Surge in Talc Cancer Lawsuits Triggers Backlog in Federal Courts
There have been big delays in trials in some federal court districts because of the large number of talc lawsuits
Sunday, July 13, 2025 - The federal court system is getting more and more stressed because of a growing number of lawsuits relating to talc and cancer. Judges in many districts are reporting longer wait times for trial dates. The rise is due to hundreds of people saying that using talc-based products for a long time, especially for feminine hygiene, made them more likely to get cancer. These complaints usually have to do with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, and the plaintiffs say that the companies didn't do enough to warn customers about the risks. As of the middle of 2025, there were more than 63,000 active federal filings, making it one of the biggest product liability cases in U.S. history. Lawyers for people with talcum powder ovarian cancer claim that the size of the lawsuit is unusual and shows how much harm it has done to consumers which is only now coming to light. Because there are so many cases in the court system, it is now routine for hearings, getting evidence, and picking juries to take longer than usual. People who are suing talcum powder companies for cancer are now waiting years for their day in court, often while dealing with terrible health problems. Talc cancer lawyers say that the system wasn't intended to deal with mass tort lawsuits of this size without more judges and other resources.
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts says that the most talc-related cases have been filed in federal districts in New Jersey, California, and Illinois. The agency's most recent report says that the average time it takes to get to trial in multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases has doubled since 2021. This is mostly because there are more complicated product liability cases, like those involving talc. To help with the caseload, federal judges are now telling parties to think about bellwether trials, global settlement frameworks, or phased discovery. Many courtrooms are also grappling with delays in the process because firms that are being sued are questioning the scientific foundation of the claims, asking for pauses while appeals are ongoing, or filing for bankruptcy protection to limit their culpability. On the other hand, the plaintiffs say they have waited too long for answers and justice. Some groups are asking Congress to give more money to MDL management and hire more magistrates to handle ordinary discovery issues. Critics of the legal system also believe that long court timeframes are unjust to applicants who are very sick and may not live to see the outcomes of their cases. Federal courts are giving priority to the oldest or most medically urgent cases in some regions so that they can go to trial sooner. However, the backlog is getting bigger.
As the number of talc claims continues to rise, it could lead to big changes in how federal courts handle mass tort cases in the future. Lawmakers may feel more and more pressure to create specialized courts, hire more judges, or implement measures that make sure health-related disputes are settled quickly. Talcum powder cancer lawyers also want cases to be reviewed more quickly, especially for plaintiffs who are terminally sick.
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