Recent Developments in Roundup Cancer Trials
As of early 2024, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented surge in the legal actions against Bayer, the current owner of Roundup, with plaintiffs securing nearly $5 billion in verdicts over the past month. This marks a significant momentum shift in favor of those alleging harm from the use of the glyphosate-based herbicide.
Ongoing Litigation and Opportunity for New Claims
For those considering a new claim, it’s important to note that the opportunity remains open. The multidistrict litigation (MDL) continues to expand, incorporating over 100 new cases in 2024 alone, bringing the total active lawsuits to 4,281. The persistence of these legal challenges emphasizes the critical nature of the allegations against Roundup—primarily that its use is linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Key Legal Milestones
Recent months have seen several pivotal moments in the courtroom:
- In January 2024, a Philadelphia jury awarded a staggering $2.25 billion to John McKivison, a long-time Roundup user diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, emphasizing the jury’s stance on punitive damages against Bayer.
- A San Diego trial in October 2023 concluded with a $332 million verdict in favor of Mike Dennis, another victim of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to prolonged Roundup exposure.
These cases highlight not only the potential financial compensation for affected individuals but also reinforce the allegation that Bayer has consistently failed to provide adequate warnings about the cancer risks associated with Roundup.
Scientific Evidence and Regulatory Actions
The backdrop to these lawsuits is a growing body of scientific research that questions the safety of glyphosate, Roundup’s primary ingredient. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Moreover, a University of Washington study indicates that glyphosate exposure raises the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by 41%.
Regulatory bodies have also reflected this concern. The Ninth Circuit has prompted the EPA to reassess its stance on glyphosate, and the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Bayer’s appeal further aligns federal oversight with the scientific community’s warnings.
Litigation and Settlement Landscape
So far, Monsanto has settled around 100,000 cases for around $11 billion, though 30,000 cases remain unresolved, demonstrating the scale and complexity of this litigation. Each verdict brings unique insights into jury decisions, helping to shape the strategies for future litigation.
