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Johnson & Johnson agrees to $5.5bn settlement for ovarian cancer talc claims
The deal covers about 76,000 claims and requires approval by 95% of ovarian cancer claimants before it becomes final, with J&J expecting payments starting in 2027.
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay an estimated $5.5 billion to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits accusing its baby powder and other talc products of causing ovarian cancer, the Guardian Business reported. The settlement would cover about 76,000 claims, including cases consolidated in federal court in New Jersey and related state court matters, which the company said represent nearly all remaining talc claims. The Guardian Business noted that J&J had previously settled most lawsuits alleging talc caused mesothelioma.
Plaintiffs’ law firms said the agreement is a good resolution after a 10-year court battle. The deal must be accepted by 95% of ovarian cancer claimants in state or federal court before it becomes final.
Johnson & Johnson’s vice president of litigation, Erik Haas, said the company believes the claims are “meritless,” but chose to settle to move toward closure. J&J expects to pay $3 billion in 2027, with additional payments in 2028, and a lawyer for about 2,500 clients said the total payout could ultimately reach $7 billion or more depending on participation, according to the Guardian Business.