On August 24th, 2019, a court awarded an unprecedented $190 million to a mesothelioma victim in a historic lawsuit. The award is the largest single plaintiff award in history for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
The plaintiff, 76-year-old Edwin Hardeman, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February of 2016. He had been exposed to asbestos-containing Roundup weed killer products manufactured by Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, for over 26 years. Hardeman alleged that Monsanto had known for decades that its products contained asbestos, but failed to warn consumers about its potential health risks.
At trial, Hardeman presented evidence that Monsanto had long known about the dangers of exposure to asbestos, and had deliberately chosen not to warn consumers. The jury found that Monsanto had acted with malice and awarded Hardeman $75 million in punitive damages. In addition, the jury awarded Hardeman $5.6 million in compensatory damages and $2.4 million in economic damages.
The award is a landmark victory for mesothelioma victims and their families, who often struggle to obtain justice for the harm caused by asbestos exposure. This case is the first to go to trial involving Roundup weed killer and its alleged link to mesothelioma. It is also the largest award ever given to a single mesothelioma victim.
The jury’s award sends a strong message to companies that continue to put consumers at risk of asbestos exposure. It is a victory not only for Hardeman and his family, but for all victims of mesothelioma and their families. It is a reminder that companies must be held accountable for the harm they cause, and that consumers have the right to know about potential health risks associated with their products.