second ovarian-cancer bellwether (Judge Theresa Traber), finding J&J not negligent for selling talc-based baby powder. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026: Johnson & Johnson talc lawsuit ends in mistrial as jury deadlocks – Top Class Actions (Top Class Actions)
July 03, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The first federal MDL-2738 talc trial before Judge Michael A. Shipp in New Jersey is set for 2026, following the June 5, 2026 Los Angeles bellwether verdict clearing J&J of negligence. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026 (Case Status): As of July 2026 the MDL holds more than 68,435 active pending cases before Judge Michael A. Shipp, the largest mass tort docket in the country. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026 (Settlement): Court-appointed mediators are overseeing ongoing settlement talks, but as of June 2026 no global settlement has been finalized after J&J’s prior $8B and bankruptcy-based plans were rejected. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026 (Ruling): In April 2026 The Lancet retracted a 1977 commentary long used by J&J to defend talc safety, undercutting a key defense exhibit in the MDL. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026 (Other): A June 2026 Minnesota court upheld a $65.5M mesothelioma verdict and a March 2026 federal jury returned a $50M asbestos-talc verdict against J&J, adding settlement pressure. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2738 before Judge Michael A. Shipp (D.N.J.) has grown to approximately 68,029 pending actions as of June 1, 2026, making it one of the largest active federal MDLs. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The Carter Judkins case, the first federal MDL bellwether, remains on track for trial later in 2026. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Bellwether Date): A second California bellwether ovarian cancer trial ended June 5, 2026, with a Los Angeles jury finding J&J was not negligent in selling talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Settlement): In April 2026, mediator Fouad Kurdi convened a settlement session under Judge Shipp’s order requiring both sides to send representatives with full settlement authority, though J&J maintains it does not currently intend to offer a global settlement. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Settlement): No global federal settlement has been finalized as of June 2026; J&J’s proposed $6.48 billion bankruptcy fund for 62,000+ claimants remains contested after two prior bankruptcy strategies were rejected. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Ruling): A Los Angeles judge in March 2026 vacated $950 million in punitive damages against J&J while leaving the $16 million compensatory award in place. (Court Record)
June 25, 2026: Recent Talc Verdicts Split for Johnson & Johnson – LawyersandSettlements.com (LawyersandSettlements.com)
June 22, 2026: Why Some J&J Talc Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits Win Millions While Others Lose – The Legal Examiner (The Legal Examiner)
June 17, 2026: Critical Mass With Law.com’s Amanda Bronstad: Judge in $4B Sex Abuse Settlement Probes Lawyers Over Possible Fraud, LA Juries Hit J&J With $32M Talc Verdict and a Mistrial – Law.com (Law.com)
June 16, 2026: Woman Wins $32 Million in Johnson & Johnson Lawsuit – Mesothelioma Guide (Mesothelioma Guide)
June 15, 2026: Johnson & Johnson wins talc bellwether trial over ovarian cancer claims – Class Action Lawsuits (Class Action Lawsuits)
June 05, 2026: J&J beats lawsuit alleging that talc caused three women’s cancer – Yahoo Finance (Yahoo Finance)
June 12, 2026 (Ruling): California jury returned defense verdict for J&J in the second bellwether ovarian cancer talcum powder trial on June 5, 2026 (Los Angeles, Judge Theresa Traber). (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Bellwether Date): First federal bellwether trial (Judkins v. Johnson & Johnson, ovarian cancer) expected in second half of 2026 in MDL-2738. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Settlement): Federal judge allowed J&J’s $6.48 billion, 25-year settlement plan to proceed through LTL Management’s third bankruptcy attempt, with claim processing underway and first payments scheduled for late 2026. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2738 now has 68,029 pending federal cases; over 90,000 talc lawsuits filed nationwide as of June 2026. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Settlement): Court-appointed mediator Fouad Kurdi leading settlement negotiations following July 30, 2025 order appointing lead negotiating counsel for both sides. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Ruling): Massachusetts jury awarded $42.6 million verdict against J&J in mesothelioma case, finding asbestos in baby powder was a substantial contributing factor. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Other): The Lancet retracted (April 2026) a 1977 commentary frequently cited by J&J to defend talc safety, after revealing the author was an undisclosed paid J&J consultant. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Ruling): Baltimore jury ordered J&J to pay $1.5 billion to a single mesothelioma plaintiff in December 2025 — the largest individual talc verdict to date. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Settlement): Compensation tiers range from $3,500 to $500,000 depending on diagnosis and claim tier under the approved settlement framework. (Court Record)
