Johnson & Johnson Resolves 2 Major Talc Cases As Legal Battles Continue

Johnson & Johnson JNJ announced settlements in two talc-related cases, the news follows an appeals court's ruling which overturned a $223.8 million verdict against the company. 

The company is facing over 50,000 talc-related lawsuits, primarily from women with ovarian cancer, and maintains its talc products' safety. 

The settled legal cases concerning Rosalino Reyes and Marlin Eagles claimed that their development of mesothelioma was connected to asbestos in Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder.

These settlements are part of a broader agreement addressing all talc cases represented by the Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood, with Reyes' family continuing legal action after his passing in 2020.

Although specific settlement terms and the number of cases covered remain undisclosed, the Reyes trial commenced last week, and Eagles' trial was poised for commencement with selected juries.

Despite mixed trial outcomes, notable plaintiff victories such as the $2.1 billion judgment awarded to 22 ovarian cancer-affected women contrast with a New Jersey appeals court overturning a $223.7 million verdict due to unreliable expert witness testimony.

J&J halted talc-based baby powder sales in favor of cornstarch-based alternatives due to mounting lawsuits and what it labeled "misinformation" regarding talc product safety.

This settlement development follows J&J's unsuccessful attempts in July to transfer thousands of talc claims into bankruptcy court for potential resolution under an $8.9 billion proposal, Reuters reports. As the company appeals the denial, trials that were on hold during bankruptcy court appeals have now restarted.

Price Action: JNJ shares are down 0.87% at $148.80 during the premarket session on Friday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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