Talcum Powder Lawsuits & Deadlines: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after prolonged use of talcum powder products, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation, but it’s important to act quickly. As of 2025, talcum powder lawsuits are still active across the U.S., but strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, can affect your ability to recover compensation.

In this post, we’ll cover the latest talcum powder lawsuit updates, how these cases work, and most importantly, the filing deadlines you need to be aware of.

Why Are People Filing Talcum Powder Lawsuits?

Talcum powder, used in products like baby powder and body powder, has been linked to serious health risks, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The primary concern stems from talc, a mineral that can be naturally contaminated with asbestos during mining. Asbestos is a well-established carcinogen, and long-term exposure, even through personal hygiene products, has raised public health alarms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted tests in 2019 that found asbestos in several cosmetic products containing talc, leading to recalls of certain products. (FDA).

As a result, tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed by those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, fallopian tube cancer, primary peritoneal cancer and certain subtypes of ovarian cancer alleging that the talc product manufacturers and their talc suppliers failed to warn consumers of the potential cancer risks and that the presence of asbestos rendered the product defective..

Talcum Powder Lawsuit Update: Where Things Stand in 2025

The most high profile litigation involves claims by women suffering from ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers against Johnson & Johnson alleging that their perineal use of the company’s talc-based Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products contributed to their cancer.  As of early 2025, the litigation is still ongoing, with more than 50,000 cases filed in the U.S. state and federal courts against Johnson & Johnson and its related companies. Here’s what you should know:

1. Bankruptcy Rejected (April 2025)

In a significant development, a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the third time rejected Johnson & Johnson’s bankruptcy settlement plan, which was meant to resolve all current and future talcum powder claims (Reuters). The court found the proposed plan to be unfair and inadequate, sending litigation efforts back to state and federal courts for trial and negotiation tracks.

2. MDL Continues in New Jersey

Most talcum powder lawsuits are consolidated under either the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 2738) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey of the Multicounty Litigation in the New Jersey State Court in Atlantic City. These proceedings help coordinate the pretrial proceedings for similar cases while allowing plaintiffs to maintain individual claims.

3. Bellwether Trials Ahead

With the bankruptcy maneuver rejected, courts are now expected to move forward with trials on behalf of selected individuals. The first group of trials are known as bellwether trials. The verdicts reached in these trials inform the parties about the strength, weaknesses and values of cases which could influence future settlements and shape how defendants approach compensation.

4. Talc Products Pulled from Market

In 2023, Johnson & Johnson officially claimed to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally. The company now uses cornstarch-based formulations instead (Drugwatch).  However, talc-based formulations may still be available from online sellers. 

Talcum Powder Lawsuit Deadlines: Don’t Wait to File

One of the most critical elements of any product liability lawsuit is the statute of limitations, a legal deadline that limits how long you have to file a claim. This time frame varies by state, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the injury.

Note: The clock often begins when you discover the injury, not necessarily when the exposure occurred. However, waiting too long after diagnosis can still disqualify you from filing.

Exceptions and Extensions

Some states allow for extensions under the “discovery rule” if the plaintiff was not, and despite the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been aware of the connection between talcum powder and their illness. Others toll (pause) the statute for minors or under certain circumstances. Still, it’s vital to consult a legal professional as soon as possible to avoid missing your opportunity.

Who Qualifies for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

To qualify for a talcum powder lawsuit, you generally must meet the following criteria:

• Regular use of talcum powder products for personal hygiene (especially in the genital area)
• Diagnosis of ovarian cancer or mesothelioma
• Proof of product use, such as purchase history or witness testimony
• No prior settlement with Johnson & Johnson or other manufacturers for the same issue

Emerging scientific research continues to support the link between talc use and ovarian cancer. Among the recent literature finding statistically significant increased risk of cancer from genital talc use is the] 2019 review in Epidemiology  (PMC).

How Are Talcum Powder Lawsuits Resolved?

While no global settlement has been finalized, plaintiffs are still winning individual verdicts and pursuing claims in federal and state courts. Johnson & Johnson has paid billions in previous awards and settlements.

What Can You Recover?

Victims who qualify for a talcum powder lawsuit may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
  
• Lost income and earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
  
• Punitive damages (in some jurisdictions) 

In previous verdicts, plaintiffs have been awarded millions of dollars, although average settlement amounts vary and depend on the specifics of each case.

What Should You Do Next?

If you believe your cancer diagnosis is related to talcum powder use, the next step is to contact an experienced attorney who can help:

• Evaluate your eligibility
• Collect evidence (medical records, product use)
• File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• Represent your interests in court 

At CPR Law, our team of talcum powder attorneys is actively monitoring the latest talcum powder lawsuit updates and fighting for the rights of those harmed by dangerous consumer products.