December 3, 2024
- Talc Lawsuits Against J&J Remain on Hold: A bankruptcy judge has ruled that lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson related to its talcum powder products will remain paused until mid-March 2025. This allows J&J to continue pursuing its bankruptcy strategy to resolve tens of thousands of injury claims. A trial is scheduled for late January to determine whether the judge will approve J&J's proposed $8 billion settlement plan.
December 2, 2024
- Talc MDL Growth Slows: The talcum powder MDL saw minimal growth in November, with only three new lawsuits added. This marks the slowest month for new filings in over a year, as the focus shifts towards resolving existing claims through settlement.
November 19, 2024
- DOJ Objects to J&J's Choice of Counsel in Talc Bankruptcy: The U.S. Trustee, acting as bankruptcy monitor for the Department of Justice, has objected to Johnson & Johnson's selection of Jones Day as counsel for its subsidiary, Red River Talc LLC, in its bankruptcy case. The objection cites a conflict of interest, as Jones Day previously devised the "Texas Two-Step" tactic that allows companies to shield assets from mass tort claims through bankruptcy filings.
November 1, 2024
- Talc MDL Continues to Grow: The talcum powder MDL saw an increase of 146 new cases in October, bringing the total number of pending cases to 58,198. This continued growth highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by Johnson & Johnson regarding its talc products.
October 29, 2024
- J&J Talc Bankruptcy Hearing Set for January: A federal judge in Houston will hold a hearing in January 2025 to determine whether to approve Johnson & Johnson's latest bankruptcy plan, which aims to resolve tens of thousands of talc-related lawsuits. This comes after previous failed attempts by J&J to use bankruptcy proceedings to address these claims. The delay in reaching a resolution is causing frustration among many plaintiffs who have been waiting for years to receive compensation.
October 15, 2024
- J&J Held Liable in Talc Powder Mesothelioma Case, Ordered to Pay $15 Million: A Connecticut jury has found Johnson & Johnson liable for $15 million in damages in a lawsuit claiming its talc powder caused a man's mesothelioma. The plaintiff alleged that decades of using the company's baby powder, which he claimed contained asbestos, led to his cancer diagnosis. While Johnson & Johnson maintains its talc products are safe and asbestos-free, the jury's decision marks another legal setback for the company as it faces numerous lawsuits related to its talc products. The jury also found that the company should pay punitive damages, the amount of which will be determined later. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the verdict.
October 11, 2024
- Talc MDL Continues to Grow: The talcum powder class action MDL expanded further in September, with 115 new cases added, bringing the total to 58,052 pending cases.
October 9, 2024
- J&J Wins Key Ruling in Talc Bankruptcy Case: A Texas judge has ruled that Johnson & Johnson did not improperly manipulate bankruptcy laws by filing its talc case in Texas rather than its home state of New Jersey. This decision is a significant win for J&J, allowing it to proceed with its strategy of using a separate subsidiary, Red River Talc, to handle the bankruptcy and settlement of thousands of lawsuits alleging its baby powder caused cancer.
September 30, 2024
- J&J Accused of "Venue Shopping" in Talc Bankruptcy: The U.S. Trustee, responsible for overseeing bankruptcy proceedings, has challenged Johnson & Johnson's latest attempt to resolve its talc liabilities. The Trustee claims J&J is trying to manipulate the system by filing for bankruptcy in Texas, a potentially more favorable jurisdiction, rather than facing the consequences of previous rulings in New Jersey.
September 25, 2024
- Texas Judge Presses Pause on Talc Lawsuits: A Texas bankruptcy judge has temporarily suspended some talc lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. This pause aims to clarify whether Texas is the appropriate venue for the company's subsidiary, Red River Talc LLC, to handle these claims through bankruptcy.
September 23, 2024
- J&J Proposes $8 Billion to Settle Talc Claims: In its third attempt to resolve talc-related lawsuits through bankruptcy, Johnson & Johnson has offered an $8 billion settlement fund. This pre-packaged plan claims to have the support of a majority of current plaintiffs, but questions remain about its fairness and whether it will be approved by the court.
September 23, 2024:
- Third Bankruptcy Filing for J&J's Talc Unit: In an attempt to resolve talc-related liability claims, Johnson & Johnson's talc unit, Red River Talc LLC, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This marks the third time J&J has taken this approach. The company has proposed an $8 billion settlement fund, purportedly backed by 83% of current talc injury plaintiffs.
