A Missouri judge will hear arguments today on whether to approve Bayer’s proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement, which could resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging the weedkiller causes cancer.
What are the arguments?
Judge Timothy Boyer will hear objections from some plaintiffs’ lawyers who argue the deal restricts claimants’ rights and doesn’t offer enough money. Supporters will argue that the settlement ensures that people with cancer will get paid at a time when litigation is more uncertain than ever after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Monsanto's favor. Bayer is Monsanto’s parent company.
Why it matters
The hearing is a key test of Bayer’s effort to put years of Roundup litigation behind it. The company faces roughly 65,000 U.S. claims and says the settlement would resolve nearly all of current and future lawsuits.
Looking ahead
Boyer is not expected to rule from the bench today, but the hearing could offer clues about the settlement's chances of winning final approval.
Dietrich Knauth has more here.
