Baltimore, Maryland, December 23, 2025
A Baltimore jury has delivered a record verdict against Johnson & Johnson, ordering the company to pay over $1.5 billion to Cherie Craft for cancer claims linked to asbestos in their talc-based products. The jury found that J&J failed to warn consumers about the risks, adding to the company’s ongoing legal challenges which include more than 67,000 lawsuits related to their talc products. The company plans to appeal the decision, citing trial errors.
Jury Orders Johnson & Johnson to Pay $1.5 Billion in Talc Case
A Baltimore jury finds the company liable for cancer claims in a record verdict.
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore jury recently reached a significant verdict against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), ordering the company and its subsidiaries to pay over $1.5 billion to Cherie Craft. Craft alleged that decades of exposure to asbestos in the company’s talc-based products contributed to her diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The jury found that J&J, along with Kenvue and other subsidiaries, failed to adequately warn consumers about the presence of asbestos in their baby powder products.
The compensation awarded to Craft consists of $59.84 million in compensatory damages, alongside punitive damages totaling $1 billion against J&J and $500 million against its subsidiary, Pecos River Talc. This high-profile case follows a California jury decision that recently awarded $40 million to two plaintiffs claiming their ovarian cancer was linked to the same product line. Such verdicts underline the ongoing scrutiny faced by a company that has been at the center of numerous lawsuits regarding the safety of its talc products.
Ongoing Legal Challenges for Johnson & Johnson
Currently, J&J is grappling with over 67,000 lawsuits asserting that its talc-based products are responsible for various forms of cancer. Despite consistently denying these allegations, the company has faced significant financial repercussions in previous cases. In October 2025, a jury ordered J&J to pay nearly $1 billion to the family of a woman who died of mesothelioma, reinforcing the mounting concerns regarding the safety of their products.
J&J’s strategic shift in recent years has included a move away from talc, as the company discontinued the sale of talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020 and globally in 2023, now opting for cornstarch-based alternatives. This change, however, has not quelled public concern or legal challenges.
Response from Johnson & Johnson
In light of the recent jury verdict, J&J has declared its intention to appeal, labeling the decision as “egregious” and “unconstitutional.” The company argues that errors made during the trial contributed to this outcome. Embattled corporations often take a firm stance during litigation to safeguard their interests and maintain investor confidence, especially in light of stock market performance intricacies. As of December 23, 2025, J&J’s stock price stands at $207.32, reflecting a minor change of $0.90 from the previous close.
Local Perspectives on Business Regulation
This case highlights a broader theme in the Baltimore MD business landscape, where entrepreneurs and established companies alike navigate a rapidly changing regulatory environment. The discourse surrounding the need for limited regulation is pertinent, as it can foment innovation and growth for local businesses. While large corporations face extensive regulatory scrutiny, small businesses often call for a more business-friendly approach that can encourage growth and entrepreneurship, effectively driving economic progress in the region.
Conclusion
The ruling in favor of Cherie Craft not only has significant implications for J&J but also underscores ongoing consumer safety concerns surrounding widely-used household products. As Baltimore continues to engage in community discussions about business regulation and public health, the importance of vigilance—both from consumers and corporate entities—cannot be overstated. Supporting local businesses and advocating for sensible regulation can foster a thriving economic environment, essential for Maryland’s future growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the recent jury verdict against Johnson & Johnson?
A Baltimore jury ordered Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries to pay over $1.5 billion to Cherie Craft, who claimed that decades of exposure to asbestos in the company’s talc-based products caused her peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer.
What is J&J’s response to the jury’s decision?
J&J has announced plans to appeal the decision, calling the verdict “egregious” and “unconstitutional.”
How many lawsuits is J&J facing related to its talc products?
J&J faces lawsuits from more than 67,000 plaintiffs alleging its talc products caused cancer.
Has J&J faced other significant financial penalties in talc-related cases?
Yes, in October 2025, a Los Angeles jury ordered the company to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma, finding the company liable in the latest lawsuit alleging its baby powder products cause cancer.
What is J&J’s stance on the safety of its talc products?
J&J continues to maintain that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos. The company has stated that it will appeal the latest verdict, arguing that the decision resulted from “gross errors” by the trial court.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Defendants | Johnson & Johnson, two subsidiaries, and spinoff Kenvue |
| Plaintiff | Cherie Craft |
| Allegation | Exposure to asbestos in talc-based products causing peritoneal mesothelioma |
| Compensatory Damages | $59.84 million |
| Punitive Damages | $1 billion against J&J and $500 million against Pecos River Talc |
| J&J’s Response | Plans to appeal, calling the verdict “egregious” and “unconstitutional” |
| Number of Lawsuits Against J&J | Over 67,000 plaintiffs alleging cancer from talc products |
| J&J’s Position on Product Safety | Maintains talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Major Legal Developments in Mesothelioma Litigation
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
