Last month, a jury decided that Bayer, the company which bought Monsanto last year, owed $80 million in damages to a man who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after exposure to Roundup weed killer. This was an important case, as the decision of this jury may affect how hundreds of other cases involving the popular weed killer could turn out.
Debate over glyphosate
There has been a long-time debate over glyphosate, a primary ingredient of many weed killers like Roundup, as a potential carcinogen. While the jury of this case, decided that exposure to Roundup was a significant factor in the plaintiff’s development of cancer, Bayer continues to claim that there is substantial scientific evidence suggesting that glyphosate-based weed killers are safe for consumer use. The company plans to appeal the jury’s decision.
Bellwether trial
Though Bayer plans to repeal this decision, this case is likely to affect many other cases involving Roundup weed killers. U.S. Judge Vince Chhabria, who oversaw the case also oversees hundreds of Roundup lawsuits. The judge has deemed this case along with a few others as bellwether trials.
Bellwether trials are essentially test trials over widely contested issues. The results of these trials usually give a good indication for how other disputes over the same issue will resolve. This decision will give lawyers a lot of information and leverage on how to handle settlements with Bayer on behalf of their clients.
Pursuing action
Because of how popular Roundup products are, they may have affected farmers and gardeners across the country. If you have been exposed to glyphosate-based weed killers such as Roundup and have developed a blood cancer, you may be able to hold Bayer responsible and receive compensation for your suffering.
