Key Takeaways:
A Los Angeles Superior Court jury awarded $40 million to two women who developed ovarian cancer after decades of using Johnson & Johnson (J&J) talc-based baby powder products.
The verdict is the first plaintiff win in a talc–ovarian cancer case in four years, since nationwide delays caused by J&J’s unsuccessful attempts to resolve the claims through bankruptcy proceedings. There are more than 70,000 claims filed alleging that long-term use of talc products causes ovarian cancer and other serious illnesses.
Jurors found in favor of plaintiffs Monica Kent and Deborah Schultz, along with Schultz’s husband, Dr. Albert Schultz, awarding compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses totaling $40 million. The California case is the first of at least 10 trials expected to be tried through the first half of 2026.
“Johnson & Johnson’s abuse of the system has added insult to injury for the thousands of women and their families who trusted its brands,” said Andy Birchfield of the Beasley Allen law firm, lead trial counsel for the plaintiffs, in a press release.
The four-week trial featured testimonies from former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who testified that the company concealed asbestos evidence for over five decades from regulators and the public. Internal documents also showed that J&J was aware of its baby powder containing asbestos back in the 1970s, but it never disclosed that information.
“These jurors heard and saw that Johnson & Johnson withheld crucial information, manipulated scientific research, and misled regulators for decades,” said Birchfield. “These brave women trusted J&J with their health and safety, only to be betrayed by a company that knew about the dangers but kept the truth hidden.”
Medical experts, including a gynecologic oncologist, epidemiologist, and pathologist, also testified that frequent genital use of talc can increase the risk of ovarian cancer by over 50%, with consistent long-term use potentially doubling that risk.
“This verdict sends an unmistakable message that no amount of legal maneuvering or corporate intimidation will prevent juries from holding J&J accountable,” said Leigh O’Dell, co-lead of the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, in a press release. “The truth came out in this courtroom, and the scientific evidence accumulated over the years is powerful. We will not stop until every woman harmed by J&J’s talc products receives the justice she deserves.”
This verdict is the first since 2021, when J&J made three attempts to force ovarian cancer claims into a settlement through filing for bankruptcy proceedings. The company's strategy halted all scheduled trials, with the courts eventually rejecting J&J’s efforts.
California’s proceedings continued independently, with the Kent and Schultz case being the first of six bellwether trials selected by Judge Theresa Traber to be tried in pairs.
“It’s an honor to represent such courageous women willing to stand up against one of the most powerful corporations in the world that caused their injuries,” said Dan Robinson, who represents the Schultz family, in a press release.
Bellwether trials in the New Jersey federal multidistrict litigation and related bellwether cases in California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are anticipated to begin next year.
