The Pilliod v. Monsanto case went to trial in March 2019. During trial, the Pilliod’s attorney argued that the corporation failed to properly warn users of the potential health risks associated with spraying Roundup. Amongst other evidence, the jury learned that the Pilliods did not wear protective clothing while handling the product. Instead, Alva and Alberta felt comfortable wearing shorts and flip flops because the Roundup label did not warn users that protective gear, such as gloves and long pants, were necessary.
On May 13, the California jury ordered Monsanto to pay more than $2 billion in compensatory and punitive damages to Alva and Alberta. According to a U.S. Right to Know report, the jury found that the corporation, “…engaged in conduct with malice, oppression or fraud committed by one or more officers, directors or managing agents of Monsanto.” Bayer AG plans to appeal the jury award, as well as the thousands of pending U.S. lawsuits that claim Roundup causes different forms of cancer. The corporation continues to uphold the notion that its glyphosate-based product is non-carcinogenic and does not pose a threat to human health.