September 20, 2024:
- Settlement Amount Reportedly Lowered: Previous settlement rumors suggested a figure of $9.1 billion, but J&J is now reportedly indicating a lower amount of $8.2 billion. Plaintiffs are also seeking more clarity on the details of the payout structure.
September 19, 2024:
- Judge Rejects Consolidation for First Bellwether Trial: The MDL judge has denied plaintiffs' lawyers' request to consolidate two cases for the first bellwether trial, scheduled for December 3, 2024. The trial will proceed with a single plaintiff, despite arguments that consolidation would expedite the process.
September 16, 2024:
- $260 Million Talc Verdict Overturned in Oregon: An Oregon state judge has overturned a $260 million jury verdict against Johnson & Johnson in a case where the plaintiff alleged that the company's talc powder caused her mesothelioma. The judge has granted J&J's motion for a new trial, citing legal errors in the original proceedings. J&J's legal team is awaiting a written explanation of the ruling, while the plaintiff's lawyers intend to appeal the decision.
September 12, 2024
- New Talc Meso Trial in Connecticut: A 64-year-old plaintiff, diagnosed with mesothelioma, has initiated a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in Connecticut, alleging his condition is a result of lifelong exposure to the company's talcum powder products. The plaintiff states he used these products both during his childhood to alleviate rashes and later as an athlete in college.
September 9, 2024
- J&J Contemplates Increased Settlement: Reports suggest Johnson & Johnson is considering bolstering its talc settlement offer by $1.1 billion. This potential addition would raise the total settlement to a figure surpassing $9 billion, to be disbursed over a period of 25 years.
September 3, 2024
- Talc Lawsuit Numbers Continue to Climb: The number of lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson in relation to its talc products now stands at 57,937. This reflects an increase of 155 cases compared to the previous month.
August 22, 2024:
- J&J Seeks Dismissal of Talc Medical Monitoring Class Action: Johnson & Johnson has filed a motion to dismiss a proposed national class action lawsuit seeking medical monitoring compensation for individuals exposed to its talc-based products. The lawsuit aims to secure financial compensation to cover the costs of ongoing health assessments and surveillance for those who may not yet have been diagnosed with a related illness, such as ovarian or gynecological cancers. J&J's motion challenges the validity of this class action and its claims for medical monitoring compensation.
August 19, 2024:
- J&J Reportedly Secures Sufficient Support for $6.5 Billion Talc Settlement: According to a Bloomberg report, Johnson & Johnson has surpassed the 75% threshold of claimant support required for its proposed $6.5 billion settlement to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging its talc products caused cancer. The company is expected to pursue another bankruptcy bid in the near future.
August 16, 2024:
- $63 Million Awarded in South Carolina Talcum Powder Lawsuits: A South Carolina jury awarded over $63 million in two separate lawsuits related to Johnson & Johnson's talc-based baby powder. The primary plaintiff, who developed terminal lung cancer (mesothelioma) from inhaling asbestos allegedly present in the powder, was awarded over $23 million in economic and other damages, plus $30 million in punitive damages. His spouse received over $9.6 million for loss of consortium in a separate lawsuit. The verdict also found American International Industries (AII) negligent and liable for punitive damages.
August 12, 2024:
- Talc Claimants Vote to Approve Settlement Plan: While official results are pending, early indications suggest that more than the required 75% of claimants voted in favor of the latest talc settlement plan at the end of July.
July 25, 2024:
- J&J's Talc Bankruptcy Rejected Again: A U.S. appeals court upheld the dismissal of Johnson & Johnson's second attempt to resolve talcum powder lawsuits through a shell company's bankruptcy. The court ruled that the subsidiary, LTL Management, was not in "financial distress," rendering its bankruptcy filing invalid. J&J plans to appeal to the Supreme Court while simultaneously pursuing a revised strategy for settling the talc lawsuits.
July 25, 2024:
- J&J Talc Settlement Voting Deadline: Claimants have until 4:00 p.m. Central Time tomorrow to vote on whether to accept or reject the proposed $6.475 billion settlement plan for ovarian cancer claims linked to Johnson & Johnson's talc products. Voting information is available in the solicitation package sent to claimants and their attorneys. If approved by at least 75% of voters, the plan will proceed with a bankruptcy filing under the case name "In re: Red River Talc LLC" in bankruptcy court, followed by a confirmation hearing and potential objection deadlines.
