A Minnesota jury has awarded $65.5 million to a 37-year-old mother of three who developed mesothelioma after childhood exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder. The December 20, 2025 verdict is believed to be the largest asbestos-related award in Minnesota history.
Anna Jean Houghton Carley was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2025. Her legal team argued that the baby powder used on her throughout her childhood contained asbestos-contaminated talc, and that Johnson & Johnson knew of the potential dangers but failed to warn consumers.
Trial Details
The 13-day trial took place in Ramsey County District Court. Carley’s attorneys presented evidence that Johnson & Johnson sold and marketed talc-based products while aware that talc can be contaminated with asbestos. The jury agreed, finding the company liable for Carley’s mesothelioma diagnosis.
The entire $65.5 million award consists of compensatory damages, covering both past and future economic and non-economic losses. Unlike some recent talc verdicts, this case did not include punitive damages.
Johnson & Johnson’s Response
Johnson & Johnson stated it will appeal the verdict. A company spokesperson called the lawsuits “predicated on ‘junk science,’ refuted by decades of studies that demonstrate Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder is safe, does not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer.”
The company stopped selling talc-based powder worldwide in 2023 and has since transitioned to cornstarch-based formulations.
If you used talcum powder products and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, document your exposure history. The Carley verdict demonstrates that childhood exposure to talc products can support substantial compensation decades later.
Context: Talc Litigation in 2025
The Minnesota verdict is one of several significant talc-related jury awards in late 2025:
- October 2025: A California jury awarded $966 million to the family of Mae Moore, a woman who died of mesothelioma allegedly caused by asbestos-contaminated baby powder
- December 2025: A Los Angeles jury awarded $40 million to two women who claimed talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer
- December 2025: A Baltimore jury returned a $1.56 billion verdict for Cherie Craft, believed to be the largest single-plaintiff verdict against Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has made multiple attempts to resolve its talc litigation through bankruptcy proceedings, all of which have been rejected by federal courts. The company continues to face thousands of lawsuits from individuals who claim its talc products caused cancer.
What Mesothelioma Patients Should Know
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, and talc products represent one potential source of such exposure. Talc and asbestos can be found in close proximity in the earth, raising concerns about cross-contamination during mining.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who have a history of talcum powder use may wish to document their exposure history. An attorney experienced in asbestos litigation can help evaluate whether a legal claim may be appropriate based on individual circumstances.
What was the Minnesota verdict?▼
A 13-day trial resulted in a $65.5 million award to Anna Jean Carley, a 37-year-old mother of three diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2025. The jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for her cancer caused by childhood exposure to talc-based baby powder. It’s believed to be the largest asbestos-related award in Minnesota history.
Why was this verdict significant?▼
The verdict demonstrates that childhood talc exposure—not just adult or occupational use—can result in successful litigation. The entire $65.5 million was compensatory damages, not punitive, yet still represented a massive award reflecting the severity of mesothelioma.
How does this compare to other 2025 talc verdicts?▼
It’s part of a series of major verdicts: $966 million (Mae Moore, California), $1.56 billion (Cherie Craft, Baltimore), $40 million (two plaintiffs, Los Angeles). Combined, these verdicts exceed $2.5 billion in 2025 alone.
Can I still sue J&J over talc products?▼
Yes. Despite J&J’s bankruptcy attempts (all rejected by courts), individual lawsuits continue. Thousands of cases remain pending. If you have a history of talc product use and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consult an attorney to evaluate your case.
References
NBC News. Johnson & Johnson owes $65.5 million to a woman with cancer.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/johnson-johnson-owes-655-million-woman-cancer-used-talcum-powder-rcna250209
Fortune. J&J $65.5 million Minnesota verdict.
https://fortune.com/2025/12/21/johnson-johnson-hit-with-another-giant-asbestos-talcum-powder-verdict-65-5-million-in-minnesota/
Business Wire. Minnesota Jury Verdict Against Johnson & Johnson.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251219314312/en/Minnesota-Jury-Delivers-$65.5-Million-History-Making-Verdict-Against-Johnson-Johnson