Roundup has been the subject of controversy for several years. Monsanto developed the product and mass-produced it in the United States in 1974 as an herbicide or weed-killer. In 2015, the World Health Organization issued a report stating glyphosate could cause cancer in humans.
Since the WHO's report, many other studies linked glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). One study found that excess exposure to glyphosate resulted in a 41 percent greater chance of contracting NHL.
However, cases abound against Monsanto and its product, Roundup. Bayer acquired the company in 2018, and as a result, Bayer inherited all of Monsanto’s legal troubles with Roundup.
Working with a Pennsylvania Roundup lawsuit lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If you’ve contracted cancer or another medical ailment and suspect the cause is Roundup, you must seek legal advice.
What Verdicts Have Plaintiffs Won Against Roundup?
There have been three successful cases that resulted in significant damages awarded to the plaintiffs.
DeWayne Johnson
DeWayne Johnson was an integrated pest manager for a school district in the San Francisco Bay area. As part of his regular duties, he sprayed Roundup around the grounds of local schools to prevent weeds from growing.
The canister that he used weighed over 50 pounds, and he recalls how the spray from Roundup would sometimes blow back into his face on windy days.
On one unfortunate day, the hose of his canister broke, resulting in him being covered with glyphosate from the Roundup. He developed a severe rash and even contacted Monsanto when he suspected that the accident had led to his reaction.
He was seen by numerous doctors, including those at the University of California San Francisco and Stanford.
In 2014, Johnson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He heard about the WHO’s report and decided to contact a lawyer regarding his condition.
His case was expedited to trial in 2016 and resulted in a verdict of $289 million. Of that, he received $250 million in punitive damages and $39 million for economic and non-economic damages.
An appeal reduced the verdict to $20.5 million. DeWayne Johnson is the man who first won against Monsanto, and thousands of similar cases have been filed against Monsanto (and its new owner, Bayer) since he won. A movie describing the trial and examining Johnson's life came out in 2022.
Edward Hardeman
Edward Hardeman filed suit against Monsanto after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014. He had used Roundup regularly to prevent weeds from growing on his three properties in California.
In his lawsuit, he accused Monsanto of breaking the law by not properly informing its users that glyphosate can cause cancer.
Hardeman’s lawsuit was the first to go to federal court. The jury in his case awarded him $80 million in damages. Monsanto elected to appeal the damage award but lost.
Bayer has asked for the case to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, but the U.S. solicitor general has commented on it and suggested it should not be. The case is currently before the Supreme Court, but it does not need to follow the solicitor general’s advice.
Alva and Alberta Pilliod
Alva and Alberta Pilliod’s case against Monsanto was the third of its kind to be subjected to the jury. Their case was particularly interesting because both husband and wife had contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for over 30 years. Alva was diagnosed in 2011 and Alberta in 2015.
As a result of their case, they won a combined $55 million in economic and non-economic damages and $1 billion each in punitive damages from Monsanto. The judge reduced their award to $86.7 million. Bayer appealed but lost.
To find out whether you have a case against Monsanto, reach out to a Pennsylvania Roundup lawsuit lawyer for assistance.
Are There Other Cases Against Roundup?
There are tens of thousands of cases against Roundup, many of which settled out of court. Settlement amounts are often confidential. However, the company has confirmed that it has paid close to $10 billion in settlement claims as of 2020.
If the Supreme Court declines to review the Hardeman case, Bayer indicated that it might have to pay an additional $4.5 billion to settle other cases filed against the company.
Should I File a Case Against Roundup?
If you have a history of exposure to Roundup and have developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another medical condition, you should seek the assistance of a Pennsylvania Roundup lawsuit lawyer.
An attorney can help you decide whether your case has merit and if you should file suit against Monsanto and its current owner, Bayer.
A Roundup lawsuit lawyer can:
- Assemble the evidence of your case
- Calculate the damages you deserve
- Establish the facts of your case
- Act as a liaison between you and Bayer’s legal team
- Negotiate a settlement for you with Bayer
- Discuss your case with your medical team and other experts
If you wish to file your case against Bayer, do not do it yourself. Product liability cases involve too many intricacies, and working with a lawyer can improve your chances of success.
Most Pennsylvania Roundup lawsuit lawyers work on a contingency basis. Working on a contingency fee basis means that they don’t charge you any money unless your case succeeds. If you receive a verdict or settlement, they will receive a set amount of the proceeds as payment for their services.
To get started, schedule a free consultation with a Roundup attorney today.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and award-winning attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters and tried hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Attorney Levin personally handles every aspect of each case and maintains open communication with his clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a smart choice for those seeking legal representation.
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