Roundup lawsuit: Guide & Latest Updates (August 2024)

Jocelyn Mackie

Contributor

Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

Editor

Read in 5 mins

Summary

  • Roundup lawsuits remain pending in the Northern District of California.
  • The largest Roundup verdict to date totals $2.5 billion.
  • Contact an attorney if you developed illness from Roundup exposure.

The public has been keenly aware of pesticides' toxicity for over half a century. In the last 40 years, concern grew considerably over 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 glyphosate likely caused cancer. In 2017, it was classified as “known to the state to cause cancer” by California’s Prop 65.

As of 2024, over 4,000 Roundup lawsuits are still pending, while over 100,000 have been settled. As more information is released, these cases will continue to mount. 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. Oregon Appeals Court Overturns Monsanto Ruling
  2. NJ Supreme Court Denies Roundup Class Action

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What is a Roundup Cancer Lawsuit? (2024)

Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, has been a staple in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardening for decades. Marketed as a practical 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.

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

Basis of the Roundup Class Action Lawsuit

The Roundup class action lawsuit hinges 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.

The lawsuits depended on whether glyphosate exposure substantially increases cancer risk and if Monsanto/Bayer knowingly concealed these risks from consumers and regulatory authorities. Plaintiffs 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 defend Roundup's safety vigorously.

Bayer continues to face lawsuits involving Roundup. There are 4,882 lawsuits pending in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of California. In January 2024, a Philadelphia jury awarded the largest verdict yet in a Roundup claim, totaling $2.25 billion.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Roundup Lawsuits (2024)

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, a part of the body's immune system. Many lawsuits involve plaintiffs who developed this disease, one of the more common claims in this litigation.

Science backs up the link between Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Roundup. Research shows glyphosate causes various health issues, the most severe of which is this disease. Numerous studies, including those cited by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), found a significant correlation between exposure to glyphosate and the risk of developing this cancer.

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Why File a Claim?

The Roundup class action lawsuit and MDL offer profound implications for consumers and corporations. 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 may set a precedent for future product liability cases involving alleged harm caused by chemical exposure. If courts continue upholding 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 suffered as a result of Roundup’s toxicity can seek compensation for the damages accrued and, hopefully, successfully treat their illnesses.

What Proof Do You Need For Roundup Cancer Lawsuit?

The proof in a Roundup cancer lawsuit lies in the exposure period and your disease. As indicated earlier, solid scientific evidence already established links between Roundup’s primary ingredient and these illnesses.

So far, the primary recipients of settlement money in the Roundup class action lawsuit are individuals who have regularly used Roundup in their occupations. This group includes (but is not limited to) landscapers, groundskeepers, agricultural workers, and herbicide production workers.

Other eligible plaintiffs may include any individual who experienced repeated exposure to Roundup. This group includes residents of the neighborhoods surrounding manufacturing plants or agricultural communities.

Roundup is 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

Cancer symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, coughing 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 had prolonged exposure to Roundup through your occupation or environment, you may be at risk of cancer and illness. Consider seeking medical attention for adverse symptoms and see if they relate to Roundup exposure.

Other Potential Roundup Conditions

Symptoms and conditions of Roundup exposure vary depending on the duration, frequency, and concentration of exposure and individual susceptibility factors.

Acute exposure to Roundup may result in immediate symptoms such as skin and eye irritation. Chronic or long-term exposure raises 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 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: Ingesting or accidentally swallowing Roundup through contaminated food or water may result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
  • Neurological Effects: Some studies have suggested a potential link between glyphosate exposure and neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. While these symptoms remain poorly understood, emerging research highlights the need for further investigation into the possible neurotoxicity of glyphosate-based herbicides.

ConsumerShield urges you to seek medical attention and appropriate legal avenues if you believe you are ill due to Roundup exposure. You may receive significant compensation if your illnesses and Roundup exposure are linked. Start your claim by completing our online form.

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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