The Year the Tide Turned: 2025 Talc Litigation Track Record

2025 Talc Verdict Summary: The legal landscape shifted decisively in favor of plaintiffs in 2025 following the collapse of Johnson & Johnson’s third bankruptcy attempt. This return to the jury system resulted in over $2.5 billion in verdicts in the fourth quarter alone, including a record-breaking $1.5 billion award in Baltimore. Juries are increasingly rejecting corporate defenses, signaling a new era of accountability for victims.

Introduction: The Doors Are Open Again

For years, thousands of families waited in a painful limbo. You watched as court dates were cancelled and legal strategies were used to freeze litigation. It felt like the clock was running out while the courthouse doors remained locked.

We are writing this to tell you that 2025 changed everything. 

After years of delay tactics, the legal dam has broken. The courts have rejected the maneuvers used to shield corporate assets, forcing these cases back in front of juries. The results speak for themselves: when everyday people hear the evidence—the internal documents, the safety tests, and the stories of victims—they are siding with the plaintiffs.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, the track record of 2025 proves that justice is not just possible; it is happening right now.

The Pivot Point: March 2025

The most critical event of the year occurred in March 2025. For the third time, a federal court rejected Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to use the "Texas Two-Step" bankruptcy strategy.

This legal maneuver involved creating a subsidiary, dumping all talc liabilities into it, and declaring bankruptcy to cap payouts. The courts ruled that a profitable company cannot use bankruptcy protections to avoid facing juries.

Why this matters to you: 

The Freeze is Over: The automatic stay on litigation was lifted.

• Juries are Back: Cases are no longer stuck in bankruptcy negotiation; they are being tried in state and federal courts.

• Leverage Shifted: Without the bankruptcy shield, the pressure to offer fair settlements has increased dramatically.

The 2025 Verdict Roll Call

Once trials resumed, the results were swift and significant. In the final months of 2025, juries delivered some of the largest verdicts in the history of this litigation.

1. The Baltimore Record-Breaker ($1.5 Billion)

Date: December 2025

Outcome: A Baltimore City jury awarded $1.5 billion to a single plaintiff, Cherie Craft, who developed mesothelioma after decades of using baby powder.

Key Takeaway: This is the largest single-plaintiff award to date, proving that juries act decisively when presented with evidence of asbestos exposure.

2. The California Message ($966 Million)

Date: October 2025

Outcome: A Los Angeles jury awarded nearly $1 billion to the family of Mae Moore, a woman who passed away from mesothelioma.

Key Takeaway: The jury found that the company acted with "malice," allowing for significant punitive damages.

3. The Ovarian Cancer Bellwether ($40 Million)

Date: December 2025

Outcome: In a critical test case (bellwether) for ovarian cancer claims, a California jury awarded $40 million to two women.

Key Takeaway: While mesothelioma cases have often been easier to prove due to the direct asbestos link, this verdict reinforces that ovarian cancer claims are winning in court, too.

Why Plaintiffs Are Winning Now

You might ask: Why are these wins happening now? The evidence hasn't changed, but the environment has.

• Scientific Consensus: In mid-2024, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified talc as "probably carcinogenic" to humans. This global scientific backing has made it harder for defense lawyers to claim the products were "perfectly safe."

• Juror Skepticism: Juries are increasingly skeptical of documents showing that companies knew about asbestos contamination in the 1970s but failed to warn consumers.

• Strategic Fatigue: After years of fighting, the defense is facing trials on multiple fronts simultaneously—state courts in NJ, PA, CA, and the federal MDL.

A Tale of Two Cancers: Mesothelioma vs. Ovarian

It is important to understand where your potential case fits. The 2025 data shows a split in how these cases are being handled:

Mesothelioma Cases: 

The link between asbestos (often found in talc) and mesothelioma is undeniable. Consequently, roughly 95% of mesothelioma cases are now settling before they even reach a verdict. The massive verdicts listed above are the result of the few cases that do go to trial.

Ovarian Cancer Cases:

These cases are more complex scientifically. However, the $40 million win in December 2025 shows that the tide is turning here as well. Litigation is active, and we are pushing for a global resolution that respects the severity of this diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (2026 Update)

Q: Is it too late to file a claim in 2026?

A: Not necessarily, but time is critical. Statutes of limitations vary by state (often 2 years from diagnosis or discovery of the cause). With the litigation stay lifted, strict deadlines are back in effect.

Q: Will there be a global settlement soon?

A: The failure of the bankruptcy strategy and the massive losses in court in late 2025 have put immense pressure on the manufacturer to settle. While we cannot guarantee a date, the leverage has never been higher for a fair deal.

Q: Do I have to go to court?

A: Most clients never step foot in a courtroom. The vast majority of successful claims are resolved through settlements. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial—that is how we maximize value—but our goal is to resolve it with as little stress to you as possible.

What Comes Next?

The victories of 2025 were not accidents. They were the result of resilient families refusing to give up. But the fight isn't over until every victim is compensated.

If you have a history of talc use and a cancer diagnosis, do not assume you have missed the window. The courts are open, and the precedent has been set.

Free Case Evaluation

Unsure if your diagnosis qualifies? We can help you check your eligibility in minutes. There is no cost and no obligation—just honest answers from a team that fights for you.

Call Cohen, Placitella & Roth at (215) 567-3500 or click below.

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