In the third case to go to trial against Monsanto, and its parent company Bayer, the lawyer for the plaintiffs exposed contradictions in statements given by an expert witness who was called in to testify against claims that Roundup® causes cancer.
Dr. Celeste Bello, a hematologist-oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, testified that glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup®, does not cause cancer. However, Attorney Brent Wisner of Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman PC pointed out that Bello had earlier stated pesticides were known carcinogens. Bello attempted to explain the inconsistencies in her statements by saying she meant that the use of pesticides could increase the risk of developing cancer, but there was no causal link between pesticides and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The two plaintiffs, a husband and wife, alleged that they were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup® on their properties for years.
Witness’s Methods and Credentials Questioned
Bello said she reviewed one of the plaintiff’s medical records and concluded the weed killer did not cause cancer. She stated that, in most cases, it is unknown what leads to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but various factors can increase the risk of being diagnosed with the disease. Bello noted that the plaintiff had a history of medical conditions that could have contributed to her cancer development.
Wisner questioned Bello’s methods for determining that the plaintiff’s cancer diagnosis was not a result of her exposure to Roundup®. He noted that Bello had only reviewed 3 studies before concluding that glyphosate does not mutate human cells. Bello was also unfamiliar with the International Agency for Cancer Research, which had reported that the herbicide was a probable carcinogen.
When the trial began on March 28th, Wisner pointed out that Bello has experience treating cancer, not in studying chemicals that cause cancer. He stated that the only study she conducted on disease development was unrelated to cancer. Despite Wisner’s objections, Superior Court Judge Winifred Smith allowed Bello to testify.
Retain the Legal Help of Betram & Graf, L.L.C.
If you were exposed to Roundup® and developed cancer, you may be able to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages. Our team at Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. has years of experience handling claims against large companies and can work toward recovering the settlement you deserve.
To discuss your case, call us at (888) 398-2277 or contact us online.