Last year, we shared a story about the legal battle between the manufacturers of the weed killer Roundup, Monsanto, and its victims who developed cancer after using it. A victim had his case expedited by the court, and he decided to settle for $78 million in order to find a resolution within his lifetime.
Another man in a more recent case was awarded $80 million in damages for his terminal illness. Monsanto has appealed both the first and the latest settlement.
Why is Monsanto to blame for Roundup weed killer deaths?
In the first lawsuit, a jury determined that the key ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, caused the victim’s cancer. It also found that for 40 years, Monsanto knew this and deliberately hid the product’s risks from consumers and regulators.
This opened the door for other victims to receive damages. According to Reuters, Monsanto potentially faces 8,000 more lawsuits related to using Roundup weed killer.
What is Monsanto’s response?
Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, disagrees with the verdict. In a statement, they insist their product is safe. This is despite the National Pesticide Information Center’s findings that glyphosate has “carcinogenic potential.”
For victims, their appeals and the continued denial of the risks associated with their product stink of corporate cover-up. Thousands of victims suffer from serious or terminal cancers, but Monsanto stands beside outdated research.
If you or someone in your family developed cancer after using a product or chemical, you may be entitled to compensation that will help pay your medical expenses and provide financial security for your family.