$966M Verdict Shocks J&J, Latest Mesothelioma aka Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update Exposes Bankruptcy Collapse & Filing Surge
A Los Angeles jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $966 million to Mae Moore’s family in October 2025, finding the company liable for mesothelioma caused by asbestos-contaminated talc. J&J’s third bankruptcy attempt failed in March 2025 when U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez rejected the company’s $8-10 billion settlement proposal, forcing mesothelioma cases back to trial. Over 90,000 lawsuits now target J&J’s talc products.
Record $966 Million Mesothelioma Verdict Rocks J&J
The Moore family verdict includes $16 million in compensatory damages and $950 million in punitive damages. Mae Moore died at age 88 in 2021 after using Johnson’s Baby Powder for decades. The jury found J&J 100% responsible after four years of litigation, determining the company acted with malice, oppression or fraud.
J&J calls the verdict “egregious and unconstitutional” and plans immediate appeal, noting punitive damages could be reduced since the U.S. Supreme Court generally limits them to no more than nine times compensatory damages.
November 2025: Florida Jury Awards $20 Million
A Broward County jury awarded $20 million to Dr. Salvatore Casaretto’s family on November 5, 2025, finding asbestos in talcum powder caused his mesothelioma after 50 years of daily J&J product use. The 78-year-old doctor died before trial concluded.
Massachusetts Delivers $42.6 Million Blow
A Boston jury ordered J&J to pay $42.6 million to Paul Lovell’s family, one of the largest verdicts ever awarded in Massachusetts talc litigation. Since summer 2025, mesothelioma patients in Massachusetts alone have been awarded over $50 million.
J&J’s Bankruptcy Strategy Collapses
Judge Lopez rejected J&J’s bankruptcy proposal in March 2025, citing unreliable claimant votes where law firms cast tens of thousands of votes without client permission and insufficient time for informed voting. The plan attempted to shield J&J and retailers from future lawsuits using nonconsensual third-party releases, which aren’t permitted under bankruptcy law.
Rather than appeal, J&J announced it will “return to the tort system to litigate and defeat these meritless talc claims” and reversed approximately $7 billion from bankruptcy reserves.
90,000+ Lawsuits and Counting
Over 90,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed as of November 2025, involving both mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims. J&J faces lawsuits from more than 67,000 plaintiffs who say they were diagnosed with cancer after using baby powder and talc products.
Mesothelioma verdicts awarded $320 million to families in 2024 and over $1 billion in 2025 alone. J&J has settled 95% of mesothelioma lawsuits outside court.
Who Can File a J&J Mesothelioma Lawsuit?
You may qualify if you:
- Developed mesothelioma after regularly using J&J talcum powder products including Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower
- Used these products for decades before diagnosis
- Are a family member or estate representative of someone who died from mesothelioma linked to talc exposure
- Can provide documentation proving asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis, including employment records, medical reports, or co-worker testimony
Filing Deadlines: Act Now
In most states, victims have 2 years to pursue J&J talc claims after a mesothelioma diagnosis or the death of a loved one. This statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction.
The time limit depends on your state but typically ranges from 1 to 3 years. Missing your deadline permanently bars your claim.
Compensation Amounts Reaching Historic Highs
Recent J&J mesothelioma verdicts:
- October 2025: $966 million (Mae Moore, California)
- November 2025: $20 million (Dr. Casaretto, Florida)
- August 2025: $42.6 million (Paul Lovell, Massachusetts)
- 2024-2025: Over $1.32 billion total in mesothelioma verdicts
Average asbestos settlements range from $1 million to $2 million. Individual verdicts can be substantially higher when juries find malicious conduct.
Scientific Evidence Links Talc to Mesothelioma
Internal company documents show J&J knew their talc-based products could be contaminated with asbestos, yet they continued to market their products as safe. During trials, Lovell’s attorneys noted he’d never worked in factories or other high-risk sites, proving talc was his only asbestos exposure source.
