Talcum Powder Asbestos Lawsuits: What You Need to Know
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos through talcum powder and is now facing a life-altering diagnosis like mesothelioma, Sieben Polk P.A. can help you fight for the compensation you deserve with a talcum powder asbestos lawsuit. Take action now. Get legal help for your asbestos exposure today—call 651-437-3148 for a free case review.
For years, talcum powder products were a trusted household staple from infancy through adulthood. Recently, it has come to light that some of these products were contaminated with asbestos, which is linked to cancers such as mesothelioma. While the companies responsible were aware of the risks, they are increasingly being held accountable in court for the harm they caused through ongoing talcum powder asbestos lawsuits. Sieben Polk P.A. can help you seek compensation if you or a loved one was diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer due to talc-based products.
- Stay Up to Date With the Current Talcum Powder Lawsuits
- Why You Need an Experienced Asbestos Lawyer To Handle Your Talcum Powder Asbestos Lawsuit
- How Is Asbestos Linked To Talc Powder?
- Can I File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit for My Asbestos Exposure?
- How To File a Talcum Powder Asbestos Lawsuit and the Steps To Take
- Sieben Polk P.A. Has Recovered Over $840 Million For Minnesotans in Mesothelioma Cases
- Sieben Polk P.A. Your Top Asbestos Lawyers in Minnesota and Throughout the Upper Midwest
- Talcum Powder and Asbestos Exposure FAQs
- Talcum powder products are often contaminated with asbestos, leading to health complications, including mesothelioma.
- Lawsuits holding talc manufacturers responsible continue to progress, with high-profile cases against companies such as Johnson & Johnson facing billions in damages.
- Connecting your illness to talc powder asbestos exposure can be challenging on your own. Timely legal counsel is critical.
- Sieben Polk P.A. can help you pursue compensation if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness.
Stay Up to Date With the Current Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Talcum powder has been used for decades in many household products, such as makeup, baby powder, and oven mitts. Talc is a mineral that may contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. It is only in recent years that companies have been held financially responsible for creating and selling talc powder and other products, knowing full well that they were likely—and often proven—to be contaminated with asbestos.
At Sieben Polk P.A., we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of mesothelioma and asbestos claims. As the only Minnesota-based asbestos law firm, we maintain a particular focus on the ongoing talcum powder asbestos lawsuits to adapt our strategies to secure justice for our clients. We hold companies accountable for the real-world harms their asbestos-containing products are responsible for.
2025
- June 2025—Johnson & Johnson: A Boston trial awarded $8 million in damages—$5 million for past pain and suffering and $3 million for future pain and suffering—to a Massachusetts woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after decades of asbestos exposure through the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.
- July 2025—Johnson & Johnson: Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay a settlement of over $42 million to a Massachusetts man who developed mesothelioma from the company’s talc products.
- March 2025—Johnson & Johnson: Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt for a $10 billion settlement for all current and future ovarian cancer claims failed. This means individual and multidistrict plaintiffs can continue to pursue their cases.
2024
- June and November 2024—Johnson & Johnson: In June, an Oregon woman who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma after a lifetime of using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder was awarded $260 million. In September 2024, after J&J’s attorneys successfully pushed for a new trial, Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge overturned the original verdict and ordered a new trial date. Fortunately, that same judge later denied the motion for a new trial and to reduce the award to the plaintiff.
- May 2024—Avon: A jury awarded an Illinois man and his family $24.4 million after the patriarch of the family was diagnosed with mesothelioma after decades of exposure to asbestos as a janitor in an Avon facility.
2022
- August 2022—Johnson & Johnson agreed to phase out the sale of talc-based baby powder worldwide, officially leaving global shelves by 2023.
Why You Need an Experienced Asbestos Lawyer To Handle Your Talcum Powder Asbestos Lawsuit
Due to the long latency period and the ubiquitous use of talc throughout the years, talcum powder asbestos lawsuits can be complex to prove on your own. The legal counsel you work with must be well-versed in these types of cases.
