A Los Angeles jury has awarded a total of $40 million in a landmark, month-long bellwether trial involving ovarian cancer claims tied to Johnson & Johnson’s talc products. The verdict was reached after approximately six hours of jury deliberation.

The jury concluded that Johnson & Johnson’s talc products were a substantial contributing factor in causing ovarian cancer in both plaintiffs, Deborah Schultz and Monica Kent. Mrs. Schultz and her husband were awarded $22 million in compensatory damages, while Ms. Kent received $18 million. Although the jury determined that Johnson & Johnson’s conduct was intentional, it declined to award punitive damages.

During closing arguments, Beasley Allen attorney Andy Birchfield urged jurors to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for what he described as decades of misconduct. He pointed to internal company documents demonstrating that the company was aware of potential cancer risks associated with its talc products yet failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers. Evidence presented at trial included internal Johnson & Johnson records dating back to the 1970s, which the plaintiffs argued clearly established intentional wrongdoing.

The jury found Johnson & Johnson liable on multiple counts, including negligence, negligent failure to warn, and false representation. While the company has announced plans to appeal the verdict, the trial record reflects no reversible error.

This case marks the first ovarian cancer bellwether trial in Los Angeles Superior Court following Johnson & Johnson’s unsuccessful attempts to resolve talc litigation through a series of bankruptcy proceedings. The verdict represents a significant development in ongoing talc litigation nationwide.