A jury has awarded $65.5 million to a mother of three whose lung cancer has been linked to talcum powder products made by Johnson & Johnson.
Anna Jean Houghton Carley, 37, developed cancer in the lining of her lungs after long-term use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder.
After a 13-day trial in Minnesota, a jury awarded Carley a massive compensatory payout. Johnson & Johnson maintains its products are safe and will appeal the verdict.
Talcum Powder Use Linked to Cancer
In this case, the plaintiff developed mesothelioma. This is an aggressive form of cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a natural material that carries significant health risks.
Asbestos has been found in some talc-based products, including talcum powder. The minerals occur together, and contamination can occur during the mining process.
Carley’s lawyers said that Johnson & Johnson sold talcum powder despite knowing of its contamination potential. They also blamed the company for failing to warn consumers of any dangers.
Johnson & Johnson Lawsuits
The pharmaceutical giant stopped selling talc products in the U.S. in 2020 and worldwide in 2023. It maintains that its products are safe, but it has been embroiled in several massive lawsuits in recent years.
Recently, a jury in Los Angeles returned a $40 million verdict in favor of two women who developed ovarian cancer.
Another trial in October 2025 ended with a jury awarding $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma.
Bisnar Chase has decades of experience handling defective product cases and pharmaceutical litigation against major companies, including talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. We have a 99% success rate with over $1 billion won for our clients. Contact us today to find out if you have a case.
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
