Women Urge Support for $8 Billion J&J Talcum Powder Settlement as July 26th Deadline Approaches

By: Ad Hoc Group of Counsel via Business Wire

July 22, 2024 at 09:01 AM EDT

Ovarian Cancer Survivors Share Reasons for Backing Proposed Plan

Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) talcum powder products are speaking out in support of the historic settlement plan that has been proposed and urging others to vote in favor before the July 26^th deadline at 5pm ET.

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(Graphic: Business Wire)

J&J and a subsidiary have agreed to pay approximately $8 billion over the life of the trust ($6.475 billion net present value) to people who were harmed by talcum powder products. The plan would resolve years of frustrating litigation against J&J and would provide a way for people to receive compensation without the time, expense, and uncertainty of going to trial. To move forward, it requires approval from at least 75% of claimants casting votes.

"I used J&J baby powder my whole life,” said Nonnie Hightower, 53, of Milwaukee. “Now I'm angry - for myself, for my daughter, and for my granddaughter. I wonder if I potentially harmed my own family by using baby powder on them. I'm supporting this settlement because there are many women waiting for justice, and financially, I need to. It might be our only choice, but it's a step towards closure for all of us affected."

Under the plan, ovarian cancer claimants could receive an average of $75,000 to $150,000. J&J and a subsidiary have agreed to fund approximately $8 billion over 25 years to a trust that will pay current and future claimants to resolve claims.

"It's a democratic and efficient process that gives our clients a voice, for the first time, about whether the plan goes through or someone else decides for them," said Anne Andrews, Founding & Managing Partner of Andrews & Thornton, whose firm is representing over 10,500 J&J talc victims.

Rhonda McKey, 54, of Zachary, Louisiana, emphasized the urgency: "I've gone from being self-employed to being on disability, unable to work as I did before. I support this settlement because I’ve seen companies take years to resolve these issues. If you’ve damaged people’s lives, you should help in some way. I don't want to just survive. I want to live.”

Claimants can vote on the plan at www.OfficialTalcClaims.com or by calling 1-888-431-4056. The Ad Hoc Group of Supporting Counsel, representing over 77,500 individuals harmed by J&J talcum powder products, is urging immediate action before the fast-approaching deadline.