In one of the largest product liability verdicts in U.S. history, a California jury awarded $2.055 billion to a couple who developed cancer after decades of using Roundup® Weed Killer, manufactured by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer AG). The case has become a flashpoint in the national debate over glyphosate, the herbicide’s active ingredient, and its alleged link to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Case Overview: Alva and Alberta Pilliod v. Monsanto
Plaintiffs:
- Alva Pilliod (76) and Alberta Pilliod (74), Northern California residents
- Used Roundup regularly on their properties since 1982
- Both diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—Alva in 2011, Alberta in 2015
Key Allegations:
- Monsanto failed to warn consumers about glyphosate’s cancer risks
- Roundup packaging lacked safety instructions for residential users
- Plaintiffs were misled by marketing portraying the product as safe
Jury Findings and Damages Awarded
The Alameda County jury unanimously found that Monsanto acted with malice and oppression, triggering punitive damages. The breakdown:
- $55 million in compensatory damages
- $1 billion each in punitive damages for Alva and Alberta
- Total: $2.055 billion
The jury emphasized that homeowners were especially vulnerable, as they were not advised to wear protective gear. Alberta testified she used Roundup in shorts, mimicking ads that showed casual use.
Legal and Scientific Context
- Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide globally
- The World Health Organization classifies it as a “probable human carcinogen”
- Monsanto maintains glyphosate is safe, citing regulatory approvals
- Over 13,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto/Bayer over Roundup-related cancer claims
Impact and Precedent
This was the third major Roundup verdict in California:
| Verdict | Plaintiff(s) | Award | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $289M (later reduced to $78.5M) | Dewayne Johnson | Groundskeeper | 2018 |
| $80M | Edwin Hardeman | Residential user | 2019 |
| $2.055B | Alva & Alberta Pilliod | Homeowners | 2019 |
The Pilliod verdict dwarfed previous awards and sent a clear message to Bayer AG, which acquired Monsanto in 2018. Bayer has vowed to appeal.
What This Means for California Consumers
If you or a loved one has developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup:
- You may be eligible to file a product liability or wrongful death claim
- Claims can include medical costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- California law allows expedited trials for plaintiffs over 70 with serious illness