Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products (Baby Powder, Shower-to-Shower) are alleged to contain asbestos and cause ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. J&J created subsidiary LTL Management and filed for bankruptcy twice to limit liability. Both attempts were rejected by appellate courts. A third bankruptcy attempt and $8.9B settlement plan are currently before the court.
Ovarian cancer (perineal talc application) and mesothelioma (asbestos-contaminated talc) are the two injury tracks. Causation for ovarian cancer is contested — several meta-analyses show elevated risk; industry disputes methodology. Mesothelioma cases are stronger on causation given clear asbestos-cancer link.
J&J’s third bankruptcy attempt and $8.9B settlement plan are before the court. The 3rd Circuit rejected two prior attempts. Ovarian cancer and mesothelioma cases remain on hold pending bankruptcy resolution. State court trials have produced major plaintiff verdicts.