Monroe, Wash. – A Washington state jury has ruled against Monsanto, now a subsidiary of Bayer, in a lawsuit concerning the exposure of students and parents to toxic chemicals at a local school. The company was found liable for damages linked to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fixtures at Sky Valley Education Center.
The substances, used in fluorescent light ballasts and caulk, were reported to have caused significant neurological issues among more than 200 individuals associated with the school. PCBs, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistent nature, are known carcinogens and have been connected to various health risks including neurological, reproductive, and dermal problems.
This recent trial marks the tenth involving former attendees and families connected to the educational institution. Over the past three years, Monsanto has faced judgments totaling more than $1.6 billion, according to advocacy group Trial Lawyers for Justice, although Monsanto indicates that these verdicts are subject to ongoing post-trial motions or appeals.
In the latest decision made by the King County Superior Court, the jury supported Monsanto’s defense for 11 out of 15 plaintiffs, awarding a total of $25 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages to four plaintiffs. The amounts awarded, however, represented a fraction of what the plaintiffs had initially sought.
Monsanto expressed satisfaction with the majority of the jury’s findings but disagreed with the judgments favoring the four plaintiffs. The company is considering further legal action to contest the verdicts, suggesting that the evidence, including various biological and environmental assessments, showed negligible or absent PCB levels, which they argue could not have caused the alleged injuries.
The firm is also preparing for another related legal battle in Missouri, focused on enforcing indemnity agreements with prior PCB purchasers to recoup costs associated with legal settlements and judgments related to PCB litigation.
The intricate legal struggles also involve broader debates over punitive damages, which currently constitute a significant portion of damage awards. Monsanto has criticized the application of Missouri law for punitive damages evaluations, citing a misalignment with Washington’s own liability regulations which bar such damages.
These ongoing legal proceedings underscore not only the complexities of environmental litigation but also the significant implications it holds for public health and corporate accountability.
Research by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry underscores the serious health risks posed by PCB exposure, affirming findings of harm ranging from neurobehavioral changes to cardiovascular issues.
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