Record Verdicts in Talc-Mesothelioma Cases
Multiple juries have returned multi-billion dollar verdicts against Johnson & Johnson in 2025, finding the company liable for mesothelioma caused by asbestos-contaminated talc in their baby powder products.
Major 2025 Verdicts
| Case | Verdict | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherie Craft | $1.56 billion | Baltimore, MD | December 2025 |
| Mae Moore Estate | $966 million | Los Angeles, CA | October 2025 |
| Anna Jean Carley | $65.5 million | Minnesota | December 2025 |
| Kent & Schultz | $40 million | Los Angeles, CA | December 2025 |
The Baltimore Verdict (December 2025)
Cherie Craft, a 54-year-old Maryland woman diagnosed with mesothelioma after over 40 years of using Johnson’s Baby Powder, received the largest individual talc verdict to date on December 23, 2025. The jury found Johnson & Johnson acted with malice in concealing the asbestos contamination of their talc products.
The verdict included:
- $59.84 million in compensatory damages
- $1 billion in punitive damages against J&J
- $500 million in punitive damages against Pecos River Talc LLC
The Los Angeles Verdict
The family of Mae Moore, who died from mesothelioma, received $966 million after demonstrating her cancer was caused by a lifetime of baby powder use. Evidence presented included internal company documents showing Johnson & Johnson knew about asbestos contamination for decades.
Over 90,000 Lawsuits Pending
As of 2026, Johnson & Johnson faces over 90,000 pending lawsuits related to their talc products. Most plaintiffs allege the company:
- Knew talc contained asbestos fibers
- Concealed the contamination from consumers
- Continued selling the product despite internal warnings
- Blocked efforts to add cancer warnings to labels
January 2026: Federal Expert Testimony Approved
On January 20, 2026, a court-appointed special master issued a 600-page ruling allowing expert testimony in the federal multidistrict litigation. Retired Judge Freda Wolfson found that plaintiffs’ experts meet the scientific standards required by federal law, clearing the way for federal bellwether trials later in 2026.
This ruling is significant because J&J had argued the scientific evidence linking talc to cancer was “junk science.” The special master disagreed, finding the methodologies sound and emphasizing that remaining disputes are “issues for juries” to decide.
Read the full ruling coverage →
The Science Behind the Verdicts
A 2023 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology examined 166 mesothelioma patients with cosmetic talc exposure:
- 122 cases (73.5%) had talc as their only known asbestos source
- 74.7% of patients were women
- Average talc use duration: 40.8 years
- Average latency period: 52.4 years
Without documenting talc exposure history, these cases would have been classified as “idiopathic”, mesothelioma with no known cause.
Johnson & Johnson’s Response
Johnson & Johnson:
- Stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the US (2020)
- Discontinued talc baby powder globally (2023)
- Now sells only cornstarch-based baby powder
- Contests the verdicts and plans appeals
The company has attempted to resolve the litigation through a proposed $8.9 billion settlement, though this has faced court challenges.
Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state—most require filing within 1-3 years of diagnosis. If you used talc products and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consult an attorney promptly to understand your options.
What This Means for Patients
If You Used Talc Products
Consider consulting with an attorney if:
- You have been diagnosed with mesothelioma
- You used Johnson’s Baby Powder or other talc products long-term
- You have no occupational asbestos exposure history
Statute of Limitations
Time limits apply to filing claims. Most states require filing within 1–3 years of diagnosis. Some states allow claims to be filed within a certain period after discovering the connection between talc and mesothelioma.
Documentation to Preserve
- Medical records and diagnosis
- Product purchase history or records
- Any remaining product containers
- Testimony from family members about product use
The Broader Talc Litigation
Beyond mesothelioma, Johnson & Johnson faces thousands of lawsuits alleging talc caused ovarian cancer. These cases cite similar evidence of asbestos contamination.
In July 2024, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified talc as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). Asbestos-contaminated talc is classified as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans).
Related Reading
- Federal Expert Testimony Ruling (Jan 2026) — 67,500 federal cases cleared for trial
- J&J’s $1.56 Billion Verdict — The record-setting Baltimore case
- California Vi-Jon Trial Underway — Non-J&J talc mesothelioma case
- Talcum Powder Lawsuits Guide — How to file a claim
What were the major 2025 talc verdicts?▼
The largest was $1.56 billion to Cherie Craft (December 2025, Baltimore)—the biggest individual talc verdict ever. Others included $966 million to Mae Moore’s estate (October 2025, Los Angeles), $65.5 million to Anna Jean Carley (December 2025, Minnesota), and $40 million in the Kent & Schultz case (December 2025, Los Angeles).
How does talc cause mesothelioma?▼
Talc and asbestos form in the same geological deposits, and mining contamination can occur. A 2023 study found that 73.5% of mesothelioma patients with talc exposure had it as their only known asbestos source. Average use was 40.8 years with a 52.4-year latency period.
Can I still file a lawsuit against J&J?▼
Yes. Despite J&J’s bankruptcy attempts (which failed), individual lawsuits continue. However, statute of limitations deadlines apply—most states require filing within 1-3 years of diagnosis. Consult an attorney promptly if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and used talc products.
What evidence should I preserve?▼
Preserve medical records and diagnosis documents, product purchase history or records, any remaining product containers, and testimony from family members about product use. This documentation strengthens your case and helps establish your exposure history.