Bayer, the new owner of Monsanto, is getting crushed in court for failing to warn the public about the carcinogenic properties of Roundup – a popular glyphosate-based weed killer. Tens of thousands of people have filed lawsuits against Monsanto claiming Roundup caused their cancer. While Monsanto denies the claims, juries continue to award massive verdicts to victims.

In 2015 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared glyphosate a probable human carcinogen, and evidence has surfaced that Monsanto knew about Roundup’s carcinogenic properties.

Consumers diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma are quickly realizing their diagnosis is connected with the use of glyphosate-based weed killers like Roundup. As more people are diagnosed, the number of lawsuits against Monsanto will only increase.

Bayer inherited the Monsanto lawsuits

Bayer purchased Monsanto on June 7, 2018 for $66 billion and has inherited a mess of lawsuits including a multi-district lawsuit with over 1,600 cases. The mass threat of litigation doesn’t seem to bother Bayer despite the huge cost. The company continues to appeal jury verdicts, but is still paying out billions in damages.

While cancer is the most prominent issue being discussed in the Monsanto lawsuits, there are additional issues pertaining to endocrine, reproductive, and developmental harm. These issues have yet to be addressed during the Monsanto trials. 

Lawsuits against Monsanto are not slowing down

Although only a handful of lawsuits have been settled, thousands of additional roundup lawsuits are pending. Bayer has confirmed that more than 52,500 cancer victims have filed lawsuits against Monsanto alleging that Roundup caused them or a loved one to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The plaintiffs also claim Monsanto knew about the risks and chose to hide those risks from the public.

Some plaintiffs will have to wait for the chance to face Monsanto in court. A handful of trials have been postponed to allow for continued mediation, and COVID-19 social distancing regulations have greatly delayed required court actions.

To resolve several currently pending lawsuits, Bayer has reached draft settlement agreements with various U.S. law firms representing cancer victims. Since the COVID-19 crisis has interrupted revenue, Bayer is asking lawyers to get their clients to accept 20% less than their original settlement offers.