Roundup is a widely used herbicide that has been a staple for both commercial and residential use to control weeds. Manufactured by Monsanto (which was later acquired by Bayer), Roundup’s primary active ingredient, glyphosate, has come under intense scrutiny due to its potential link to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto and Bayer by individuals who developed cancer after using Roundup, alleging that the company knew of the risks but failed to adequately warn users.

What is Roundup?

Roundup is an herbicide that has been used for decades to kill weeds and unwanted vegetation. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway that plants need to grow. While Roundup has been marketed as safe for widespread use in agriculture, landscaping, and home gardening, concerns have arisen over its long-term health effects.

Numerous studies have raised questions about the safety of glyphosate, with some linking its use to various forms of cancer, most notably non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite these findings, Monsanto continued to market Roundup as a safe product, leading to the wave of lawsuits from individuals who claim they developed cancer after regular exposure to the herbicide.

Health Risks and Complications

The primary health concern associated with Roundup is its potential link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege that prolonged exposure to glyphosate, particularly through skin contact and inhalation, significantly increases the risk of developing cancer.

Some of the key health risks and complications related to Roundup use include:

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The most widely reported condition linked to Roundup exposure. This cancer affects the body’s immune system and can be life-threatening if not treated.
Leukemia: Some lawsuits have also linked Roundup exposure to certain types of leukemia, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Other Cancers: While non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been the focus of many lawsuits, some studies suggest that glyphosate may be linked to other cancers as well, though the evidence is still developing.

Individuals who used Roundup regularly—such as farmworkers, landscapers, and gardeners—are particularly at risk, as they have been exposed to higher levels of glyphosate over long periods.

Allegations Against Monsanto/Bayer

The lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer focus on several key allegations, including:

Failure to Warn

Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto knew or should have known about the potential link between glyphosate and cancer but failed to provide adequate warnings to users. The lawsuits claim that had consumers been properly informed about the risks, they could have taken precautions or chosen a different product.

Deceptive Marketing

Monsanto has been accused of downplaying the risks associated with Roundup and misleading consumers into believing that the product was completely safe for use, even after evidence began to emerge about its potential dangers.

Negligence

The lawsuits assert that Monsanto and Bayer were negligent in their testing, manufacturing, and marketing of Roundup. Plaintiffs allege that the companies did not do enough to ensure the safety of the product before bringing it to market.

Scientific Manipulation

Some lawsuits have also alleged that Monsanto engaged in efforts to manipulate scientific studies and regulatory reviews in order to protect Roundup’s reputation and maintain its profitability.

Who Can File a Roundup Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another cancer after prolonged use of Roundup, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Potential claimants include:

Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Individuals who used Roundup regularly in agricultural settings and were exposed to high levels of glyphosate.
Landscapers and Groundskeepers: People who worked in landscaping or groundskeeping and regularly used Roundup as part of their job.
Home Gardeners: Individuals who used Roundup for personal gardening or lawn care over a prolonged period.
Family Members: In some cases, family members who were indirectly exposed to Roundup, either through secondary contact or through contamination of their living environment, may also be eligible to file a claim.

Compensation Available

Plaintiffs in Roundup lawsuits may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for the cost of cancer treatments, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing medical care related to Roundup exposure.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed work or inability to work while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by cancer and its treatment, including the long-term impact on quality of life.
Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one has passed away due to cancer linked to Roundup, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

Bayer’s Response

Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has faced thousands of lawsuits over Roundup. While the company has settled some cases for billions of dollars, it continues to defend the safety of Roundup and glyphosate. Bayer has maintained that the product is safe when used as directed and disputes the claims linking Roundup to cancer.

However, many courts have sided with plaintiffs, awarding significant damages in several high-profile cases. These victories for plaintiffs have encouraged more individuals to come forward and file their own lawsuits, further challenging Bayer’s stance on the product’s safety.

How Jurewitz Law Group Can Help

At Jurewitz Law Group, we understand the life-changing impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on you and your family. Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to helping individuals who have been harmed by dangerous products like Roundup seek justice and compensation for their injuries. We will thoroughly evaluate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and work tirelessly to hold Bayer and Monsanto accountable for their actions.

We have a proven track record of success in handling product liability cases, and we are committed to fighting for your rights. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Get Your Free Roundup Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another form of cancer after using Roundup, take our quiz to find out if you qualify to file a mass tort lawsuit.