Atlanta, GA — A Georgia jury has awarded nearly $2.1 billion in damages to John Barnes, a man who claims that his cancer was caused by Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer. This recent lawsuit is part of a series of legal challenges facing the agrochemical company, which was acquired by Bayer in 2018.
Late Friday, the Georgia courtroom delivered its verdict, including $65 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $2 billion in punitive damages. This amount is among the largest in the history of Roundup-related cases, according to statements from law firms Arnold & Itkin LLP and Kline & Specter PC.
John Barnes, who filed his lawsuit in 2021, contends that his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was a result of using Roundup. The lead trial lawyer, Kyle Findley of Arnold & Itkin, stated that the verdict represents a significant step forward not only for Barnes, who is now better positioned to manage his cancer treatment, but also in holding Monsanto accountable for its actions.
Despite the jury’s decision, Bayer remains firm in its stance that its glyphosate-based products do not cause cancer, contradicting allegations made in the lawsuit. The company has continuously highlighted scientific studies and regulatory approvals that assert the safety of Roundup. Furthermore, Monsanto emphasizes its commitment to defending the safety of its product in the courtroom and has won 17 of the last 25 trials regarding the safety of Roundup.
The use of Roundup for crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton has been a common practice among farmers, allowing for increased production and reduced need for tilling, which helps preserve soil structure. However, safety concerns have continued to generate controversy, with numerous lawsuits alleging that glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup, can cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Testimonies in Barnes’ case brought to light allegations of historical misconduct by Monsanto, including efforts to undermine studies that could link its herbicide to cancer risks. Kyle Findley, representing Barnes, accused the company of engaging in decades-long cover-ups concerning the toxicity of Roundup.
This verdict follows a previous decision in Philadelphia where damages totaling $2.25 billion were awarded in January 2024, marking the largest award in a series of similar cases.
Despite ongoing lawsuits, Bayer is actively advocating for legislative changes in several U.S. states, aimed at protecting pesticide manufacturers from cancer-related claims if their product labeling aligns with EPA regulations. While Bayer argues these changes are necessary to reduce unsustainable litigation costs, critics argue such legislation would undermine accountability for potential health risks.
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