June 09, 2026: Los Angeles jury sides with Johnson & Johnson in bellwether talc trial – The Black Chronicle (The Black Chronicle)
June 08, 2026: Court rules for Johnson and Johnson in talc lawsuit, plaintiffs fail to prove causation – mezha.net (mezha.net)
June 05, 2026 (Ruling): Third Circuit rejected J&J’s Texas Two-Step bankruptcy strategy; all bankruptcy escape routes have been shut down as of 2025-early 2026. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Settlement): Federal judge approved J&J’s $6.48 billion 25-year settlement plan through subsidiary LTL Management, creating a compensation fund exceeding $10 billion for tens of thousands of claimants. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Settlement): Court-appointed mediator Fouad Kurdi convened rescheduled April 27, 2026 settlement session under Judge Michael Shipp’s order requiring representatives with full settlement authority on both sides. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Bellwether Date): Carter Judkins v. J&J selected as first federal bellwether trial in MDL-2738, expected in second half of 2026 before Judge Michael A. Shipp. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Ruling): March 2026 federal jury returned $50 million verdict against J&J in asbestos-contaminated talc mesothelioma case. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Ruling): March 2026 Los Angeles judge vacated $950 million in punitive damages against J&J while leaving $16 million compensatory award in place. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2738 now holds 68,029 pending cases as of June 2026 — largest mass tort docket in the country — before Judge Michael A. Shipp (not Wolfson) in D.N.J. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Settlement): First settlement distribution payments scheduled for late 2026; claim tiers range from $3,500 to $500,000 depending on diagnosis. (Court Record)
February 16, 2026: What Another Verdict Against J&J Means for the Talcum Powder Lawsuits – Consumer Notice (Consumer Notice)
June 03, 2026: $10.2 Million Verdict Names Popular Brands Sold at Walgreens, Walmart – Mesothelioma Guide (Mesothelioma Guide)
May 13, 2026: Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Settlements (2026) – Sokolove Law (Sokolove Law)
May 29, 2026: Johnson & Johnson Wins Talc Verdict in Oklahoma, Appeal in Pennsylvania – Law.com (Law.com)
May 29, 2026 (Ruling): In March 2026, a federal jury returned a $50 million verdict against J&J in an asbestos-contaminated talc mesothelioma case. (Court Record)
May 29, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The first federal MDL bellwether trial (Carter Judkins) remains on track for the second half of 2026; Judge Shipp has not yet set the exact date. (Court Record)
May 29, 2026 (Bellwether Date): A second Los Angeles state bellwether trial is scheduled before Judge Theresa Traber, following the first LA bellwether that ended with a $40 million verdict in late 2025. (Court Record)
May 29, 2026 (Bellwether Date): Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has scheduled two bellwether trials for early 2026. (Court Record)
May 29, 2026 (Settlement): Mediator Fouad Kurdi convened a court-ordered settlement session on April 27, 2026 under Judge Michael Shipp’s order requiring representatives with full settlement authority, though J&J publicly maintains it does not currently intend to offer a global settlement. (Court Record)
May 29, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2738 now has 67,623 pending cases as of May 2026, making it the largest active MDL in the federal court system with over $7 billion in cumulative verdicts. (Court Record)
March 20, 2026: Additional Talks To Settle Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits Set for April 13 – AboutLawsuits.com (AboutLawsuits.com)
May 22, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2738 has 67,623 pending cases (70,305 total), making it the largest active MDL in the federal court system with over $7 billion in cumulative verdicts. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The Carter Judkins federal bellwether — the first in MDL-2738 — remains on track for trial in H2 2026 before Judge Wolfson’s court in D.N.J. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Bellwether Date): A $40M verdict was returned in a state-court ovarian cancer bellwether trial in Los Angeles (late 2025/early 2026), with Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas also scheduling two bellwether trials for early 2026. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Ruling): In March 2026, a Los Angeles judge vacated $950 million in punitive damages against J&J while leaving the $16 million compensatory award intact in a mesothelioma case. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Ruling): A March 2026 federal jury returned a $50 million verdict against J&J in an asbestos-contaminated talc mesothelioma case. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Ruling): J&J’s proposed $8 billion global settlement plan to resolve ovarian cancer claims was rejected by a judge earlier in 2026, sending cases back to the judicial track. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Settlement): J&J’s third bankruptcy attempt through subsidiary LTL Management has reportedly reached court approval, creating a compensation fund exceeding $10 billion, though this conflicts with other sources reporting the 3rd Circuit invalidated the bankruptcy strategy. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Other): The 3rd Circuit ruled J&J’s bankruptcy strategy invalid, lifting the litigation stay and allowing MDL cases to proceed to trial. (Court Record)
