Judge Allows J&J Talc Bankruptcy in Texas Despite DOJ's Objections

Oct 10, 2024, 10:12 PM

A Texas judge has ruled that Johnson & Johnson's talc subsidiary can pursue its third attempt to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc products caused cancer in a Texas bankruptcy court. Despite efforts by attorneys for cancer victims and the Department of Justice's bankruptcy watchdog to move the proceedings to New Jersey, the decision allows the company to avoid courts that previously rejected its bankruptcy attempts amid concerns about forum shopping. The judge concluded that J&J did not wrongly manipulate bankruptcy rules when it filed its case in Texas, increasing the likelihood that the company can settle the claims. This ruling is significant for J&J as it faces extensive litigation over allegations that its baby powder gave women cancer.