Jury documents reveal J&J was found negligent after plaintiffs presented internal company documents, testing reports and correspondence from the 1930s to recent years. The FDA has proposed standardized testing for asbestos detection in talc-containing cosmetic products, stating asbestos is a known human carcinogen and potential contaminant in talc.
How to File Your J&J Mesothelioma Claim
Step 1: Gather Documentation Collect medical records showing mesothelioma diagnosis, employment history, and proof of J&J talc product use
Step 2: Find a Qualified Attorney An experienced asbestos attorney can help ensure your claim is filed on time and correctly
Step 3: File Before Your Deadline Your attorney will file in the appropriate jurisdiction based on where you used the products or were diagnosed
Step 4: Discovery Phase Evidence is gathered during discovery, including work history evaluation and exposure source identification
Step 5: Settlement or Trial Many defendants offer to settle out of court, though you’re not obligated to accept the first offer
Current Litigation Status
As of November 18, 2025, J&J ovarian cancer trials are underway in California, where plaintiffs allege the company knew products contained asbestos but failed to warn consumers. Following bankruptcy collapse, federal talcum powder litigation is moving forward with renewed energy.
Since June 2025, nearly 1,000 new ovarian cancer claims have been filed, bringing the multidistrict litigation to 59,571 pending cases. A mediator has been appointed to help oversee settlement negotiations in J&J ovarian cancer lawsuits.
J&J’s Litigation Track Record
J&J claims it prevailed in 16 of 17 ovarian cases tried in the last 11 years, but mesothelioma cases tell a different story. Courts around the country are weighing evidence that the company’s talcum powder products exposed millions to toxic asbestos.
J&J spent about $1 billion fighting talc lawsuits before attempting bankruptcy. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020, switching to a cornstarch product, and discontinued it worldwide in 2023.
What’s Next for J&J Mesothelioma Claims?
With bankruptcy off the table, individual trials will continue throughout 2025-2026. More than 50,000 lawsuits remain active, and new ones are still being filed. Trials are likely to resume, and pressure is building for J&J to negotiate a legitimate settlement.
For mesothelioma victims specifically, lawsuits alleging talc caused mesothelioma were not part of the last bankruptcy proposal, meaning these claims have continued to trial in state courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on the Johnson & Johnson mesothelioma lawsuit?
A Los Angeles jury ordered J&J to pay $966 million in October 2025 for Mae Moore’s mesothelioma death, and a Florida jury awarded $20 million to Dr. Casaretto’s family in November 2025. J&J’s bankruptcy strategy collapsed in March 2025, forcing all cases back to trial.
Who can file a J&J talc lawsuit?
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma after using J&J talcum powder products, or family members of deceased victims. You must provide documentation proving asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis.
How much compensation can I receive?
Recent mesothelioma verdicts range from $20 million to $966 million. Average settlements range from $1 million to $2 million. Actual amounts depend on exposure history, medical costs, and jury findings.
What is the filing deadline?
Most states allow 2 years from diagnosis or death to file claims, though this varies by jurisdiction. Consult an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Is J&J still in bankruptcy?
No. Judge Christopher Lopez rejected J&J’s third bankruptcy attempt in March 2025. J&J announced it will not appeal and will instead litigate cases individually.
What evidence links talc to mesothelioma?
Internal company documents show J&J knew their talc-based products could be contaminated with asbestos. Jury documents from the Moore case include internal testing reports and correspondence from the 1930s to recent years proving contamination.
How do I find a qualified mesothelioma attorney?
Look for law firms specializing in asbestos litigation with proven track records in J&J talc cases. Many offer free case evaluations and work on contingency, meaning no upfront costs.
Disclaimer: This article provides factual information about the Johnson & Johnson mesothelioma lawsuit and talcum powder litigation based on publicly available court documents, legal filings, scientific studies, and verified legal sources. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Lawsuit developments, filing deadlines, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. For specific legal advice regarding your potential claim, please consult with a qualified mesothelioma attorney. For medical advice regarding mesothelioma diagnosis or treatment, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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