April 28, 2026: What the Collapse of J&J’s Third Bankruptcy Means for Talc Claim Valuation in 2026 – JD Supra (JD Supra)
May 15, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2738 now holds 67,623 pending cases (70,305 total), making it the largest active MDL in the federal court system as of May 2026. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Ruling): 3rd Circuit ruled J&J’s bankruptcy strategy invalid; U.S. Bankruptcy Judge dismissed the case, lifting the litigation stay. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Settlement): J&J’s $8 billion bankruptcy settlement plan (25-year payout) was rejected by a judge in March 2026. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Settlement): Court-appointed mediator Fouad Kurdi convened a rescheduled April 27, 2026 settlement session under Judge Michael Shipp’s order requiring representatives with full settlement authority. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Ruling): California judge struck down $950M punitive damages award in asbestos-mesothelioma talc case but left standing $16M compensatory award and causation finding. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Michael A. Shipp approved adding Johnson & Johnson Inc. (Holdco), Kenvue Inc., and Janssen Pharmaceuticals as defendants in the MDL. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Bellwether Date): Carter Judkins v. J&J selected as first federal MDL bellwether trial, expected second half of 2026. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Ruling): The Lancet retracted a key 1977 talc safety paper after revealing the author was a secret J&J consultant, potentially undermining J&J’s defense. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Other): December 2025 Baltimore jury awarded $1.5 billion to a single mesothelioma plaintiff — the largest individual J&J talc verdict ever. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Other): Boston jury awarded $42.6 million to Paul Lovell and family in mesothelioma talc case. (Court Record)
What Is the Talcum Powder Lawsuit About?
| MDL Detail |
Current Data |
| MDL Number |
MDL-2738 |
| Pending Cases |
68,435 |
| Presiding Judge |
Freda L. Wolfson |
| Federal District |
D.N.J. |
| Data Source |
U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation |
| Last Updated |
July 06, 2026 |
The talcum powder lawsuit centers on Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and other talc-based products. Plaintiffs allege these products contained asbestos fibers. They also claim J&J knew about contamination risks for decades but failed to warn consumers. The lawsuits primarily involve women who developed ovarian cancer after long-term genital use of talcum powder. However, some cases involve mesothelioma linked to asbestos-contaminated talc.
In October 2019, the FDA found chrysotile asbestos in a lot of Johnson’s Baby Powder. J&J voluntarily recalled 33,000 bottles. Internal company documents from the 1970s reportedly showed laboratory tests detecting asbestos in the talc supply. Despite these findings, J&J continued selling talc-based products until 2020 in the U.S. The company switched to a cornstarch formula in 2023 worldwide.
Scientific research has identified a positive, statistically significant association between talc use and ovarian cancer. In January 2026, a federal judge issued a 658-page ruling allowing plaintiffs’ expert witnesses to testify about this link. This Daubert ruling was a major milestone for the talcum powder lawsuit moving forward.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
| Detail |
Information |
| MDL Number |
MDL-2738 |
| Full Title |
In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation |
| Federal District |
District of New Jersey (Trenton) |
| Presiding Judge |
Judge Michael A. Shipp (Judge Freda Wolfson recalled for Daubert motions) |
| Approximate Pending Cases |
67,000+ federal; 90,000+ including state courts |
| First Federal Bellwether |
Judkins v. Johnson & Johnson |
| Court-Supervised Mediation |
Ongoing since September 2025; sessions scheduled through 2026 |
The talcum powder lawsuit has produced landmark verdicts across multiple states. In 2018, a Missouri jury awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women. That amount was later reduced to $2.12 billion on appeal. In December 2025, a Baltimore jury awarded $1.5 billion to a single mesothelioma plaintiff. These verdicts demonstrate the severity with which juries view the evidence against J&J.
J&J attempted three times to resolve the talcum powder lawsuit through bankruptcy. The company used a strategy called the “Texas Two-Step.” It created subsidiaries to absorb talc liabilities, then filed for Chapter 11 protection. All three attempts failed. The third was dismissed in March 2025 by a Texas bankruptcy judge who found voting irregularities. J&J has announced it will not attempt a fourth bankruptcy filing.
Who Qualifies for the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
You might be eligible to join the talcum powder lawsuit if you meet certain criteria. Typically, plaintiffs used Johnson’s Baby Powder or similar talc products regularly. The exposure period often spans years or decades. Qualifying injuries include ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. In most cases, claimants must show a direct link between their product use and diagnosis.
