June 19, 2024 A Philadelphia jury returned a $3.5 million verdict against Bayer and its Monsanto subsidiary on behalf Ms. Kelly Martel who was jointly represented by Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel as well as Allen Stewart, P.C. and Williams, Hart, & Boundas. Ms. Martel was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after exposure to toxic chemicals in the Roundup weedkiller.
Over three weeks of trial in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, jurors heard testimony documenting the mix of ingredients found in Roundup that are known to be toxic, including glyphosate, arsenic and formaldehyde. The December 2023 verdict marked the fifth consecutive multimillion-dollar verdict against the chemical giant for medical complications caused by Roundup.
“This jury took the time to see and hear all of the evidence about what Monsanto has long known about Roundup,” said trial lawyer Suzi Chester-Schindler. “Their verdict is another confirmation that it’s time for Monsanto to reach a meaningful settlement for the many thousands of cancer victims that deserve justice in their lifetimes.”
In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer released its finding that glyphosate is likely capable of causing cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde is known to cause myeloid leukemia and rare cancers, including cancers of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx. Arsenic is also known to cause cancer.
Monsanto is facing tens of thousands of cancer lawsuits filed in courts across the U.S. In 2023, jurors returned verdicts totalling more than $4 billion against Monsanto on behalf of cancer victims. In the Philadelphia trial, the jury awarded $462,500 in compensatory damages and another $3 million in punitive damages.
The case is Martel Kelly J. v. Monsanto et al. in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia.
What is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues in organs. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
How We Help Victims of Pesticide Exposure
With a national presence and a wealth of experience prosecuting pesticide exposure cases, Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting to hold them responsible for failing to keep workers safe. If you have suffered catastrophic injury or cancer caused by Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer or other harmful chemicals, we can help.
