Johnson & Johnson is planning to pay an additional $1.1 billion in its proposed settlement to clear up tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging the company, and its baby powder of causing cancer.
The increase would bring the settlement amount to a staggering $9 billion paid over 25 years. The company said on Wednesday that it agreed with plaintiffs’ lawyers to consider the settlement.
There are currently over 62,000 lawsuits from women alleging that their ovarian cancer and other health conditions were caused by using asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, including Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower-to-Shower products.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Holdouts
Johnson & Johnson is still facing trouble despite increasing the settlement amount by more than $1 billion.
Many plaintiffs argued that the current settlement proposal does not address the requirements of persons who need long-term healthcare services. The refusal to include medical monitoring in the settlement has become one of the reasons why some claimants still seek litigation.
One major issue at present is medical monitoring. This will not be covered by J&J’s offer, specify the letter. Medical monitoring would let the afflicted get financial assistance to meet healthcare costs, which are often staggering and some of the most expensive that we know.
J&J’s Legal Strategy and Multibillion-Dollar Verdicts
The need for Johnson & Johnson to prevent further multibillion-dollar verdicts plays a part in its decision to increase the settlement offer. The company has lost several high-profile cases in court and been slapped with huge judgments; in some situations, plaintiffs were awarded very substantial amounts.
Recent trials have resulted in multibillion-dollar damages being awarded to plaintiffs who developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talc-based products.
What This Means for Plaintiffs
Johnson & Johnson’s attempt at a $6.5 billion settlement didn’t get the green light from all plaintiffs. It highlights just how tough it can be for companies to reach an agreement with their victims and try to close out these lawsuits in another way.
And let’s be clear—the company isn’t out of the woods. With the possibility of massive verdicts still hanging over them, J&J could face even more lawsuits down the road, especially if more claimants come forward after this settlement wraps up.
FAQs: J&J Talcum Powder Settlement
Below are the most frequent questions about the J&J talcum powder new settlement increase
Johnson & Johnson has increased its settlement offer by $1.1 billion, bringing the total offer to over $8.9 billion in an attempt to resolve over 62,000 lawsuits related to talcum powder products.
Medical monitoring would provide financial support for early detection and ongoing healthcare for ovarian cancer patients. Many plaintiffs believe this is crucial for long-term care.
If the settlement is not approved, Johnson & Johnson could face additional lawsuits and multibillion-dollar verdicts, which would further increase their legal and financial exposure.
While the settlement covers over 62,000 current plaintiffs, it does not include provisions for future claimants, meaning Johnson & Johnson could still face additional lawsuits down the road.
Talc-based products, particularly those contaminated with asbestos, have been linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, leading to thousands of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.
