$185M Monsanto Verdict Reinstated and 74,000+ J&J Talc Cases as First Trial Begins

As we head into the final stretch of 2025, this week’s Tort Talks covers four major developments reshaping the mass tort landscape:

Talc / J&J: The first post bankruptcy ovarian cancer trial begins this week in California state court as filings continue to climb. J&J now faces more than 74,000 cases and could be at 90,000 by the end of 2026.

Monsanto / Bayer: The Washington Supreme Court reinstated the $185 million PCB contamination verdict while a separate $38 million investor class action settlement wins final approval alleging Bayer downplayed liabilities tied to Monsanto.

Social Media Addiction: The initial California state court trial set for November has been pushed to January as additional discovery is allowed. Multiple state trials are now expected across 2026, increasing pressure on the tech defendants.

Paraquat: Reports indicate settlement activity inside the MDL with more than 6,400 cases at issue. Meanwhile Philadelphia state court remains active with a January trial setting on deck. Broader resolution could hinge on how that docket moves.

Your complete mass tort briefing for the week in under 10 minutes.

————————— Contents of this video —————————
00:00 – Introduction: Tort Talks with Marc and Joe
00:39 – Talc: First Post Bankruptcy Trial Begins
02:02 – Monsanto: $185M Verdict Reinstated and $38M Settlement
03:42 – Social Media Addiction: 2026 Trial Pressure Builds
04:54 – Paraquat: Settlement Signals and Philadelphia Trial Setting
06:18 – Closing and Next Week’s Developments