A jury in Georgia, USA, has ordered German pharmaceutical and agrochemical giant Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, to pay $2.1 billion in damages to a man who claims he developed cancer due to exposure to the company’s herbicide, Roundup.
This latest ruling adds to the long-standing legal battles against Monsanto over allegations that Roundup causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Major Verdict in Ongoing Litigation
The jury’s decision, delivered on Friday, includes $65 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages. The plaintiff, John Barnes, sued Monsanto in 2021 after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His legal team, led by attorney Kyle Findley of Arnold & Itkin LLP, stated that the verdict would allow Barnes to receive better medical treatment.
Findley called the ruling a “significant milestone” and accused Monsanto of refusing to accept responsibility for “poisoning people with this toxic product.”
Bayer’s Defense and Ongoing Legal Challenges
Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, denies that Roundup causes cancer. The company has already faced over 177,000 lawsuits related to the herbicide, paying out more than $16 billion in settlements and verdicts.
In response to the latest ruling, Bayer stated that the decision contradicts “overwhelming scientific evidence and global regulatory consensus” that Roundup is safe. The company insists that glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, is not carcinogenic when used as directed, citing findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Scientific Debate and Legal Battles Continue
While some studies suggest a link between glyphosate and cancer, the EPA maintains that the herbicide is unlikely to pose a risk if used properly. However, lawsuits allege that Monsanto failed to warn the public about potential health risks.
Findley argued that internal documents presented during the trial revealed “decades of cover-ups” and “backroom dealings,” accusing Monsanto of dismissing scientific studies highlighting Roundup’s toxicity.
This is the fourth major victory for Findley’s legal team in Roundup-related cases. Earlier, in January 2024, they secured a $2.25 billion verdict in Philadelphia. Findley noted that his firm still represents numerous clients with similar claims.
Despite the lawsuits, Monsanto remains committed to defending its product, claiming it has won 17 out of the last 25 trials. Bayer warns that ongoing litigation costs could impact Roundup’s availability in the future.
The battle over Roundup’s safety and its legal implications is far from over, with Bayer facing continued pressure from courts and plaintiffs seeking accountability.
