Jurors in the United States handed down a USD$2 billion product liability verdict in March after finding the company that produces Roundup weed killer responsible for a cancer developed by John Barnes of Georgia.
The award, which capped a three-week trial, includes $65 million in compensatory damages for the non-Hodgkin lymphoma Barnes developed after using the herbicide, and $2 billion in punitive damages imposed against Bayer-owned Monsanto.
Barnes, who says he used the company’s weedkiller in his yard for years, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020. He claims glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, caused his cancer and Monsanto failed to warn him of the product’s dangers.The case is among thousands of similar claims across the USA alleging Roundup caused consumers’ non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. The trial centered in large part on glyphosate’s alleged links to the disease and Monsanto’s conduct across decades of selling the product.
Monsanto contended that there is no reliable link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cited years of studies that demonstrated no statistically significant association between the chemical and the disease. Those studies – they argued – were reinforced by Environmental Protection Agency conclusions.
Barnes’ lawyers though, told jurors that evidence, including internal company documents, showed Monsanto knew of glyphosate’s links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but failed to warn the public, worked for decades to undercut studies showing the chemical’s risks, and lobbied to avoid any warnings.
The $2 billion punitive award was to punish the company for its deceitful conduct related to the product and Monsanto’s continuous refusal to acknowledge that public’s right to be informed of its risks.
Monsanto states it will appeal the decision, which it maintains goes against the weight of scientific evidence.
In Australia, a similar class action was defeated in 2024 when Justice Michael Lee ruled there is not enough evidence that glyphosate – the active chemical in the popular weedkiller – caused cancer in more than 800 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients.
Reliable sources calculate that Monsanto has so far reached settlement agreements in over 100,000 U.S. Roundup lawsuits, paying approximately $11 billion. It reportedly achieved this through negotiated block settlements with the various law firms handling the huge number of claims.
IN THE STATE COURT OF COBB COUNTY. STATE OF GEORGIA. CIVIL ACTION FILE NO. VS. Monsanto Company
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