What’s New in Dangerous Product Lawsuits in August 2026

It’s been a busy stretch for some of the largest dangerous-product lawsuits in America, with key trials underway and settlements either reached or negotiated in long-running cases.

Here are some of the biggest updates to keep an eye on.

Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Talcum Powder Settlement

After a decade of court battles and failed bankruptcy maneuvers, one of the largest dangerous product litigations could finally be winding down. Johnson & Johnson has agreed to a $5.5 billion settlement that is expected to resolve tens of thousands of talcum powder lawsuits.

These cases, which claim J&J’s talc-based baby powder caused women to develop ovarian cancer, have been subject to an unusually long legal process. The company had previously tried to resolve the litigation through a controversial procedure known as a Texas Two-Step bankruptcy, in which a new entity is formed to assume the talc liabilities and then files for bankruptcy.

That strategy had repeatedly been shot down. Now, J&J is opting for a more traditional settlement. The deal is contingent on major law firms in the litigation agreeing to participate.

First Covidien Hernia Mesh Trial Ends With Major Verdict

A closely watched trial over claims that Covidien hernia mesh caused serious medical issues ended in a plaintiff victory last month.

Medtronic was ordered to pay $88 million to a man who said that he required surgery after his bowel stuck to the Covidien Symbotex mesh used in his hernia procedure.

It’s a significant win, as it was the first of thousands of similar Covidien lawsuits to go to trial. As of this month, nearly 2,500 of those cases have been grouped together in federal court. More plaintiff victories could spur settlement talks.

Trial Over Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Nears After Key Legal Win

The first baby formula NEC trial at the federal level is expected to begin soon. The case is one of hundreds claiming that certain formulas designed for premature infants led to the development of a severe intestinal issue called necrotizing enterocolitis.

Mead Johnson, the maker of Enfamil, attempted to lean on a Supreme Court decision in the Roundup weed killer litigation to have some claims dismissed from trial.

The court had recently ruled that certain claims in Roundup cancer lawsuits were preempted, or overruled, by federal law since the Environmental Protection Agency had approved the weed killer’s label without a cancer warning.

Mead Johnson argued that a similar standard should be applied to the Food & Drug Administration and baby formula, even though the FDA does not actually approve baby formulas in the same regulated way that the EPA does with pesticides.

A judge shot down that argument, and the case is now expected to advance to trial unscathed.