The Illinois Appellate Court upheld a $45 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson and its consumer-health spinoff, Kenvue. An original jury found that decades of using J&J's asbestos-contaminated talc-based baby powder caused Theresa Garcia to develop and die from mesothelioma.
The court rejected J&J's requests for a new trial or a reduction in the award. It affirmed the finding of liability.
This decision represents a setback for the company. J&J has consistently argued that adverse talc verdicts are typically overturned on appeal.
The ruling also upheld Kenvue's liability as a successor to J&J's former consumer products business, despite corporate restructuring.
Johnson & Johnson faces tens of thousands of similar lawsuits. The company has unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the litigation through a subsidiary's bankruptcy.
This appellate court decision reinforces the legal challenges J&J continues to face as it navigates widespread talc-related liabilities.