A California jury has awarded a couple over $2 billion in a lawsuit against Monsanto, concerning its Roundup weed killer. The plaintiffs, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, used Roundup on their property for more than three decades. They claim they both developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after extensive exposure to the key ingredient in the weed killer, glyphosate.
Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, promises to appeal the record-setting verdict. Monsanto has faced a string of recent losses in court, with more cases pending at the state and federal level. Bayer insists that glyphosate is not a carcinogen, a view the company argues is in line with health experts.
The verdict comes after years of allegations linking glyphosate to cancer. There is evidence that Monsanto knew about the safety risks of its herbicide products, but sold them anyway. In fact, some have alleged that Monsanto’s own scientists wrote studies defending Roundup, which were then passed off as independent. Roundup executives also allegedly worked with former Environmental Protection Agency officials to convince the public there were no health risks.
The popularity of Roundup cannot be underestimated. The product has been used since the 1970s and is the weed killer of choice for homeowners, farmers, and others. But this widespread use comes at a cost. Potentially thousands of people have been exposed to glyphosate and may have developed cancer as a result.
In 2015, the World Health Organization declared that glyphosate is probably a carcinogen – meaning, it can cause cancer. Several types of cancer have been linked to this substance, including the following:
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- B-cell lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Other rare types of cancer
There are numerous other health problems linked to Roundup, including:
- DNA and chromosomal damage in human cells
- Death of human embryonic cells
- Celiac disease
- Hormone disruption
- Infertility
- Birth defects
- Irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system
A number of individuals across all walks of life could be affected by Roundup. Use in the agricultural sector has exploded over recent years. Many crops, such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, have been genetically modified to be resistant to glyphosate. This means Roundup can be used in large quantities to kill weeds while not harming the crops. Farmers are therefore at a high risk of suffering severe health consequences due to contact with glyphosate.
Greenhouse and landscape workers may be in danger as well. Homeowners who use Roundup to control weeds, or business owners who use it on their properties, could be at risk. There may even be traces of glyphosate in produce and other food that has come in contact with Roundup.
If you or a family member have developed cancer after use of Roundup, you may be entitled to compensation. The damages for which you may be eligible include the following:
- Medical expenses, including future treatments
- Physical injuries
- Lost wages and inability to return to work
- Other losses
An experienced lawyer will investigate your claims to understand the nature and extent of your exposure to Roundup. Your lawyer will also work to document the details of any medical consequences you may be experiencing. The attorneys at Bayer are aggressively working to put an end to lawsuits concerning their dangerous products. And they have the resources available to do so. You need an experienced legal team to hold these companies liable for selling an unsafe product to the public.
A New York Mass Tort Attorney Will Fight for the Justice You Deserve
Many of the cases being pursued against Monsanto are considered mass torts. The lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. are well-versed in these lawsuits and are ready to help you. It’s important to take legal action at your earliest convenience to make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Call our attorneys today to set up a consultation.