July 12, 2024:
- J&J Moves to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Bankruptcy Challenge Lawsuit: Johnson & Johnson files a motion to dismiss a lawsuit accusing it of fraudulently transferring money to establish liability-limiting bankruptcies for a shell company. The lawsuit, filed by a group of plaintiffs' firms in May, claims that J&J's repeated use of the bankruptcy system to address alleged cancer liability is an abuse of process. J&J argues that the plaintiffs lack standing and fail to allege harm.
July 9, 2024:
- World Health Organization Says Talc in Johnson's Baby Powder Likely Increases Cancer Risk: The World Health Organization (WHO) determines that talc in Johnson's Baby Powder probably increases the risk of ovarian cancer. The findings are based on studies in humans and animals, with consistent evidence of increased ovarian cancer incidence among women using talc-based body powder in the genital area.
July 1, 2024:
- Judge Dismisses J&J Lawsuit Against Scientist: A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit filed by Johnson & Johnson against a scientist who published research linking talcum powder to cancer. The court ruled that the research was not fraudulent or libelous and is protected under free speech rights.
July 1, 2024:
- 57,624 Pending Talcum Powder Claims Against J&J: As of July 2024, Johnson & Johnson faces 57,624 pending claims in a class action lawsuit over its talcum powder products.
June 28, 2024:
- Cancer Victims' Legal Challenge to J&J Bankruptcy Rejected: A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit filed by cancer victims accusing Johnson & Johnson (J&J) of using bankruptcy to avoid liability for allegedly asbestos-contaminated talc-based baby powder. The judge deemed any harm to the victims as "strictly hypothetical" and lacked jurisdiction to resolve a dispute over "events that have not, and may never, occur."
June 18, 2024:
- Class Action Demands Medical Monitoring for Women Exposed to Allegedly Cancerous Talc Powder: A new class action lawsuit is filed against J&J, not only seeking damages for those allegedly harmed by its talc-based baby powder but also demanding medical monitoring for long-term users who haven't yet been diagnosed with cancer. The lawsuit alleges that J&J knew of potential dangers as early as the 1970s but continued to market and sell the powder despite it being “defective, dangerous to human health, unfit and unsuitable to be advertised, marketed, and sold in the United States, and lacked proper warnings associated with their use.”
June 10, 2024:
- J&J Settles with States Over Talcum Powder Marketing: Johnson & Johnson has reached a $700 million settlement with 43 states and the District of Columbia, agreeing to cease the marketing and manufacturing of talc-based baby powder. This move signals J&J's effort to resolve ongoing litigation related to its talcum powder products.
June 6, 2024:
- J&J Talcum Powder MDL Grows: The number of pending cases in the J&J talcum powder multidistrict litigation (MDL) has risen to 57,365, indicating a significant increase in new lawsuits.
June 4, 2024:
- Oregon Jury Awards $260 Million in Talc Case: An Oregon jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $260 million to a woman who developed mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure, allegedly from using the company's baby powder.
May 30, 2024:
- J&J Accused of Bankruptcy Scheme: A class action lawsuit filed by over 50,000 cancer victims accuses Johnson & Johnson of manipulating the bankruptcy system to avoid talcum powder lawsuits. The plaintiffs allege fraudulent financial maneuvers and a "bait-and-switch" settlement tactic.
May 1, 2024:
- $6.5 Billion Global Settlement Proposed: J&J announced a $6.5 billion global settlement to resolve the majority of talcum powder ovarian cancer claims. The deal involves a third bankruptcy filing by a J&J subsidiary and is subject to approval by plaintiffs on July 26, 2024.
2024 Overview:
April 2024:
- A Chicago jury ordered J&J and its spinoff Kenvue to pay $45 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma allegedly linked to asbestos-contaminated talc.
- A Florida jury ruled in favor of J&J, finding that its baby powder was not responsible for a woman's ovarian cancer.
- A New Jersey judge ruled that Johnson & Johnson can challenge the scientific evidence linking talcum powder to cancer risk in over 53,000 lawsuits. This decision could significantly impact the future of these cases, as J&J aims to discredit the "junk science" it claims supports the plaintiffs' claims. J&J has until July 23 to update its arguments about the scientific evidence in the case. From there, it will be up to Judge Shipp to decide whether he will allow the expert testimony to be presented in the lawsuits going forward.
January 2024:
- J&J investors filed a class action lawsuit alleging the company made misleading statements about the safety of its talc products.
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Why is talcum powder a hot topic now?
