Roundup Lawsuit: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

Gene Glarosh

Contributor

Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

Editor

The public has been keenly aware of the toxicity of pesticides for over half a century. In the last 40 years, concern has grown considerably specifically over the use of glyphosate, an active ingredient in many common herbicides including Roundup, a widely used herbicide developed and produced by Monsanto. In 2015, research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (a branch of the Worldwide Health Organization) concluded that a probable case could be made for the ability of glyphosate to cause cancer. In 2017, it was classified as “known to the state to cause cancer” in accordance with California’s Prop 65.

In 2018, Johnson v. Monsanto, the first of many Roundup lawsuits, was filed against Monsanto (acquired by Bayer within the same year). Duane Johnson, the plaintiff in the Roundup lawsuit, claimed that his use of Roundup resulted in him becoming sick with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Following his $21 million dollar award, tens of thousands of similar Roundup lawsuits were filed and several more settlements were paid.

As of 2024, over 4,000 thousand Roundup lawsuits are still pending while over 100,000 Roundup lawsuits have been settled. These cases will continue to mount as more information is released. ConsumerShield will continue to make this information available to our readers and outline ways that they can seek compensation for their suffering.

Roundup Lawsuit Updates

  1. Roundup MDL Sees Slight Decline
  2. Jury Selection Begins in Roundup Lawsuit

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What is a Roundup Lawsuit? (2024)

Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, has been a staple in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardening for decades. Marketed as an effective and versatile weed killer, Roundup gained widespread adoption due to its perceived safety and efficacy. However, concerns about the health risks associated with glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, began to emerge as scientific research raised questions about its potential carcinogenicity.

The controversy surrounding glyphosate escalated when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015. This classification ignited a wave of litigation against Monsanto, with thousands of individuals alleging that exposure to Roundup caused their cancer diagnoses, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Basis of the Roundup Class Action Lawsuit

The Roundup class action lawsuit hinges on several legal arguments, including product liability, failure to warn, and scientific evidence regarding glyphosate's carcinogenicity. Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential health risks associated with Roundup, despite being aware of scientific studies linking glyphosate to cancer.

Central to the litigation is the question of whether glyphosate exposure substantially increases the risk of cancer and whether Monsanto/Bayer knowingly concealed these risks from consumers and regulatory authorities. Plaintiffs have presented internal company documents and emails suggesting that Monsanto actively worked to downplay the health risks associated with Roundup and influence scientific research in its favor.

In 2018, a landmark verdict in the case of Johnson v. Monsanto saw a California jury awarding $289 million in damages to a groundskeeper who developed terminal cancer after years of Roundup exposure. The verdict sent shockwaves through the agricultural and legal communities, signaling the potential liability faced by Bayer/Monsanto in subsequent lawsuits.

Subsequent rulings and settlements have further shaped the trajectory of the Roundup weed killer lawsuits. Bayer, facing mounting legal pressure and a barrage of lawsuits, opted to settle many cases out of court while continuing to vigorously defend the safety of Roundup. However, the sheer volume of lawsuits and the substantial damages awarded in some cases underscore the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the litigation.

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What can be gained by filing a claim?

The Roundup class action lawsuit has profound implications for both consumers and corporations involved in the production and distribution of potentially hazardous products. For consumers, the litigation highlights the importance of informed decision-making and the need for transparency regarding product safety and potential health risks.

The outcome of the Roundup weed killer lawsuit could also set a precedent for future product liability cases involving alleged harm caused by chemical exposure. If courts continue to uphold verdicts against Bayer/Monsanto, it may incentivize companies to prioritize safety testing, regulatory compliance, and transparent communication with consumers regarding potential risks associated with their products. Most importantly, individuals who have suffered as a result of Roundup’s toxicity are able to seek compensation for the damages accrued and hopefully begin to treat their illnesses.

Who is eligible to file a claim?

The main recipients of settlement money in the Roundup class action lawsuit have generally been individuals who have regularly used Roundup in their occupations. This includes (but is not limited to) landscapers, groundskeepers, agricultural workers, and herbicide production workers. Other eligible plaintiffs may include any individual who has had repeated exposure to Roundup including residents of the neighborhoods surrounding manufacturing plants or agricultural communities. ConsumerShield encourages these people to seek action if any of the above describes them and they or a loved one has developed non-Hodgkins lymphoma or any other related cancers.

