Attention, Johnson & Johnson's baby powder users! Secure your share of the historic $8.9 billion settlement now. See how you can claim your compensation. Get valuable information on the J&J talcum powder lawsuit settlement and be guided through the process. Don't miss this opportunity - get the compensation you deserve. Learn more today!
The Claim
Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of talcum powder, commonly known as baby powder, faced a flood of lawsuits claiming that their talcum powder products caused cancer. Made from talc, a mineral that occurs naturally with asbestos in the earth was believed to be the cause of numerous cases of cancer, mainly mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Thus far, billions of dollars have been awarded to plaintiffs filing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.
Back in 2018, an investigative report by Reuters exposed the company and its existing knowledge of asbestos contamination going back all the way to 1971 lab tests. Even after their own lab tests found asbestos in their samples, Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to report their findings to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a criminal investigation of Johnson & Johnson, trying to determine whether the company was purposely misleading the public.
By October 2019, Johnson & Johnson pulled their talcum-based products from shelves after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration discovered asbestos contamination as part of a 33,000-bottle batch. Johnson & Johnson has since discontinued its sale of talcum powder products globally.
The Settlement
In April 2023, J&J proposed a bankruptcy plan that would settle its talcum powder lawsuits - both current and future claims. The company wanted to create a trust fund of $8.9 billion through its talc subsidiary LTL Management. However, legal representation for LTL Management disagreed as to whether or not they qualified for bankruptcy. The U.S. Trustee, part of the U.S. Department of Justice, filed a motion against that plan as well as a previous one that offered $2 billion in trust.
A group of lawyers, representing over 70,000 plaintiffs described the proposed $8.9 billion deal as a “significant victory.” In response to this, J&J’s subsidiary has filed for bankruptcy a second time with the argument that it has the support of plaintiffs. However, the Justice Department maintains that it abuses U.S. bankruptcy law. Meanwhile, victims against the settlement argue it prevents their cases from being heard.
Erik Haas, J&J's vice president for litigation, argues that the proposed settlement is the fairest and fastest solution for cancer victims, while attorneys against the settlement suggest it creates a false sense of support. On top of this, bankruptcy proceedings have paused thousands upon thousands of lawsuits filed before October 2021, but a judge ruled that it could not fully stop litigation. J&J faces over 38,000 lawsuits.
How to File
If you believe you have been affected by the alleged issues with Johnson & Johnson's baby powder, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Here are some steps you may consider taking if you believe you qualify:
- Consult an Attorney: First, you’ll want to find legal representation. You can look up local numbers or search online for a firm that specializes in product liability or personal injury cases. They will be able to assess your case and determine whether you qualify. If your case is severe enough, you can still file an individual claim.
- Join a Class Action: Joining a class action against Johnson & Johnson may be your best bet. You can search for law firms or legal organizations that are actively involved in these class action suits and reach out to them to see if you qualify to join.
- Gather Information: Gather any information you may have pertaining to your purchase of J&J baby powder products (i.e., receipts), as well as medical records and other documentation to support your claims.
- Medical Evaluation: It may be necessary to get a complete medical evaluation, determining the link between your condition and the use of baby powder.
- Stay informed: Class action lawsuits aren’t settled overnight. It can be a long, tedious process that takes years to resolve. Its important to stay well-informed regarding developments in your case, communicate with your attorney, and attend any meetings or hearings as needed. Even in cases like this, the outcome is not certain.
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You should not rely on any information provided on this platform as a substitute for seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation and needs.
