Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to Pay $1.56 Billion in Talc-Linked Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit
Written by Tara Strand on December 23, 2025
On December 22, 2025, a Maryland jury awarded $1.56 billion to a woman who developed asbestos cancer after using talc-based baby powder made by J&J. The record-breaking amount is split between J&J and its subsidiaries. This is the largest award yet to an individual in the ongoing litigation over the company’s asbestos-contaminated powder.
The victim had used J&J’s talc-based baby powder for years. Lawyers argued the baby powder was tainted with asbestos, as many tests have shown. Researchers have linked asbestos talcum powder to several cancers, including mesothelioma. The jury found J&J did not sufficiently warn consumers about these risks, and even misrepresented or concealed them.
Case Summary & Verdict Details
In Craft v. Ahold Delhaize US Inc., a Baltimore City state court jury found J&J, Kenvue and several affiliates at fault. Her legal team argued that decades of using the company’s talc-based baby powder exposed her to asbestos, which led to her cancer.
Jurors determined the companies were liable for failing to disclose known risks and then for concealing these risks. This was noted as engaging in conduct that justified punitive action. The award breaks down as follows:
- $1 billion in punitive damages against Johnson & Johnson
- $500 million in punitive damages against Pecos River Talc LLC
- $59.84 million in compensatory damages for the plaintiff’s injuries and losses
In recent years, J&J has faced mounting litigation related to its baby powder and asbestos cancer. Studies have shown that asbestos contamination is present in talc-based powders. J&J consistently denies that its talc products contain asbestos or cause cancer. But the company has slowly replaced talc powder with other alternatives.
This verdict adds to a series of multi-million dollar talc awards and comes as thousands of similar cases remain pending against J&J in courts nationwide.
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Sources
Free Mesothelioma Treatment Guide
Tara Strand specializes in writing content about mesothelioma and asbestos. She focuses on topics like mesothelioma awareness, research, treatment, asbestos trust funds and other advocacy efforts.
