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Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Talcum powder and other products containing talc may be contaminated with asbestos, which is known for causing illnesses like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Those who got sick after exposure to talc may be able to seek compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve secured over $10.5 billion for families affected by asbestos-related illnesses, including those linked to talc.
Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if we may be able to fight for you. Thousands of talc exposure victims have already taken action.
Asbestos in Talc & Cancer Risks
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral that’s often used in cosmetics and personal care products like baby powder and makeup. However, talc frequently forms near asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. The two minerals may be combined during the mining process.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t have the authority to regulate cosmetic products like talcum powder before they go on the market, so the responsibility to warn consumers about potential dangers shifts to manufacturers.
Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest talcum powder manufacturers, has long denied the presence of asbestos in their products and failed to warn the public about any link between talc and cancer.
What’s the latest with the talcum powder lawsuit?
- As of August 2025, more than 63,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed.
- Victims allege exposure to certain talc-containing baby powders, body powders, and makeup products caused them to develop ovarian cancer and mesothelioma later in life.
- In the 1970s, talcum powder particles were found in ovarian tumors — but Johnson & Johnson denied the findings and continued to use talc for decades without warning consumers.
- The company has tried to resolve thousands of talc ovarian cancer claims by declaring bankruptcy 3 times, but each effort has failed.
- In July 2018, $4.69 billion was awarded to 22 women with ovarian cancer in Missouri, and many more results have since occurred.
- In 2024, our firm won a $24.4 million talc verdict from Avon Products Inc. for a Chicago janitor with mesothelioma.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we have over 25 years of experience holding negligent companies accountable and securing justice for families.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, contact us now to see if we may be able to file a talcum powder cancer lawsuit on your behalf.
Get a Free Legal Consultation
- We fight to maximize your results
- Many clients get results in as few as 90 days
- No out-of-pocket costs for you or your family
Mesothelioma Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Talcum powder may be contaminated with asbestos fibers, which can cause mesothelioma 10-50 years after being inhaled or ingested. This cancer may stem from everyday cosmetics that contain talc, like baby powder and body powder used to absorb moisture.
Mesothelioma may also be caused by secondary asbestos exposure. If someone doesn’t directly use talcum powder, they may still come in contact with it on a loved one’s clothes or in a shared living space, where it can linger in the air.
These exposures can be more difficult for patients to recognize, but an increasing number of families are now connecting the dots.
In fact, there has been a more than 100% increase in mesothelioma talcum powder lawsuits filed from 2021 to 2024, according to industry data.
By filing a talcum powder mesothelioma lawsuit, families may be able to get help paying for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Ovarian Cancer and Talcum Powder Lawsuit
For years, talcum powder was advertised for genital use to absorb moisture, prevent chafing, and maintain freshness. However, using talc in the genital area can increase the risk of ovarian cancer by 33%, according to the Journal of Epidemiology.
Talcum powder can travel into the body through the vagina and fallopian tubes, reaching the ovaries and causing irritation linked to the growth of ovarian cancer cells. In fact, talcum powder particles were found in ovarian tumors as early as the 1970s.
Thousands of women have taken legal action for ovarian cancer, with the majority of these claims being filed against Johnson & Johnson. Over 63,000 ovarian cancer talcum powder lawsuits are currently pending in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is similar to a class action lawsuit.
“Women who trusted Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and other products to help maintain cleanliness for decades are now filing lawsuits after discovering the product was a contributing factor in their cancer diagnoses. These women deserved to have been warned so they could have made informed choices about their health and safety.”
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Settlements & Verdicts
Talcum powder settlements and verdicts have been awarded to both those who worked with talc in industrial settings and those exposed through everyday cosmetic use, like baby powder and makeup.
In courtrooms across the country, juries have awarded significant compensation to patients and their families who weren’t warned about the health risks linked to talc.
Past talcum powder lawsuit settlements and verdicts include:
- $4.69 billion for 22 women who used J&J’s baby powder and developed ovarian cancer, though this was eventually reduced to $2.1 billion
- $45 million to the family of an Illinois woman with mesothelioma
- $3.8 million to the family of a laborer in Pennsylvania
- $15 million for a Connecticut man with mesothelioma
- $2.86 million to a Delaware man who passed away from mesothelioma
- $29 million for a woman with mesothelioma who used J&J’s baby powder
- $18.8 million for a California man with mesothelioma
- $24.4 million to a Chicago janitor with pleural mesothelioma
Despite denying the allegations of asbestos in their talc products for decades, Johnson & Johnson has reportedly settled 95% of mesothelioma talc cases, according to the company.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we’ve secured over $10.5 billion for families impacted by asbestos-related illnesses, including those linked to talcum powder.
Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if you may be eligible for compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
$24.4 Million Chicago Avon Talcum Powder Verdict
In the early 1980s, Cipriano Ramirez worked as a janitor at an Avon facility in Illinois. Here, the company processed and made products with asbestos-contaminated talc.
Decades later, Ramirez was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Instead of enjoying retirement, he was forced to fight for his life against this aggressive cancer.
Our firm was able to secure a $24.4 million mesothelioma verdict on behalf of Ramirez and his family while holding Avon accountable for failing to protect their employees.
“The jury rejected Avon’s reprehensible attempts to impugn the dignity and integrity of Cipriano Ramirez and found that Avon was responsible for his cancer diagnosis,” said Partner Jennifer Alesio, who served as lead trial attorney.
$3.8 Million Talcum Powder Lawsuit Verdict
Dan Rugg worked at Washington Penn Plastics, where he was tasked with dumping large bags of industrial talc into storage hoppers. The company knew their talc contained asbestos as early as the 1960s, but they never informed Rugg or gave him protective equipment.
After a 3-week trial, we won a $3.8 million talcum powder lawsuit verdict for the family of Dan Rugg, a Pennsylvania maintenance worker who passed away after a battle with mesothelioma.
The jury found that Washington Penn failed to provide a reasonably safe workplace for their employees and held the company accountable for their negligence.
“This lawsuit was never about the money,” Dan’s wife Sandra said. “This is about the fact that a jury has held Wash Penn responsible for putting profits over its people. I hope no other family has to go through the loss and pain my family and I have experienced.”
$2.86 Million Delaware Asbestos Talc Lawsuit
For nearly 40 years, Michael Galliher worked at Crane Plumbing Fixtures Factory. He used talc powder to dust molds of sinks, bathtubs, and other ceramic fixtures. However, Galliher was unaware that the talc was contaminated with asbestos.
When he was 62, Galliher was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and passed away just a few months later. His family contacted our mesothelioma attorneys for help seeking justice on his behalf.
We were able to trace the asbestos fibers found in his lungs back to a specific mine in New York, which was owned by RT Vanderbilt Company, Inc.
A Delaware jury found the company failed to warn about the presence of asbestos in their talc and awarded $2.86 million to Galliher’s family. This was the largest asbestos verdict against a single defendant in Delaware in over a decade.
“Like many Americans, he worked hard his entire life so he could enjoy retirement with his grandchildren. Instead, it caused him to be exposed to asbestos and develop a deadly cancer,” said Galliher’s attorney.
Who Qualifies for the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one was exposed to talc and later diagnosed with ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or another related illness, you may be able to file a talcum powder lawsuit.
Even if you’re not sure how or when you were exposed, our asbestos law firm has the resources to identify potential exposure sources and build a strong case on your behalf.
Those eligible to take legal action may include:
- The patient
- Their family members
- The estate representative of a patient who passed away
If your friend or family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, talking to them about their legal options could help secure their future and ease the financial burden of treatment.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights. Contact us now to find out if you may qualify for the talcum powder lawsuit.
Talcum Powder Lawsuit Deadline
The talcum powder lawsuit deadline is determined by statutes of limitations, which are state laws that set strict time limits for filing legal claims.
You have anywhere from 1 to 6 years after your diagnosis or the death of a loved one, depending on the state where you file your talcum powder claim.
Missing this deadline could mean losing out on the justice and compensation you deserve, so it’s important to contact a law firm as soon as possible.
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- We fight to maximize your results
- Many clients get results in as few as 90 days
- No out-of-pocket costs for you or your family
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit & Settlement Updates
Johnson & Johnson has faced tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that their talc-based products, including the iconic Johnsons® Baby Powder, caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma due to asbestos contamination.
To address these claims, the company has repeatedly attempted to use a controversial legal strategy known as the “Texas Two-Step.” This involves creating a subsidiary to take on their talc-related claims and then filing for bankruptcy on behalf of the subsidiary.
While J&J’s first two bankruptcy settlement attempts were rejected by the courts, the company made a third attempt in September 2024.
Here’s the latest news on the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit:
- J&J proposed an $8 billion settlement to resolve all current and future ovarian cancer claims filed against them, which would be paid out over the next 25 years.
- More than 75% of plaintiffs reportedly voted in favor of J&J’s settlement offer, allowing them to move forward with their bid for bankruptcy. However, some feel the proposed payout isn’t enough.
- As of July 2025, J&J’s bankruptcy settlement plan has been rejected, with claims now continuing individually against the company.
Johnson & Johnson continues to claim their products are safe, yet the company switched to a cornstarch-based formula for their baby powder in 2023 while quietly settling multiple talc lawsuits.
