Resistance & Resilience: Talcum Powder Lawsuits Against J&J

A recent interview sheds light on the various controversies that Johnson & Johnson has faced over the years. From product safety issues to legal battles, the company has been at the center of numerous debates.

For decades, Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products—like Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower—were household staples. But mounting evidence has linked regular use of these products to serious health risks, including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Over the past decade, Beasley Allen lawyers have tirelessly tried these cases across the country, seeking justice for affected women. Thousands of women and their families have taken legal action, and the story continues to unfold.

Health Risks Behind the Powder

Scientific studies over the past 40 years have shown a statistically significant correlation between talcum powder use and ovarian cancer. Many of these studies suggest that talcum powder, when used in the genital area, can travel through the reproductive system and become embedded in ovarian tissue, causing inflammation and, in some cases, cancer over time.

Tackling The “Texas Two-Step”

Victims and their attorneys have faced a long and winding legal road. Johnson & Johnson has attempted multiple times to shield itself from liability by using a controversial bankruptcy strategy known as the “Texas Two-Step.” This maneuver involved creating a shell company, LTL Management, to absorb talc-related liabilities and then filing for bankruptcy to halt ongoing litigation.

However, courts have pushed back. In January 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that LTL was not in financial distress and dismissed the bankruptcy filing, reopening the door for tens of thousands of lawsuits to proceed.

A New Twist: “Ballot Box Stuffing”

In a more recent development, attorneys representing victims have accused Johnson & Johnson of trying to manipulate the legal process by soliciting support for a “pre-packaged” bankruptcy plan. This plan allegedly offers minimal payments to claimants with unsupported claims in exchange for votes that would dilute the compensation owed to legitimate victims

Andy Birchfield, who helps lead the Talc Litigation team at Beasley Allen, characterized the situation as a deceptive legal tactic designed to confuse and mislead people. He emphasized that our firm is committed to uncovering these unfair actions and will vigorously oppose them at every opportunity.

What This Means for Consumers

If you or a loved one used talcum powder products and were later diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. The legal landscape is shifting, and more trials are expected to resume soon.

Our relentless pursuit of justice has led to landmark verdicts, holding Johnson & Johnson accountable. With J&J’s third bankruptcy attempt now dismissed, we are committed to continuing our fight in the courtroom to ensure that every affected woman receives the justice and compensation she rightfully deserves.