A California Appeals Court has heard arguments in the first case that went to trial over allegations that Bayer AG’s glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup causes cancer, resulting in a $289m judgment against the company.
Reuters Health reports that the August 2018 jury verdict in favour of groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson, later reduced by a judge to $78m, launched massive litigation over the weed killer that has led Bayer’s stock price to tumble more than 30%.
The report says a favourable appeals court decision in the Johnson case could help Bayer pressure plaintiffs’ lawyers in settlement negotiations currently underway. Under California law, appeals courts have 90 days to issue a ruling following arguments.
During the one-hour hearing, a three-judge panel peppered lawyers for Bayer and Johnson with technical legal questions that did not reveal which way they might be leaning. Bayer has asked the court to overturn the verdict or order a new trial.
[link url="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bayer-glyphosate-lawsuit/california-court-hears-appeal-of-289-million-verdict-against-bayer-in-first-roundup-cancer-trial-idUSKBN2392R6"]Full Reuters Health report[/link]