In a landmark decision out of Georgia, pharmaceutical giant Bayer, which now owns Monsanto, has been slapped with a nearly $2.1 billion jury verdict. This lawsuit is connected to the company's controversial Roundup weed killer, which the plaintiff, John Barnes, asserts caused his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The details, provided by FOX 5 Atlanta, indicate Bayer will be facing a sizable payout, including $65 million in compensatory damages and a whopping $2 billion in punitive damages. Bayer plans to appeal the decision.
Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto in 2018 included the Roundup brand and its legal battles. Reuters reports that this verdict joins a growing list of litigation setbacks for the conglomerate. Since the takeover, over 177,000 lawsuits have been filed involving Roundup, and Bayer has reserved approximately $16 billion for settling cases. The Powder Bulk Solids publication points out that more than 60,000 further cases remain pending.
Attorneys representing the plaintiff shed light on the significance of the decision. Kyle Findley, the lead trial lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP, expressed that the jury's verdict represents an "important milestone" in revealing the truth about the product's potential dangers. Despite this, Bayer continues to maintain that Roundup is safe, issuing a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, claiming that the verdict "conflicts with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of regulatory bodies and their scientific assessments worldwide."
Monsanto's stance on the safety of Roundup and Bayer's vow to keep fighting these cases shadow a growing concern for the product's future. Earlier this month, Bayer cautioned U.S. lawmakers about the possible ceasing of Roundup sales if protections from such lawsuits aren't bolstered. According to Powder Bulk Solids, damages in cases that have seen final judgements were reduced by 90% "overall compared with the original jury awards," offering Bayer hope on appeals.
The legal proceedings for Bayer are ongoing, with multiple cases still moving through the courts. This latest verdict highlights ongoing litigation from individuals and firms pursuing legal action, while Bayer maintains its position on product safety despite continued allegations and legal rulings.
