CNN reports that a man was recently awarded $289 million in a lawsuit against the weed killer, Monsanto. The man was a groundkeeper who claimed that his use of the weed killer was connected with his development of terminal cancer. In his complaint, he claimed that he suffered several accidents on the job in which his body was covered with the weed killer. Today, his cancer causes painful lesions throughout his body and his doctors say he only has six months to live.
CNN reports that the case could set a precedent for other individuals who claim that their terminal cancer is linked to the popular weed killer. At least 800 other patients have pursued lawsuits against the weed killer company, claiming that the chemical was linked to their development of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In California, some cases have been fast-tracked through the courts because many of the people making the claims are terminally ill.
But does Monsanto really cause cancer? Glyphosate is an ingredient in weed killers. The World Health Organization found that the chemical can be possibly carcinogenic to people. Companies that use the chemical in their products claim that their products do not cause cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency holds that weed killers and products containing glyphosate are safe to use. However, individuals who are suing Monsanto claim that the weed killer contains a specific combination of chemicals that, when used together, are particularly carcinogenic.
Proving that a substance or chemical causes cancer can be very challenging. There are many factors that can lead a person to developing cancer and not all individuals exposed to carcinogenic substances will go on to develop cancer. In fact, the jury award doesn’t suggest that Monsanto causes cancer, but rather the jury found that the company was aware that the chemical could cause cancer and didn’t take steps to protect the public. When it comes to the significant jury award recently reported, the man’s lawyers only needed to prove to the jury that his use of the weed killer would have significantly contributed to his developing cancer. In this case, the jury found sufficient evidence to show that the company failed to warn users of the product’s potential risks.
Yet, according to QZ, it is important to consider that glyphosate is categorized only as a “possible” carcinogen. It is in the same category as red meat and certain products used by hairdressers. Should Monsanto have warned its consumers that the chemical was listed as a possible carcinogen? If so, then it could be possible that certain hair products and red meat would also need to contain that warning.
At the end of the day, there are many products on the market that are known to cause cancer and those that could potentially cause cancer. Cell phone use remains a disputed carcinogen in certain scientific circles.
The Law Offices of Robert Gregg are personal injury lawyers in Dallas, Texas who work closely with victims and families who have been hurt due to the negligence or neglect of another person or party. Our firm will continue to watch how these Monsanto cases proceed.