Bayer under Pressure: High Damages Payment in Roundup Trial

Another legal setback for the pharmaceutical company Bayer: In Philadelphia, a jury has decided to award the plaintiff, William Melissen, $78 million due to his cancer, which is alleged to have been caused by the use of the herbicide Roundup. The amount consists of $3 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages. This decision contrasts with Bayer's previous successes in similar cases, where the company was able to win 14 out of 20 trials. However, enormous settlements have also been imposed, such as last year when $1.56 billion was initially awarded, which was later reduced to $611 million. In January, $2.25 billion was awarded, then reduced to $400 million. Bayer is showing little concern about this verdict and has expressed its intention to appeal the decision. From the company's perspective, the damage payments contradict scientific findings and the assessments of global regulatory institutions. An important legal battle is looming, which could involve the U.S. Supreme Court. The goal is to achieve a nationwide uniform jurisdiction, which could ideally put an end to the current flood of lawsuits. Even though Bayer settled most of the then-existing Roundup lawsuits in 2020 with a $10.9 billion agreement, the company currently faces approximately 58,000 additional claims. A recent decision by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could provide support, as it states that federal law protects Bayer from lawsuits under state law. Bayer sees this decision as an opportunity to finally resolve the ongoing disputes.