Judge Reduces Monsanto Cancer Verdict by $211 Million
Judge Reduces Monsanto Cancer Verdict by $211 Million

Last month, a San Francisco judge denied Monsanto’s request to have a $289 million Roundup cancer verdict thrown out. Instead, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Suzanne Bolanos reduced the punitive award by $211 million, dropping it to $39 million.

Monsanto attorneys had requested a new trial over the punitive damages awarded to plaintiff Dewayne Johnson in the verdict, which amounted to $250 million. However, Judge Bolanos decided against a new trial. Instead, she upheld the jury’s verdict—which found that Monsanto deliberately ignored evidence and warnings that its Roundup product causes cancer—and cut the punitive award from $250 million to $39 million.

Bolanos said the punitive award should be lowered to be more in line with the compensatory award of $39 million. That brings Johnson’s total award to $78 million. He has until Dec. 7 to either accept the reduced award or request a new trial.

Johnson’s Lawsuit Against Monsanto

Johnson, a 46-year-old pest manager for a county school system, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which is now terminal. He had used Roundup weed killer 20-30 times per year as part of his job, and sued Monsanto for failing to warn consumers of the dangers of Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate.

“While the judge’s decision did cut the amount of damages awarded to Johnson, she still upheld the jury’s verdict, which found Monsanto negligent,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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