Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $1.5 Billion in Talc Cancer Lawsuit
A Baltimore jury has mandated Johnson & Johnson to pay over $1.5 billion to Cherie Craft, who developed peritoneal mesothelioma allegedly due to asbestos in the company's talc-based baby powder. The verdict includes $59.84 million in compensatory damages and $1.5 billion in punitive damages, split between J&J and its subsidiary.
Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal, labeling the decision "egregious" and "unconstitutional." The healthcare giant faces more than 67,000 lawsuits tied to talc products and cancer claims. J&J discontinued U.S. sales of talc-based baby powder in 2020 and halted global distribution in 2023.
The Circuit Court for Baltimore City found J&J, two subsidiaries, and spinoff Kenvue liable for failing to warn consumers about asbestos in its product. This marks the largest individual plaintiff award against the company in its ongoing talc litigation battles.
