Back in 2020, Bayer AG (OTCMKTS:BAYRY) announced it would settle lawsuits alleging its Roundup herbicide causes cancer. The total Roundup lawsuit settlement would reach $10.9 billion, which includes $1.22 billion for other litigations. When it comes to massive lawsuits, there’s an ongoing battle from both sides. The most important Roundup lawsuit update came recently, and those who were allegedly affected by the glyphosate-based weedkillers should pay attention.
In August 2021, Bayer — which acquired Monsanto in 2018 — filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court in an attempt to reverse a verdict that upheld damages to a customer. At the time, it had lost a third appeals case over its glyphosate weedkiller.
Roundup, which is similar to Paraquat, is allegedly linked to health problems. Consequently, those affected by the herbicides have been putting pressure on the companies.
Roundup Lawsuit Court Battles Continue
Bayer still faces billions of dollars in damages from the ongoing Roundup lawsuit, which alleges Roundup causes cancer. However, Bayer argues the lawsuits should be dismissed. The reason: federal regulators consider the weedkiller safe for consumers to use. Now, will the judge and appeals court side with Bayer on this? Only time will tell.
Bayer filed its most recent petition in March 2022 — as it asked to review the trial of a California couple originally awarded $2 billion for claims. According to the courts, the claims alleged the couple developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for a number of years.
Now, for those specific claims, a trial judge reduced the award to $86.7 million. However, the appeals court and California Supreme Court upheld the decision Monsanto was liable for the couple’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Bayer’s more than 40-page petition alleges the couple’s award is unconstitutional.
First, Bayer alleges it’s impermissibly high. Secondly, it alleges the damages were improperly awarded. Bayer’s reasoning is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers glyphosate-based herbicides safe to use.
While the company continues its court battle, it’s raising challenges for those affected by Roundup.
The good news here is Bayer plans to replace glyphosate with other ingredients in weedkillers for U.S. consumers.