Evidence that strengthens a claim includes purchase records and medical documentation. A confirmed cancer diagnosis is essential. Your medical records should show the type of cancer and treatment history. For example, pathology reports identifying talc particles in ovarian tissue can be powerful evidence. Testimony from family members about your product use history may also help.
Both living plaintiffs and families of deceased victims may file claims. Wrongful death lawsuits have their own filing deadlines. You should consult a licensed attorney to evaluate your specific situation. An experienced mass tort lawyer can review your medical records and determine your eligibility for the talcum powder lawsuit based on your individual circumstances.
How to File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit Claim
Filing a talcum powder lawsuit starts with contacting a qualified attorney. Mass tort law firms typically offer free case evaluations. During this review, the lawyer will assess your exposure history and diagnosis. If your case has merit, the firm will file a complaint on your behalf. Most talcum powder attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront.
Once filed, your case will likely be consolidated into MDL-2738 under 28 U.S.C. § 1407. You will need to complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet. This document details your product use, medical history, and damages. Accurate and thorough fact sheets are critical. They help your legal team position your claim effectively within the broader litigation.
The statute of limitations varies by state. In most cases, you have two to five years from the date you discovered your injury. However, the “discovery rule” is important here. The clock typically starts when you knew or should have known that talcum powder caused your cancer. Given the widespread media coverage, courts may scrutinize when a plaintiff first became aware of the risk. Do not delay in consulting an attorney about your talcum powder lawsuit options.
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Settlement Updates and What to Expect
J&J’s proposed global settlement of approximately $8 billion was rejected along with its third bankruptcy filing in March 2025. As a result, no comprehensive settlement framework currently exists. The MDL court appointed mediator Fouad Kurdi in July 2025. Formal mediation sessions began in September 2025. Additional sessions continued into April 2026. However, no global resolution has been announced as of May 2026.
Individual talcum powder lawsuit verdicts provide insight into potential case values. Jury awards have ranged from modest amounts to billions of dollars. Factors that affect potential compensation include the severity of diagnosis and the duration of product use. The strength of your evidence and your state’s legal framework also matter. Punitive damages have been awarded in many cases but are not guaranteed.
The timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Bellwether trials are ongoing in both federal and state courts. Recent verdicts in California, Missouri, Maryland, and Minnesota signal that juries continue to side with plaintiffs. These trial outcomes typically influence future settlement negotiations. Your attorney can provide the most accurate estimate based on your specific talcum powder lawsuit circumstances.
State-by-State Considerations
State tort reform laws significantly affect the talcum powder lawsuit. Each state has different rules on damage caps, punitive damages, and statutes of limitations. For example, Missouri has produced some of the largest verdicts due to its plaintiff-friendly legal environment. California coordinates its state cases through a JCCP (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding) in Los Angeles. New Jersey hosts the federal MDL while also handling state-level filings.
Other states with notable plaintiff activity include Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Minnesota. Some states cap punitive damages while others do not. Your state’s laws may also affect how the discovery rule applies to your filing deadline. A licensed attorney familiar with your state’s tort reform laws can advise how local rules impact your talcum powder lawsuit claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to file a talcum powder lawsuit?
It may not be too late. The statute of limitations depends on your state and when you discovered your injury. Many states apply a discovery rule that starts the clock at diagnosis. However, deadlines are real and approaching for many plaintiffs. Consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Do I need to pay a lawyer upfront to join the talcum powder lawsuit?
In most cases, no. Mass tort attorneys typically work on contingency fees. This means they only get paid if you receive compensation. Initial case evaluations are usually free. However, fee structures vary by firm, so ask about costs during your first consultation.
What types of cancer qualify for a talcum powder lawsuit claim?
Ovarian cancer is the most common diagnosis in these cases. Mesothelioma caused by asbestos-contaminated talc also qualifies. Some claims involve other cancers, though these are less common. Your medical records and an attorney’s review will determine whether your diagnosis meets the criteria for filing a talcum powder lawsuit.
Check If You May Qualify
Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and MDL information:
- JPML: jpml.uscourts.gov — official MDL statistics and transfer orders
- DOJ: justice.gov — settlement announcements and press releases
- FDA: fda.gov — drug recalls, warning letters, and safety alerts
- CDC: cdc.gov — health condition data and exposure guidelines
- EPA: epa.gov — environmental contamination data
- Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu — plain-English legal definitions
Content last reviewed May 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.
