Exclusive: Johnson & Johnson Nearing Disclosure of Support for Talc Settlement, Sources Say

Key Facts

• Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is reportedly preparing to announce widespread support for a $6.48 billion settlement offer in the coming days.
• The settlement would resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that J&J's talc-based products caused cancer.
• J&J has reportedly secured support from a majority of the plaintiffs' attorneys involved in the litigation.

Background

J&J has been facing thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products, including its iconic baby powder, contain asbestos and cause cancer. The company has denied these allegations, but it has agreed to pay billions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts in recent years.

In 2018, a jury in Missouri awarded $4.69 billion to 22 women who claimed that J&J's talc-based products caused their ovarian cancer. The verdict was later reduced to $2.12 billion, but it remains the largest jury verdict in U.S. history.

Settlement Details

The proposed $6.48 billion settlement would resolve more than 50,000 lawsuits against J&J. The settlement would include a compensation fund for plaintiffs who have developed cancer from using J&J's talc-based products.

The settlement would also require J&J to change the labeling on its talc-based products to warn consumers about the potential risk of cancer. J&J would also be required to establish a medical monitoring program for plaintiffs who have used its talc-based products.

Next Steps

J&J is expected to file a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey in the coming days to disclose the settlement agreement. The court will then hold a hearing to consider the settlement. If the settlement is approved, it would resolve the majority of the lawsuits against J&J.

Conclusion

The proposed settlement is a significant development in the long-running litigation over J&J's talc-based products. The settlement would provide compensation to plaintiffs who have developed cancer from using J&J's products, and it would also require J&J to change its labeling and establish a medical monitoring program.

The settlement is a reminder of the importance of product safety and the need for companies to be transparent about the risks associated with their products.