A Georgia jury has delivered one of the largest verdicts to date in Roundup litigation, ordering Monsanto parent Bayer to pay nearly $2.1 billion in damages to John Barnes, who developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after using the popular weed killer Roundup

The verdict, announced last Friday, includes $65 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages. For clients currently involved in Roundup litigation, this represents an important development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

The Bigger Picture: Thousands of Cases Still Pending

Mr. Barnes filed his lawsuit against Monsanto in 2021 after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The lead trial attorney, Kyle Findley of Arnold & Itkin LLP, noted that the verdict will help his client secure necessary medical treatment moving forward.

"It's been a long road for him... and he was happy that the truth related to the product has been exposed," Findley told The Associated Press. He described the verdict as an "important milestone" in holding Monsanto accountable.

This decision marks the fourth successful Roundup-related verdict that Findley's legal team has secured, with their largest previous award being $2.25 billion in Philadelphia in January 2024.

Weed Killer on Trial: The Cancer Allegations Driving Roundup Litigation

At the heart of all Roundup litigation lies the claim that Monsanto failed to warn users about the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. This concern gained significant scientific credibility in 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans."

Further supporting these claims, a 2019 study found that exposure to glyphosate increases cancer risk by more than 40%. While Bayer continues to dispute these findings, the jury verdicts—particularly massive ones like the recent Georgia decision—suggest many courts find the scientific evidence compelling.

According to Bayer's most recent annual report, the company has allocated $5.9 billion to address this ongoing litigation. 

We’ll continue to closely monitor developments in this case and all Roundup litigation. As always, we remain committed to seeking justice for every client affected by this product.

Ongoing Fight For Justice

The recent verdict in favor of Barnes represents a significant step forward for individuals who have experienced serious health consequences following long-term exposure to Roundup. During the trial, the legal team presented internal documents and expert testimony suggesting that Monsanto deliberately disregarded scientific findings and downplayed potential risks associated with its product.

Lead attorney Findley described the evidence as revealing a pattern of internal decisions that prioritized corporate interests over public health. This outcome affirms the concerns of many affected individuals and highlights the need for continued accountability and transparency.

Throughout the litigation, evidence presented in Barnes' case revealed what Findley characterized as "many years of cover-ups" and "backroom dealings." The plaintiff's legal team argued that Monsanto ignored scientific studies related to Roundup's toxicity and worked to "persuade and distract and deny the connection between this product and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."

Scientific Context and Health Concerns

The primary active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, has been linked to certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in multiple scientific studies. Mounting evidence presented in court has raised serious concerns about the long-term health risks of exposure.

Thousands of lawsuits claim that Monsanto failed to warn the public about these potential dangers—fueling a wave of legal action focused on accountability and justice for those affected.

What This Means for Current Clients

While each case is unique and outcomes can vary, this verdict demonstrates that juries continue to find merit in claims linking Roundup exposure to cancer development when presented with comprehensive evidence.

We continue to actively monitor key developments in the Roundup litigation, including the recent $2 billion verdict—a clear indication that juries are holding Bayer accountable. Our firm remains committed to pursuing the strongest possible outcomes for individuals impacted by Roundup exposure.

Related Frequently Asked Questions

• What Kind of Lymphoma Does Roundup Cause?
• What Is The Cancer Causing Ingredient In Roundup?
• What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Roundup Exposure?
• How Do I Know if I Am Eligible for a Roundup Claim?
• How Much May a Roundup Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Settlement Provide for Individuals and Families?