The weed-killing chemical marketed as Roundup is at the heart of growing litigation concerning allegations that it causes cancer. Claimants around the country argue that manufacturer Monsanto failed to adequately warn about the carcinogenic risks associated with glyphosate – the key ingredient in the popular herbicide.
Just last month Monsanto was hit with a $289 million verdict in one of the first Roundup cancer lawsuits to go to trial. The plaintiff, a former school groundskeeper named Dewayne Johnson who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after years of using the weed killer, prevailed in a California trial after just three days of deliberations. The trial marks a significant victory for other plaintiffs with similar allegations against Monsanto, who await their day in court.
This lawsuit is just the first phase in what will likely be a massive legal battle over glyphosate and its current product labeling and approved uses in the United States.
Here are five important facts about Roundup cancer litigation.
More than 4,000 complaints are pending
Johnson’s case is joined by more than 4,000 other Roundup claims alleging the product causes cancer. Many of these suits are pending in states like Missouri, Montana, Delaware, Arizona and Nebraska. Hundreds more have been consolidated in San Francisco Superior Court before Judge Vince Chhabria.
CA verdict bodes well for future Roundup cases
Jurors awarded Johnson, who was not expected to live through the end of trial, $39 million for compensatory damages and another $250 million to punish Monsanto for willfully failing to warn of Roundup’s risks. While Monsanto is appealing the judgement, this verdict sent a powerful message to the agrochemical giant.
Juries are not asked to determine if Roundup causes cancer
Jurors are not tasked with determining if glyphosate exposure causes cancer. They are instead asked to determine if Monsanto had scientific knowledge of the product’s risks and if they failed to caution consumers about these dangers.
The next Roundup trial is scheduled for late October
The next Roundup trial is slated for later this month and will take place in Missouri state court. By that time, the Monsanto brand will be retired from the markets. Bayer acquired Monsanto this summer for a reported $60 billion and will be assuming all liability in Roundup cases moving forward.
Glyphosate health risks
For decades, Roundup has been used to kill weeds on major agricultural crops, lawns, golf courses and private gardens across the globe. Some studies have shown that glyphosate-based products have been tied to cancers such as hairy cell leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. As ongoing research uncovers more information about the level of glyphosate exposure needed and who is most at risk, there remains substantial concern that the weed-killer is not as safe as Monsanto would have the public believe.
Protect your rights – call Bart Bernard today
If you or a family member developed cancer after using Roundup weed-killer, it’s important to know your rights. You may be eligible for legal compensation to account for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Hit Hard with Bart Bernard™! Don’t take chances with just any Louisiana personal injury attorney. Call today to see if you are eligible to file a Roundup cancer lawsuit. Bart Bernard is not intimidated by complex injury claims against corporate defendants and will fight to win maximum compensation. Schedule your free case review by calling 888-GET-BART today.
Additional Resources on Roundup Cancer Lawsuits:
- Fox News, Can using weed killer give you cancer? https://www.foxnews.com/health/can-using-weed-killer-give-you-cancer
- Business Insider, A common weed-killer chemical is at the heart of a $289 million cancer lawsuit https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-glyphosate-monsanto-cancer-roundup-lawsuit-2018-8
- CBS News, Weed-killing chemical linked to cancer found in some children’s breakfast foods https://www.cbsnews.com/news/glyphosate-roundup-chemical-found-in-childrens-breakfast-foods/
- Fortune, Monsanto Has to Pay $289 Million in Damages in First Roundup Cancer Trial http://fortune.com/2018/08/11/monsanto-roundup-cancer-trial-verdict/