How Filing a Talc Powder Lawsuit Works
Talc powder lawsuits are filed against the makers and sellers of talc-containing products. Thousands of victims feel they weren’t properly made aware of the risks linked to these products.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we can handle every step of the legal process for you, allowing you to focus on your health while we fight for the justice you deserve.
Our talcum powder lawsuit lawyers can:
- Provide a Free Consultation: We’ll ask about your exposure to talc, answer your questions, and determine if you may be eligible to take legal action.
- Build a Strong Case on Your Behalf: Our team will identify which asbestos-containing products you were exposed to, the companies responsible for your illness, and evidence showing they knew about the risks associated with their products.
- File Your Talc Powder Lawsuit: We’ll file your lawsuit in the correct court before any deadlines pass.
- Negotiate a Talcum Powder Settlement: By negotiating a talcum powder settlement with the defendant(s), we’ll work to secure compensation for you as quickly as possible — without going to court.
- Present Your Case in Court: Our team is prepared to fight for a trial verdict on your behalf if a settlement is unable to be reached.
Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
What Proof Do I Need for a Talc Cancer Lawsuit?
We understand how overwhelming it can be to take legal action after a cancer diagnosis or the death of a loved one. Our firm has helped thousands of families secure justice from powerful companies and is ready to support you every step of the way.
To pursue a talc cancer lawsuit, we’ll need to gather evidence showing you used talc products, were diagnosed with cancer or another related illness, and that talc may have played a role in causing or increasing your risk of developing the illness.
Proof that may support your case includes:
- Receipts or product containers of talc-based products you used
- Medical records showing your talcum powder cancer diagnosis
- Statements from coworkers or family members who witnessed your talc exposure
- Internal documents showing the company knew of potential risks linked to talc and asbestos exposure but failed to warn consumers
With a warehouse of evidence on asbestos-containing products and decades of experience helping families like yours, we’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
“Every single client that comes to us is treated respectfully and with an interest in their specific case. Nobody has the same case as the next person.”
Who Is Being Sued for Talcum Powder?
For decades, a number of popular companies made and sold talc-based products without warning about the risks of asbestos contamination.
Now, many of these companies are being held accountable through lawsuits filed by those with illnesses like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Companies being sued for talcum powder include:
- Avon®, a popular cosmetics company that sold talc-containing body powders
- Chanel®, which used talc in loose face powder and body powder
- Colgate-Palmolive®, which made Cashmere Bouquet® Talcum Powder
- Imerys Talc America, a talc supplier for companies like J&J
- Johnson & Johnson, maker of Johnson’s® Baby Powder and Shower to Shower®
- Revlon®, which previously used talc in their body products
- Sanofi®, which made products like Gold Bond® and Gold Bond Ultimate®
- Whittaker, Clark & Daniels, an industrial talc producer
Countless Americans have used these products, unknowingly putting themselves at risk of exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one has been affected, you may be able to take legal action against the company responsible for your illness.
Why Choose Our Talcum Powder Attorneys?
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we have the resources, experience, and dedication needed to take on large corporations and fight for justice on behalf of families affected by dangerous products like talcum powder.
Our talcum powder attorneys have:
- Over 25 years of experience with asbestos litigation
- Successfully secured results for families harmed by talc exposure
- No upfront costs or hourly fees
- Access to a vast database of evidence on asbestos products and company records
- Recovered more than $10.5 billion from asbestos claims
If you have a case, our talcum powder attorneys may be able to travel to you for free, regardless of where you’re located in the United States.
We’ve stood up to some of the largest companies in the country — and secured life-changing results for thousands of families like yours.
Talc Asbestos Testing FDA Proposal
In December 2024, the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) put forward a new rule aimed at standardizing how companies test for the presence of asbestos in cosmetic talc products.
Currently, the process of testing cosmetic talc for asbestos contamination isn’t federally regulated. Companies may follow voluntary guidelines, but this new rule would implement consistent protocols across the board.
The proposed testing methods include:
- Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
- Transmission Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy/Selected Area Electron Diffraction (TEM/EDS/SAED)
By requiring companies to test each batch of talc for microscopic asbestos fibers, the FDA hopes to protect consumers and reduce the number of asbestos-related illnesses in the United States.
Under this proposed rule, products sold by companies that refuse to engage in these testing methods would be considered adulterated or unsafe. Although the rule is still under review and not yet in effect, it represents a major step forward for consumer safety.
Contact Our Talcum Powder Lawsuit Lawyers
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we understand how devastating an ovarian cancer or mesothelioma diagnosis can be — especially when it could’ve potentially been prevented. Companies that continued to sell talcum powder products despite evidence linking them to cancer put profits ahead of people’s health.
As a national mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy has a long history of securing meaningful results for victims of asbestos exposure — including the largest mesothelioma verdict against a single defendant: $250 million.
