In a decisive blow to Bayer, a Pennsylvania man was awarded a staggering $2.25 billion on Friday, marking the latest chapter in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the company’s Roundup weedkiller. The plaintiff, John McKivision, alleged that his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma stemmed from years of using Roundup for routine yard work.
The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas jury ruled in favor of McKivision, delivering a substantial verdict comprising $250 million in compensatory damages and a hefty $2 billion in punitive damages. McKivision’s legal team, comprising Tom Kline and Jason Itkin, issued a joint statement emphasizing the punitive damages as a clear message for a comprehensive overhaul within the multinational corporation.
Bayer, in response, expressed disagreement with the jury’s decision, citing a conflict with substantial scientific evidence and global regulatory assessments. The company signaled intentions to appeal, asserting strong arguments to overturn the verdict and potentially reduce the excessive damage award, which they deemed unconstitutional.
This development follows five consecutive wins against Bayer in similar Roundup-related cases last year. However, the company secured victory in the most recent trial in December and several earlier cases, boasting a winning record in 10 out of the last 16 Roundup trials.
Approximately 165,000 personal injury claims have been filed against Bayer in the U.S. regarding alleged Roundup-related injuries since its acquisition of Monsanto in 2018. Most claimants, echoing McKivision, attribute their non-Hodgkins lymphoma to Roundup exposure.
Bayer, defending its product, reiterated that extensive studies spanning decades vouch for the safety of Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate. Despite being one of the most widely used weedkillers in the United States, Bayer discontinued Roundup sales for home use in the previous year.
In 2020, Bayer reached a settlement of up to $9.6 billion for most pending Roundup cases but fell short of a comprehensive resolution covering future claims. Over 50,000 claims remain pending, casting a shadow on the company’s financial outlook.
Bayer’s legal challenges had prompted speculation about the company’s strategic moves, including considerations to divest its crop science business due to Roundup-related liabilities. However, the company recently announced a pause on such plans, focusing on internal reorganization instead.
As the legal battles unfold, Bayer braces for more Roundup trials later this year. The recent string of losses, totaling over $2 billion in verdicts, raised questions among investors about Bayer’s legal defense strategy. Despite the setbacks, the company affirmed its commitment to court battles, signaling reluctance to settle the cases through substantial payouts.
This landmark verdict adds another layer to Bayer’s complex legal landscape, sparking debates on corporate responsibility, scientific evidence, and the enduring legal ramifications of Roundup use.
