There Now Is An MDL Caseload Of Nearly 67,000 Talc Cases Pending As Of September 2025
The multidistrict litigation over talcum powder cancer continues to expand, with nearly 67,000 lawsuits pending as of September 2025
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - The legal fight over talcum powder cancer has become one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history. As of September 2025, nearly 67,000 lawsuits are pending, consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in New Jersey federal court. These cases involve women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and families alleging mesothelioma, with claims centered on the long-term use of talc products that may have been contaminated with asbestos. The sheer number of lawsuits reflects decades of widespread product use, combined with growing concerns about safety. Survivors say the evidence has been mounting for years, and more women are now stepping forward. Every month, new plaintiffs contact a talcum powder cancer lawyer to review their medical histories and determine if they qualify to join the litigation. Federal court statistics show that the talc MDL rivals historic consumer safety lawsuits such as asbestos and tobacco. Judges face enormous challenges in keeping the process efficient, as bellwether trials, settlement negotiations, and pretrial motions proceed simultaneously. Public health officials continue to highlight concerns, with the Food and Drug Administration confirming asbestos in certain cosmetic talc products and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning that no level of asbestos exposure is safe. For Johnson & Johnson, the litigation has become a defining crisis. While the company continues to deny liability, the scale of the MDL underscores the seriousness of the claims.
Legal experts say the large caseload puts increasing pressure on Johnson & Johnson to resolve the matter through settlement rather than trial. With tens of thousands of cases awaiting resolution, trying each one individually would take decades. Bellwether outcomes in 2025 have already shown mixed results, but several juries have awarded significant damages, reinforcing the strength of the plaintiffs' arguments. For survivors and their families, the swelling caseload is bittersweet: it validates their experiences but also creates long delays in reaching the courtroom. Judges are now weighing strategies to streamline proceedings, including consolidated trials and mediation programs. Observers add that the size of the MDL also has implications for public health. The growing docket means that more testimony, expert studies, and corporate documents will be made public, providing a clearer picture of what companies knew and when. Consumer advocates argue that this transparency is vital, not only for compensation but also for ensuring future generations are better protected. With thousands of cases still in the pipeline, the litigation could shape safety regulations and industry standards for years to come.
The ballooning MDL highlights just how widespread the impact of talcum powder cancer litigation has become. At nearly 67,000 cases, this mass tort is reshaping how courts manage large-scale consumer product claims. Johnson & Johnson faces a choice: continue battling in court for years, or negotiate a settlement that offers faster resolution. For survivors, the growing numbers prove they are not alone -- their experiences are shared by thousands of others. The next phase will likely determine not only the fate of talc litigation but also set precedent for how future consumer safety crises are resolved.
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