Consumers in Massachusetts who have been following the product liability claims against Bayer may be interested to learn about the settlement that was reached, exceeding $10 billion. The settlement concerned thousands of legal claims for cancer caused by a chemical ingredient called glyphosate in the weedkiller Roundup. Agricultural workers in small and large operations filed personal injury lawsuits.
Bayer purchased the original manufacturer of Roundup, Monsanto, in 2018. This was after the court ordered Monsanto to pay $289 million to a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma sufferer who was exposed to the herbicide for extended periods while working as the groundskeeper of a school in another state. Approximately $39 million of this monetary judgment was awarded to cover medical and other expenses while the balance was for punitive damages.
Of the recent $10 billion settlement, $9.5 billion will cover most of the existing claims. The balance of $1.25 billion is intended for potential future claims and also for further research on the allegations that Roundup causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Reportedly, conflicting studies exist about the effect of glyphosate on the human body.
Consumers in Massachusetts who have to deal with injuries or illnesses caused by dangerous or defective products are entitled to seek financial relief through the civil justice system. This case involved thousands of plaintiffs and was dealt with as a class-action lawsuit, but even a single individual can file a product liability claim in the civil court. It is a complicated legal process, and most people in such situations retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney to advocate for them.