An experienced asbestos attorney at Sieben Polk P.A. will guide you through the legal process. We work tirelessly to prove your case by:
- Gathering and reviewing your medical records to document your diagnosis and treatment history
- Identifying the specific talc products that exposed you to asbestos
- Finding experts who will testify for your specific claim
- Collecting witness statements that can corroborate your exposure
Your attorney will also help you identify the company or companies responsible for your exposure. Most importantly, we will negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf or file the lawsuit, handle all legal procedures, and fight to hold the companies liable for the harm their products caused.
Why You Need Sieben Polk P.A. To Represent You in Your Talcum Powder Asbestos Claim in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest
After receiving a life-altering diagnosis, such as mesothelioma, time is critical—and so is your choice of legal representation. Sieben Polk P.A. is the only law firm based in Minnesota that is actively handling mesothelioma and talcum powder asbestos lawsuits today. Our attorneys have decades of experience advocating for victims of asbestos exposure and securing millions in compensation for our clients throughout the Upper Midwest.
Our reputation is built on providing personal attention and tailored legal services for each client. Our goal is not just to win your case, but to keep the legal process as supportive and stress-free as possible.
You don’t have to worry about traveling to our office—our legal team will meet you at home, in the hospital, or anywhere else you feel comfortable. When you need an experienced lawyer for a talcum powder lawsuit in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, Sieben Polk P.A. is here to help.
How Is Asbestos Linked To Talc Powder?
Both asbestos and talc are naturally occurring minerals that form under similar conditions. Due to their proximity in geological settings rich with magnesium and silica, they often mix during extraction and processing.
This means that many talc products, such as cosmetics with talcum powder in their formulation, may also be contaminated with asbestos.
Investigations and testing have confirmed the presence of asbestos in many household products and cosmetics sold by major brands. The concern initially revolved around Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder. Eventually, as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported, it grew to encompass many other brands that used talc in their formulations.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of minerals with heat- and fire-resistant properties. These minerals can break down into tiny, lightweight fibers. When disturbed, these fibers become airborne and inhalable, embedding permanently into lungs and other organs. Repeated exposure can lead to serious diseases.
How Does Talcum Powder Become Contaminated With Asbestos?
In addition to similar growing environments and contamination during the mining process, certain conditions allow talc and asbestos to form at the same time and combine.
One form of asbestos, chrysotile, can turn into talc with exposure to water, silica, and carbon dioxide. If the conditions aren’t ideal, the asbestos won’t completely transform, causing contamination.
These attributes make it all but impossible to ensure mined talc is free of asbestos. Talc on its own is not inherently dangerous—it only becomes a health hazard when it’s contaminated. Unfortunately, since it’s difficult to know whether the talc in a product is contaminated, it’s best to avoid talc products altogether.
Why Is Asbestos-Contaminated Talc Powder So Dangerous?
Not all talc powder contains asbestos, but you can’t determine if a talc product is contaminated just by looking at it or reading the label. Asbestos-contaminated talc powder is dangerous because people may use it without being aware of the risk of asbestos exposure.
Users applied talc directly to their skin in cosmetics or baby powder, including in highly sensitive areas where the risk of absorption and inhalation was high. This direct and frequent exposure can cause severe health conditions, such as ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Before Johnson & Johnson and other cosmetic producers stopped using talc in their formulations, the public believed it was a safe product, and many had been using these products for their entire lives.
Additionally, asbestos-related cancers take time to develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, might not appear for years or even decades after exposure, well after the cancer has progressed. Recognizing talcum powder asbestos exposure symptoms can potentially save your life
Can I File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit for My Asbestos Exposure?
You may be eligible to sue for asbestos exposure if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
However, exposure to asbestos via contaminated talc is not a guarantee that you will develop mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease. These types of illnesses can take decades to develop, and many people never get sick at all.