Talcum powder. That small plastic bottle we all have nestled among our bathroom essentials, right next to our lotions and soaps? It's usually our go-to for keeping things dry and comfy, but recently, it's been making headlines for reasons that are anything but comfortable.
It turns out that talcum powder is made from talc, and here's where things get a bit sticky – talc can sometimes get cozy with asbestos in the ground. Both talc and asbestos are scooped up from the earth. Because they're often neighbors underground, talc can get tainted with asbestos during the mining shuffle. Asbestos, while great for building materials, poses a real hazard when inhaled due to its link to serious diseases, like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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The science bit: Talc, asbestos, and health risks
Research on this is a bit of a mixed bag, but let’s lay it out: scientists have spotted tiny particles of talc hanging out in human tumors. Plus, whispers in the medical community suggest that using talcum powder for personal hygiene could bump up the risk of ovarian cancer. This has led to a slew of court cases with plaintiffs calling out big corporations for not cluing them in.
The American Cancer Society tells us that talcum powder is a mix of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. Meanwhile, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of WHO, has flagged asbestos as a cancer-causing culprit, and that includes talc that’s been hanging out with asbestos.
The National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) has also thrown in its two cents, suggesting a possible link between talc and ovarian cancer. This has sparked concerns since there’s a chance asbestos could be tagging along in some talc products. And nobody wants to breathe that in or apply it anywhere on their body.
To nip this in the bud, back in 1973, the FDA stepped up to the plate and started insisting that talcum powder be tested to make sure it's asbestos-free.
Johnson & Johnson: Under the microscope
Johnson & Johnson, a name we all know, is feeling the heat. They found themselves in a bit of a pickle with traces of asbestos in their baby powder, leading to a hasty product recall. They insist their products are safe but are now shifting gears to cornstarch-based formulas in North America – kind of a "better safe than sorry" move.
The New Brunswick-based giant pulled their talc powders from the US and Canada markets in 2020, pointing to dwindling sales and choosing cornstarch instead. They’ve promised to wipe the slate clean of talc-based powders globally by year's end.
Despite the investigations and lawsuits suggesting J&J knew about the asbestos risk and kept mum, they stand by their product's safety. Still, they're facing a mountain of cases – over 51,300 – and have earmarked a staggering $8.9 billion to settle these claims.
Where does that leave you?
If you’re a talcum powder user, you might be feeling a bit on edge. Here’s the gist: if you think your health woes might be tied to talcum powder, you’re not alone, and there could be a legal avenue open for you.
As of April 2023, J&J has set up a trust fund, planning to shell out over $12 billion to make amends to those affected by talcum powder-related cancers. If you or someone close has been hit with a diagnosis like ovarian cancer and you have a history with J&J’s talcum powder, there might be compensation on the table for you.
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Bottom line: While talcum powder has been as familiar as an old friend, it's important to stay in the know about what you're using. With all the legal dust-ups, companies might just have to clear the air about what's in their products.
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Mass torts vs. class actions at a glance
When we're talking about mass tort and class action lawsuits, we're discussing two distinct legal approaches used to handle claims where many individuals are harmed by the same entity or event.
Mass tort lawsuits are a way to handle legal cases where many individuals have been harmed, but each person's situation is distinct. Think of it like a neighborhood where every house has different damage after a storm. In a mass tort, each homeowner would file their own lawsuit, but because the storm is the common factor, the court groups the lawsuits together to manage them more efficiently. The key here is that each person retains their own case and has a say in how it's settled, which reflects their unique damages.
In contrast, class action lawsuits and class action settlements bring people together under a single legal action. It's as if the whole neighborhood decided to sue the storm together, with one or a few neighbors representing everyone's interests. Here, individual control is limited. The representative, known as the lead plaintiff, along with their legal team, makes decisions that affect the entire group. When it comes to the payout, it's typically split evenly, or based on a formula that applies to all members.
What's best for you?
Let's quickly sum up the main points to help you decide which legal route could work better for your situation:
- Control: More personal control in mass torts; limited control in class actions.
- Compensation: Individualized in mass torts; uniform in class actions.
- Applicability: Mass torts fit for varied individual damages; class actions for uniform damages across the group.
- Efficiency: Class actions can be quicker and use fewer resources by combining claims.
So, if you're part of a group that's been wronged and you're thinking about legal action, consider these points. Do you need to maintain control over your case, or are you okay with a representative taking the lead? Do your damages require individual attention, or are they similar enough to others to share in a collective claim? Your answers will help determine whether a mass tort or a class action is the best route for your situation.