Roundup, a widely used herbicide developed and produced by Monsanto (a subsidiary of Bayer) has been linked to several serious health concerns, primarily (but not limited to) non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and possibly several other types of related cancers including:

  • Leukemia
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Skin Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Throat Cancer

Symptoms for these types of cancer may include swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, coughing up blood, chest pain, swelling, or fatigue. However, some cancer symptoms may be subtle or even appear to be nonexistent without a thorough medical exam. If you have had prolonged exposure to Roundup through occupations such as landscaping, groundskeeping, agricultural labor, or even secondhand exposure in residential areas, you could be at risk for these types of cancer and other potential illnesses.

Other Potential Roundup Symptoms

The symptoms associated with Roundup exposure vary depending on the duration, frequency, and concentration of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility factors. While acute exposure to Roundup may result in immediate symptoms such as skin and eye irritation, chronic or long-term exposure has raised more significant concerns about potential health risks beyond cancer including:

  • Respiratory Symptoms: Inhalation of Roundup spray or airborne particles may irritate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma may be more susceptible to respiratory symptoms following Roundup exposure.
  • Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Ingestion of Roundup or accidental swallowing of contaminated food or water may result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While acute ingestion of small amounts of Roundup is unlikely to cause significant harm, larger quantities may pose a risk of systemic toxicity and organ damage.
  • Neurological Effects: Some studies have suggested a potential link between glyphosate exposure and neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. While the mechanisms underlying these neurological effects remain poorly understood, emerging research highlights the need for further investigation into the neurotoxicity of glyphosate-based herbicides.

If you believe that you may be experiencing Roundup cancer symptoms, or an illness due to Roundup exposure, ConsumerShield urges you to seek medical attention and seek the appropriate legal avenues. You may be awarded significant compensation if there is a connection made between your illnesses and Roundup exposure.

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Roundup Lawsuit: Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (2024)

The main health concern associated with Roundup revolves around its active ingredient, glyphosate. Research has shown that exposure to glyphosate could lead to a variety of health issues, the most severe of which is the development of certain types of cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a part of the body's immune system. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, chest pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, and fever. Numerous studies, including those cited by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have found a significant correlation between exposure to glyphosate and an increased risk of developing this type of cancer.

But the potential health effects of Roundup might not be limited to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Some studies suggest a link between glyphosate and other forms of cancer, including skin, lung, and colorectal cancer. Other reported health risks include kidney and liver damage, endocrine disruption, and potential harm to the microbiota in the human gut.

Despite these potential risks, glyphosate continues to be the most widely used herbicide in the U.S., and Roundup products are still readily available for purchase. Many individuals may still be unaware of the potential risks associated with their use of Roundup.

This is where the ConsumerShield team can step in. We are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered as a result of exposure to Roundup navigate the legal process, understand their rights, and potentially secure the compensation they deserve. Our team of experts can provide the guidance necessary to file a Roundup lawsuit and seek justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Roundup lawsuits primarily hinge on the claim that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is a potent carcinogen capable of causing cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto, the producer of Roundup, failed to sufficiently warn users about this inherent risk, thereby neglecting their duty of care. The lawsuits seek to hold Monsanto accountable for the harm caused by its product.

  • The timeframe for filing a Roundup lawsuit, also known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Given this variability, it's critical to consult with a legal expert to ensure you don't miss your window for filing a lawsuit. At ConsumerShield, we can provide guidance on these time-sensitive matters.

  • Typically, to file a lawsuit, one must have suffered some harm. Therefore, if you've used Roundup but haven't been diagnosed with a condition linked to it, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or another form of cancer, you may not be able to file a lawsuit. However, it's important to consult with a legal expert to understand your rights and options.

  • Yes, you can. If your loved one used Roundup and subsequently passed away from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or another form of cancer linked to Roundup, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal route can offer a means to seek justice for your loved one and secure financial compensation.

  • Proving that your illness was caused by Roundup can be complex. It often requires expert testimonies, medical records, and evidence of your exposure to Roundup. An experienced attorney, like those at ConsumerShield, can help gather this evidence and construct a compelling case on your behalf.At ConsumerShield, we are committed to helping you navigate through these complex legal matters. We understand the intricacies of the Roundup litigation and can help you understand your rights, potentially enabling you to receive the compensation you deserve.

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