Studies have linked the popular weedkiller Roundup to an increased risk of cancer. Thousands of people across the United States have filed Roundup lawsuits against Bayer.
With several significant developments this year, the legal team at Rueb Stoller Daniel believes that it is important to keep people informed. With that in mind, we have put together answers to frequently asked questions.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer after exposure to Roundup, contact our law firm today for a free case review.
Why Are Roundup Lawsuits Being Filed?
Plaintiffs in Roundup cases claim that prolonged exposure to the weed killer, available for individual and residential use on lawns, led to the onset of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of cancer.
They base their claims on several research findings that link exposure to glyphosate – one of the ingredients in Roundup – to an increased risk of developing cancer by up to 41%.
Is There a Roundup Class Action Suit I Can Join?
Roundup cases were not consolidated into a class action, but a multi-district litigation (MDL). As of November, there were over 4,000 active lawsuits in the Northern District of California. This means that, although the cases are consolidated in the same legal action, each plaintiff will have their damages compensated individually.
Who Are the Defendants in the Roundup Lawsuits?
The current defendant in the Roundup lawsuits is the company Bayer. Initially, Roundup was manufactured by a company called Monsanto. However, Monsanto was acquired by Bayer. Thus, all current litigations are filed against the new owner of the Roundup brand.
How Much Money Can I Expect From a Roundup Case?
Since the Roundup case is an MDL, compensation is determined on a case-by-case basis. What we can do is share the values of several settlements and verdicts already reached by plaintiffs with Bayer.
As of December, close to 100,000 Roundup lawsuits have been settled for a total amount of $11 billion. Recently in 2023, courts have awarded plaintiffs significant sums.
- A San Diego court awarded $332 million in October 2023 to a cancer patient.
- A Philadelphia court awarded $175 million to a victim in October.
- In November, a jury in Missouri awarded $1.56 billion to four plaintiffs who argued that Roundup caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma to them or their spouses.
- In December, Bayer was ordered to pay $3.5 million following a trial in Philadelphia.
What you must keep in mind is that the value of the award reflects the plaintiff’s economic and non-economic damages. This means:
- Present and future medical care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish.
Did All Roundup Plaintiffs Win Their Lawsuits?
The answer is no. So far, Bayer has won seven lawsuits, the most recent of them in May 2023 in the court of St. Louis, Missouri. It is important to speak with your lawyer both of the wins and the losses in this MDL, to have realistic expectations.
Qualifying for damages requires evidence clear evidence that:
- You were exposed to Roundup herbicide over a period of time
- You developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or other form of cancer.
Plaintiffs with strong cases can prove that they used Roundup on their lawns and gardens and that they developed cancer after prolonged exposure to the weedkiller.
Also, you must keep in mind that you must file the lawsuit within the statute of limitations for personal injury suits in your state. The average duration at the national level is 2 years after your doctor proved the link between your medical condition and Roundup.
When Will Roundup Lawsuits Settle?
Bayer tried to settle all future lawsuits in May 2021 for a lump sum of $2 billion. However, Judge Vincent Chabria denied this petition, deeming the amount unreasonable. When explaining the reasoning for this decision, the judge pointed out: “Bayer – which recently acquired Monsanto – is a massive, wealthy company and it continues to make money specifically from Roundup sales.”
Talk to Our Mass Tort Lawyers If You Believe You Have a Roundup Case
An experienced mass tort lawyer at Rueb Stoller Daniel can help you understand your legal rights if you believe that you became ill due to Roundup. Do not risk missing the statute of limitations for taking legal action. Call us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free initial consultation!