A California jury has sided with Alva and Alberta Pilliod of Livermore California in their lawsuit against the company Monsanto. They claimed that the extended use of Roundup, a popular weedkiller, played a key factor in the development of their Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The Pilliod’s say that they have been loyal customers to Monsanto, and have been using Roundup since the 1970s when they started selling the weedkiller.
The court found Monsanto liable for a multitude of claims, including failure to warn, design defects, negligence, and more. As a result, the jury rewarded the couple $55 million in noneconomic and economic damages and hit the agrochemical giant with $1 billion in punitive damages for each of the plaintiffs—a $2.055 billion total that doubled what the plaintiffs’ attorney suggested in closing arguments.
What is in Roundup?
It has been determined that Roundup contains the chemicals glyphosate and polyethoxylated tallow amine. Glyphosate is an herbicide that is applied to the plant to stop growth, while polyethoxylated tallow amine helps the glyphosate to easily seep into the plant’s cuticles.
The Pilliod’s case argued that not only were these chemicals harmful, but that Monsanto was well aware of the damage that Roundup could cause. According to R. Brent Wisner, the Pilliod’s lawyer, the company invested both time and company to debunk the science demonstrating these harmful effects, instead of taking tangible strides to make their product safe.
A History of Lawsuits for Roundup and Monsanto
This has been the third case against Monsanto regarding Roundup since March 2018. Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, made a public statement regarding the jury’s decision, focusing on the discrepancy between the EPA’s previous statement that glyphosate contained no public health risks and the latest verdict against his company. The public statement goes on to discuss the extensive research done to prove that glyphosate is helpful to farming, producing crops, and is safe when used as directed.
Seeking Legal Help for Roundup and Other Chemicals
When the chemicals used in consumer products are dangerous and contain risks and possible side effects that are not highlighted by their manufacturers and distributors, they should be held legally liable for any resulting injuries and medical conditions. If you or a loved one has been affected by using Roundup or another chemical product stated to be safe, contact a seasoned and compassionate lawyer at the Whitley Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.
