Dozens of US states, including Texas, North Carolina and Florida, are expected to receive money by the end of July from a recent $700 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson over its talc-based body and baby powder safety claims.
Texas, it is earning over $61.5 million As part of the settlement, it helped lead a multistate lawsuit against the drugmaker claiming that talc ingredients in its products caused mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and other serious health problems. Payment will be made in four installments over four years from July 30 to each state.
“We have reached an important settlement with Johnson & Johnson, and the company will abide by the law and take effective steps to protect consumers from dangerous products.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement Tuesday. “I am proud to lead this coalition of 43 attorneys general for truth in consumer health and marketing.”
Paxton was joined by 42 other attorneys general from across the United States in the legal effort.
“Consistent with the plan we outlined last year, the company is pursuing a number of avenues to reach a comprehensive and final settlement of the Talc case,” Eric Haas, vice president of global litigation for Johnson & Johnson, said in an emailed statement to the US. Today is Wednesday.
“That progress includes the company finalizing a previously announced agreement with a consortium of 43 state attorneys general to settle their improper claims. We will continue to address the claims of those who do not wish to participate in the unanimous bankruptcy resolution we contemplate. Through litigation or settlement.”
How much will each US state receive from the $700 million settlement?
Here’s how much each US state will get from the $700 million settlement pending court approval. Johnson & Johnson will pay $175 million annually over four years, according to court records.
Contributing: Bayliss Wagner/ Austin American-Statesman and Minnah Arshad/ USA TODAY
