Philadelphia, PA – A Philadelphia court has ordered agricultural giant Monsanto to pay $78 million in damages to a couple who alleged that the company’s popular herbicide, Roundup, caused the husband’s non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This landmark ruling on Thursday followed a series of litigations that put the safety of the widely-used weedkiller under intense scrutiny.
The $75 million in punitive damages and $3 million in compensatory damages were awarded to William and Margaret Melissen, marking a significant win in the city’s sixth Roundup case. This award highlights the jury’s agreement with the claim that prolonged exposure to Roundup contributed to Mr. Melissen’s severe health issues.
Thomas Kline, a lawyer from Kline & Specter who represented the Melissens, alongside his partner Tobi Millrood and Arnold & Itkin founding partner Jason Itkin, underscored the verdict as a clear indicator that issues surrounding Monsanto’s product were not diminishing. “Juries have repeatedly responded to compelling evidence linking Roundup to non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” said Kline. He emphasized that the jury supported their arguments on multiple legal theories, including product defect and negligence, beyond the failure-to-warn claims.
Despite the verdict, Monsanto continues to assert the safety of Roundup. A company spokesperson stated their disagreement with the jury’s decision, citing it contradicts “the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of regulatory bodies worldwide.” The spokesperson also hinted at plans to appeal the decision, referencing the Schaffner v. Monsanto case which could potentially impact future trials by arguing that state-based failure-to-warn claims are preempted by federal law governing pesticide labeling.
Legal experts note this case as part of a broader litigation landscape where numerous plaintiffs have brought similar claims against Monsanto. The consistent verdicts against the company could suggest a challenging road ahead as they continue to defend the safety of their product amidst growing public and legal scrutiny.
This isn’t the end of Roundup cases in Philadelphia, with another trial set to commence later this month. The city’s court system has become a focal point in the larger debate over the herbicide’s safety and its alleged links to cancer.
Meanwhile, legal observers are closely watching how Monsanto navigates these ongoing legal battles, particularly concerning their strategies around scientific evidence and regulatory defenses. The outcomes of these cases may have long-reaching implications for product labeling, corporate responsibility, and consumer safety.
The Melissen v. Monsanto case, held before Judge Craig Levin of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, was defended by Bart Williams, a partner at Proskauer Rose. As Monsanto braces for more litigation, the legal community and affected consumers alike await new developments in this ongoing dispute that blends science, health, and corporate accountability.