Our talcum powder lawsuit lawyers may be able to help families in all 50 states seek justice and compensation for the harm they’ve endured.
Call (800) 326-8900 now or fill out our contact form to see if our talcum powder lawsuit lawyers may be able to fight for you.
Mesothelioma Talcum Powder Lawsuit FAQs
What qualifies for the talcum powder lawsuit?
If you used talcum powder products and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or ovarian cancer, you may be able to seek compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
Find out if you may qualify for the talcum powder lawsuit by contacting us for a free legal consultation.
What is the latest on the talcum powder lawsuit?
As of August 2025, more than 63,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against product manufacturers and talc suppliers, with the majority targeting Johnson & Johnson.
Earlier this year, J&J’s third attempt to resolve talcum powder claims through bankruptcy was denied by the court. The company has since announced they don’t plan to appeal the decision, meaning litigation will now move forward in courtrooms across the country.
Has anyone received money from a talcum powder lawsuit?
Yes. Billions of dollars have been awarded to families impacted by mesothelioma or ovarian cancer from talcum powder use.
Past talcum powder lawsuit settlements and verdicts include:
- $4.69 billion for 22 women with ovarian cancer, which was later reduced to $2.12 billion
- $45 million to the family of an Illinois woman with mesothelioma
- $18.8 million for a 24-year-old man in California with mesothelioma
- $15 million to a Connecticut man with mesothelioma
- $29 million for a woman with mesothelioma who used J&J’s baby powder
In July 2024, our firm won a $24.4 million talc verdict against Avon for a Chicago janitor with mesothelioma. In the 1980s, he had helped keep the facilities clean, sweeping up asbestos dust and unknowingly breathing in the toxic fibers.
Call (800) 326-8900 now to see if you may be eligible for compensation from a talcum powder lawsuit.
What is the talcum powder lawsuit statute of limitations?
The talcum powder lawsuit statute of limitations varies by state. You have between 1 and 6 years to take legal action after your diagnosis or the death of a loved one.
Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to take legal action again. Contact our team now so you don’t miss your chance for justice.
What is the average payout for the talcum powder lawsuit?
Talcum powder lawsuit payouts have varied widely, with some families receiving millions of dollars. The amount of money you may receive from a talcum powder lawsuit depends on many factors, including the severity of your illness, the cost of your medical bills, and how long you used talc products.
When will the talcum powder lawsuit be settled?
A settlement has been reached in approximately 95% of Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuits involving mesothelioma. The company’s $8 billion bankruptcy settlement offer to resolve ovarian cancer claims was denied, so those lawsuits continue to move forward in court.
Claims against other talcum powder companies are still pending. While some families have already received compensation, the timing of settlements varies based on the unique circumstances of each case.
Is the Johnson and Johnson lawsuit still going on?
Yes. Over 63,000 talcum powder lawsuits are still pending against Johnson and Johnson as of August 2025.
For decades, J&J has been fighting accountability, insisting their products are safe while settling many cases and removing talc from their ingredients. The company has also faced criticism for delaying justice as victims pass away while waiting for their day in court.
Did Johnson and Johnson settle the talcum powder lawsuit?
Johnson and Johnson’s proposed $8 billion settlement to resolve thousands of ovarian cancer claims was rejected by a bankruptcy judge in March 2025. Families can now seek individual settlements or verdicts for ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder.
To date, the company has already settled around 95% of the talcum powder mesothelioma claims filed against them.
How many talcum powder cases are there?
Over 63,000 talcum powder cases have been filed against manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson, claiming prolonged use of their products led to serious health issues like ovarian cancer.
What are talcum powder exposure side effects?
One of the most serious side effects of talcum powder exposure is an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Genital use of talcum powder was found to increase the risk of ovarian cancer by over 30%, according to the Journal of Epidemiology.
On a wider scale, talcum powder side effects may also include:
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Coughing
- Fast and shallow breathing
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory problems in infants
- Talcosis (acute or chronic lung irritation)
- Triggering of asthma symptoms
- Wheezing
Despite studies linking talcum powder to certain health risks, some manufacturers failed to warn consumers about these dangers.
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Reviewed by:Laurence Valere Nassif- Fact-Checked
- Legal Reviewer
With over 15 years of legal experience, Larry has secured millions of dollars on behalf of his clients and tried several cases to verdict. In 2007, he was a member of the trial team that achieved a $47.5 million verdict in Humeston v. Merck & Co. on behalf of patients who suffered cardiovascular injuries as a result of taking Vioxx. In 2003, he also helped secure a $2 million verdict on behalf of his client who suffered from Rezulin-related liver damage. He has also helped families impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from around the country.