Slashed award accepted in Monsanto cancer trial

A cancer-stricken groundskeeper on Wednesday accepted a slashed award in a landmark trial focused on weed-killer Roundup, setting the stage for an appeal by maker Monsanto.

Judge Suzanne Bolanos last week denied Monsanto's request for a new trial but cut the $289 million damages award to $78 million to comply with the law regarding how punitive damages awards must be calculated.

"We appreciate and acknowledge this jury's verdict sending a strong message to deter Monsanto's conduct that caused Lee Johnson's non-Hodgkin lymphoma," attorneys for Dewayne "Lee" Johnson said in an emailed statement.

"However, to hopefully achieve a final resolution within his lifetime, Mr. Johnson has accepted the punitive damages reduction suggested by Judge Bolanos."

In her ruling, Bolanos denied a request by Monsanto to toss out the jury's overall verdict against the company.

Johnson's attorneys said that they expect Monsanto to appeal, and would defend the verdict at that time.