If you believe you had asbestos exposure, continue to monitor your health with the help of your doctor because you cannot sue before you become ill.
Who Can File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or any other disease related to exposure to asbestos, you are eligible to file a talc powder lawsuit. Additionally, a spouse, children, or other next-of-kin can file a wrongful death claim if their loved one passes away. An estate representative of the deceased individual can also file a claim on their behalf.
What Are My Legal Options After My Diagnosis?
After your or your loved one’s diagnosis, you can pursue compensation through several legal avenues. You can file an asbestos lawsuit to compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. If the responsible company has declared bankruptcy, it may have set up a court-ordered asbestos trust fund to compensate victims.
A wrongful death lawsuit is available for those whose loved ones have passed away due to asbestos exposure.
Additional options to pursue compensation include personal injury lawsuits or VA benefits for veterans.
Compensation Available for Talc Powder Asbestos Exposure
The average settlement for a talcum powder lawsuit varies from $100,000 to $1 million per individual. However, there are many cases where people receive multimillion-dollar damages. The compensation you receive will vary depending on the severity of your or your loved one’s illness and the number of affected people.
Working with an experienced talcum powder lawyer ensures that you pursue every possible avenue to maximize your compensation.
How Much Time Do I Have to File My Asbestos Claim?
It’s crucial to act quickly when filing your talc lawsuit, as missing the filing deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation.
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is six years from the date of injury. For mesothelioma cases, this time frame usually starts at diagnosis due to the long latency period of mesothelioma. For wrongful death claims, it’s three years from the date of death.
The statute of limitations varies by state, and deadlines in other Upper Midwest states may differ. Even if you think you missed the deadline, you should still contact Sieben Polk P.A. for a free case review—we might still be able to help you pursue your claim.
How To File a Talcum Powder Asbestos Lawsuit and the Steps To Take
Filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers responsible for asbestos-containing products is a complex process. These corporations have substantial legal resources at their disposal to avoid liability.
Our talcum powder lawyers at Sieben Polk P.A. have tried more asbestos cases in Minnesota than all other law firms combined, and we use this experience to secure the best results and maximum compensation possible for your case.
Step 1: Investigating Your Case
The first step is to investigate your case thoroughly, which includes:
- Collecting information regarding your work history
- Determining the point of asbestos exposure
- Reviewing your medical history and any diagnoses
From there, our seasoned legal team will identify the liable parties and establish a clear connection between the asbestos exposure and your resulting illness.
Step 2: Finding Evidence Against the Asbestos Product Manufacturers
In addition to researching your background and medical history, your lawyer will also interview relevant experts to help demonstrate which products were responsible for your asbestos exposure.
Step 3: Analyzing Your Medical History
Asbestos manufacturers may attempt to blame your illness on other factors. To refute these claims, your talcum powder attorney will work with medical experts to go over your history to confirm that asbestos exposure caused your illness.
Step 4: Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit
Armed with evidence and the medical analysis, your attorney will file the claim on your behalf. The process includes filing the complaint, completing discovery, and negotiating with the at-fault company’s attorney.
While many cases settle before trial, we are always prepared to take your case to court if the company does not offer a fair settlement.
Sieben Polk P.A. Has Recovered Over $840 Million For Minnesotans in Mesothelioma Cases
Our award-winning mesothelioma attorneys are unwavering in their advocacy for our clients and dedication to holding asbestos manufacturers accountable for their actions. Our track record speaks for itself, with numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, earning the reputation of the most experienced lawyers for talcum powder lawsuits in Minnesota.
Sieben Polk P.A. Your Top Asbestos Lawyers in Minnesota and Throughout the Upper Midwest
Sieben Polk P.A. has been serving clients in the Upper Midwest for 50 years. From your free consultation to the conclusion of your case, we bring deep knowledge, personal attention, and fierce dedication to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
We are the only law firm in Minnesota that handles asbestos-related cases. With a deep understanding of local laws, courts, and legal dynamics, our firm is uniquely positioned to handle even the most complex cases.
