On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, a six-member San Francisco jury unanimously concluded that Monsanto’s popular weedkiller Roundup, was a significant factor in a California man’s cancer. For 26 years, Hardeman used Roundup to counter the weeds and poison oak in his yard. In 2015, he learned that he developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.
The verdict comes six months after a similar case resulted in an $80 million verdict for a groundskeeper who also developed terminal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after years of Roundup use. These two cases can help determine the fate of hundreds of similar lawsuits against the company that aggressively defends its products against similar claims.
However, Monsanto’s parent company Bayer, says the jury’s decision will not impact future cases because every case is unique. Bayer has also been consistent in its defense of glyphosate’s safety. Bayer says industry-funded research about this has revealed the herbicide is relatively safe.
Bayer said on the subject of Tuesday’s verdict, “We are disappointed with the jury’s initial decision, but we continue to believe firmly that the science confirms glyphosate-based herbicides do not cause cancer.”
However, recent studies of glyphosate show that the chemical raises the cancer risk to those exposed by 41 percent. In 2015, the World Health Organization said glyphosate is probably a carcinogen. Individuals who work in gardening or groundskeeping or are involved in the manufacture of Roundup could be at increased risk of developing cancer from glyphosate exposure.
What Happens Next?
Tuesday’s verdict was the conclusion of the first phase of the federal lawsuit about the health risks of Roundup and whether Monsanto misled the California man who filed the lawsuit. The second part of the case began today. The purpose of this phase of the case is to determine if Monsanto should be held liable for contributing to the victim developing cancer.
According to a statement from Bayer, the company is disappointed in the verdict and thinks the evidence in the second phase of the trial will show Monsanto’s actions have been appropriate and the company should not be held liable.
Roundup Manufacturing in Louisiana
All Roundup products sold in this country are developed at facilities in Luling, Louisiana and Muscatine, Iowa. Many of the facility’s suppliers are local to the region and have provided scientific and manufacturing talent that greatly contribute to South Louisiana’s economy.
In 2010, Monsanto completed a $200 million expansion of the Roundup plant in Luling, which is just outside of New Orleans. The expansion project was begun in April 2008.
Contact a Qualified Attorney Today
Our team at Simien & Simien is now accepting inquires on Monsanto’s weedkiller Roundup.
If you have been exposed to this product for a long period of time and have developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, our trusted attorneys can answer any legal questions you may have. We offer a risk-free, no obligation consultation. We do not charge for our services unless we receive fair compensation on behalf of your case.
Schedule your free consultation today by calling (800) 374-8422.
