$65.5 Million Verdict Against Johnson & Johnson Awarded to Mesothelioma Victim in Minnesota

December 19, 2025

A Minnesota jury has returned a substantial mesothelioma verdict against Johnson & Johnson on behalf of a Minnesota mesothelioma victim. It is believed to be record-breaking for mesothelioma in Minnesota. The plaintiff was just 37 years old, a wife and a mother of three. Diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and having been exposed to Johnson & Johnson baby powder from childhood, she was awarded $65.5 million in compensatory damages for past and future economic and non-economic losses.

The victim, Anna Carley, retained Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen to represent her in her mesothelioma lawsuit. After interviewing Mrs. Carley and reviewing all facts of the case, ELSM attorneys co-counseled with the law firm of Dean Omar Branham Shirely (DOBS). ELSM works closely with DOBS on select mesothelioma cases to maximize values for their clients at trial. After further review and collaboration, the DOBS team decided Mrs. Carley’s case should be tried to verdict.

Mrs. Carley used Johnson’s baby powder products throughout her childhood. Attorneys for the victim presented Johnson & Johnson’s knowledge that their talc products contained asbestos as evidence to the jury. This evidence demonstrated that the company knew the dangers from both internal testing and external scientific literature. Despite this, Johnson & Johnson failed to warn the public as they continued market these products as safe for daily use for decades.

Exposure to asbestos is known to directly cause a terminal cancer called mesothelioma. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling their talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020, switching to a cornstarch-based formula.

Following thirteen days of deliberation, the jury returned their substantial verdict. This $65.5 million award reflects the many challenges brought on by the plaintiff’s illness, the impact on her family, and the losses she has endured as a result of asbestos exposure.

Post-Verdict Update

June 22, 2026 - A Minnesota judge upheld a $65.5 million verdict awarded to a mother of three who claimed that asbestos-contaminated Johnson's Baby Powder contributed to her cancer. The court rejected Johnson & Johnson's request to overturn the verdict, finding that the jury had sufficient evidence to support its decision.

The judge found that the jury could rely on expert testimony linking asbestos-contaminated talc to the plaintiff's exposure and cancer. The court also rejected J&J's argument that there was no proof the specific bottles of baby powder she used contained asbestos. Instead, the judge found that evidence of asbestos contamination in Vermont-sourced talc and the plaintiff's long history of product use gave the jury enough evidence to reach its decision.