To ensure that you can pursue justice without upfront costs, we work on a contingency basis—you only pay if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Why Sieben Polk P.A. Is Trusted by Asbestos Victims
We have over 200 years of combined experience advocating for our clients in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. We tailor our legal services to the unique needs of each client, combining personalized attention with big law firm resources.
We treat each client with the professionalism and care that we would expect for our own family members. Our client testimonials reflect our commitment to providing superior legal representation with a compassionate approach.
Take action now. Contact us online or call 651-437-3148 today for a free mesothelioma case review.
Talcum Powder and Asbestos Exposure FAQs
Asbestos exposure through contaminated talc products, including talcum powder, has been tied to life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one is facing an asbestos-related diagnosis, getting answers to common questions is an essential first step before you seek counsel and pursue compensation.
There is no safe level of exposure to talc asbestos. It is a known carcinogen, and even exposure to small amounts can cause mesothelioma and other cancers.
In 2024, under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Biden administration banned the use and import of chrysotile asbestos, the primary type of asbestos widely used in the United States. The ban included a 12-year phase-out period for specific industries using asbestos in their production methods, such as the chlor-alkali industry.
Ultimately, asbestos, including other types not explicitly banned, can still be found in older buildings, certain industries, and some products, including talc.
The only way to know for sure if your commercial talc products contain asbestos is to test each item individually. However, this can be time-consuming and expensive. Instead, if you are concerned about asbestos exposure via talcum powder, you should avoid talc-containing products altogether.
If you suspect you were exposed to asbestos through a talc product you have been using, there are several steps you need to take right away:
- Immediately discontinue your use of the talc powder product.
- Put the remaining product in an airtight container that is clearly labeled: “Asbestos—DO NOT USE.”
- Do not sweep, dust, or vacuum the talc—airborne asbestos is the most dangerous. Avoid disturbing it and leave the area. Contact a licensed asbestos abatement professional or your local health department for guidance.
- Monitor for any respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain. Alert your doctor immediately, regardless of whether symptoms appear—remember, mesothelioma has a long latency period.
- Report your exposure to the FDA, making note of the brand and product, where you purchased it, and how you were exposed.
- If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, in addition to seeking care, you should also seek legal counsel from an asbestos attorney.
A talcum powder asbestos lawyer represents individuals who developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses from using contaminated talc products. They assist their clients in gathering evidence, filing claims, and recovering fair compensation for their wrongful exposure to this dangerous mineral.
To qualify for a lawsuit, either you or a loved one must have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other types of cancer linked to asbestos exposure after using talcum powder products.
At Sieben Polk P.A., our asbestos attorneys cost nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to pay any upfront fees; you only pay if we recover compensation.
If you work with Sieben Polk P.A., the answer is no. We travel throughout the state and region to meet you in your home or wherever you most feel comfortable.
Yes, you can still file a claim against a bankrupt company that was responsible for your asbestos exposure. Many companies whose employees or consumers developed mesothelioma or other illnesses after asbestos exposure declared bankruptcy after facing a surge of multimillion-dollar lawsuits. In response, the courts ordered those businesses to establish asbestos trust funds to compensate current and future victims.
Each trust fund has its own criteria for payment amounts and review processes. However, you may also be eligible for more than one trust fund depending on your exposure history.
The legal process begins when you first meet with an asbestos attorney for your free consultation. Next, your lawyer will gather evidence and file your claim. Many cases settle out of court or via an asbestos trust fund, but some go to trial.
Talcum powder asbestos cases can vary in duration, but many take between 12 and 24 months to resolve. You can expect a shorter time frame if a pre-trial settlement is involved and a longer one if the case heads to trial. Other complicating factors are the number of parties involved, negotiations, and the potential for appeals.
Your settlement amount comes from a variety of factors, including the severity of your illness, with the average settlement ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. An asbestos lawyer can help you determine the value of your case and what compensation you can expect.