Recent massive plaintiff-favored verdicts in Roundup lawsuits may pressurize Bayer to settle the rest of the claims!
As of January 2024, there have been significant developments in the ongoing Roundup lawsuits, primarily focusing on claims that the weed killer, particularly its active ingredient glyphosate, is linked to cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
In October 2023, a St. Louis jury awarded a plaintiff $1.25 million, finding Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, did not adequately warn about the product's risks, which allegedly led to the plaintiff's non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Additionally, a Philadelphia jury recently awarded a substantial verdict of $175 million in a similar lawsuit. These verdicts have marked a change in the tide of Roundup litigation, shifting momentum towards the plaintiffs after a series of defense victories for Monsanto in previous trials.
In a case involving Mike Dennis, who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma and attributed it to glyphosate exposure, a jury awarded him $7 million in compensatory damages and $325 million in punitive damages, though Bayer, Monsanto's parent company, plans to appeal.
A class action lawsuit in Australia is examining the link between Roundup and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This judge-only trial could provide a new perspective and may influence Roundup lawsuits in the U.S.
Bayer has settled around 100,000 Roundup lawsuits, paying out more than $11 billion. These settlements represent about 80% of all claims over Roundup weed killer, but approximately 40,000 lawsuits remain actively pending.
The Roundup Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) was settled for around $10 billion in 2020, which included $1.25 billion for future Roundup cases. Despite these Roundup settlements, more individuals continue to file lawsuits, and the litigation is ongoing.
Several scientific studies have linked glyphosate exposure to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This has prompted regulatory scrutiny, with agencies like the FDA and EPA being ordered by courts to reevaluate their findings on glyphosate's carcinogenic potential.
In a Missouri trial, Monsanto's representative conceded that studies indicating chromosome damage were predominantly carried out by independent researchers, as opposed to company-funded research claiming no chromosomal harm.
Court of Appeals, which overturned the EPA’s stance that glyphosate isn't likely carcinogenic to humans. This led to the FDA retracting its initial position on glyphosate’s non-carcinogenic nature and promising a more thorough evaluation.
There have been debates over the statute of limitations, with plaintiffs arguing that the clock should start ticking not when the harm occurs but when they become aware of it.
These developments reflect a dynamic and evolving legal situation, with significant implications for both plaintiffs and the defendant companies. The Roundup lawsuits highlight the complex interplay between scientific research, legal strategy, and corporate accountability in public health issues.
These updates highlight the complex and evolving nature of the Roundup litigation, indicating a shift in legal strategies and growing global attention to the potential health risks associated with glyphosate-based products.
