Were you diagnosed with cancer after the use of Roundup weed killer?
Roundup weed killer has become a commonplace necessity, both commercially and domestically. Chances are you’ve already used one of Roundup’s products to kill weeds in your garden before.
Despite its effectiveness, studies have shown that several of the chemicals used in the popular weed killer may be carcinogenic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, to be possibly carcinogenic – indicating that this toxic substance could lead to cancer in humans.
Due to this, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto and Bayer (in 2018 Roundup was purchased by Bayer) by the victims of Roundup weed killer. By May of 2022, Monsanto had settled 100,000 Roundup lawsuits and paid out a massive $11 billion. Bayer has also agreed to $45 million in settlement for the lawsuits filed against them. Unfortunately, there are still 30,000 additional cases waiting to be judged against the company.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Dewayne Johnson vs. Bayer
- Bayer pays $45 million in settlement
- Roundup weed killer cancer lawsuit
- What type of cancer has Roundup been linked to?
- The future of Roundup
Dewayne Johnson vs. Bayer
In 2018, a California jury ruled in favor of 46-year-old groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson. Johnson’s legal team argued that he developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup while working at several California schools. His team also alleged a link between Roundup and Johnson’s cancer diagnosis.
However, instead of finding a clear causal link between glyphosate in Roundup and Johnson’s cancer, the jury instead found that Bayer (and consequently Monsanto) had failed to inform consumers of the use of Roundup and its cancer risks.
Therefore, Bayer/Monsanto was ordered to pay Johnson $289 million in damages. These damages have been reduced on appeal twice. However, Bayer/Monsanto was deemed liable in both times.
Bayer Pays $45 Million in Settlement
In 2022, Bayer agreed to a $45 million settlement in response to a class action lawsuit claiming that the agricultural giant Monsanto failed to warn consumers of the adverse health effects and risk of cancer of their product.
The Roundup cancer lawsuit, filed in 2019, claims that Monsanto had negligently sold and advertised weed and grass killer that contained glyphosate without warning consumers of the potential health risks. Despite the IARC classifying glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that there is “no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans.”
Despite Monsanto’s claims of innocence, in 2021, they agreed to pay between $23 million and $45 million to conclude the lawsuit. On June 21, 2022, US District Judge Vince Chhabria granted approval for the maximum compensation amount.
Roundup Weed Killer Cancer Lawsuits
Roundup cancer lawsuits continue to be filed by victims across the country. Monsanto and Bayer AG are fighting hard to avoid liability, but their attempts to have cases dismissed are largely unsuccessful in the state and federal courts.
In March 2023, another claim was filed against Bayer by plaintiff John Carson Sr., a doctor in Georgia, alleging that he developed soft-tissue cancer due to the use of the popular weedkiller on his lawn. His case was initially dismissed by a district court. However, in a surprising turn of events, Bayer paid Carson to appeal his case. The Circuit Court reversed its initial decision, causing the full Eleventh Circuit to hear the case.
However, Monsanto is urging the Eleventh Circuit to uphold the dismissal of the lawsuit. Monsanto contended that Carson’s claims were invalidated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act — this legislation does not permit state guidelines to set forth labeling or packaging criteria that differ from federal regulations.
Were you diagnosed with cancer after the use of Roundup weed killer?
What Type of Cancer Has Roundup Been Linked To?
Many Roundup cancer lawsuits involving the safety of Roundup are filed by plaintiffs who have been diagnosed with a form of cancer known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), also known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or simply lymphoma, is an aggressive form of cancer that begins in white blood cells called lymphocytes. This type of cell exists to help protect the body from harmful viruses and bacteria through its role in the immune system.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of blood cancer that often affects adults, but children may also get it. NHL commonly begins in the lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, though on occasion it can affect the skin.
Common Symptoms of Cancer Caused by Exposure to Roundup
The following are some of the most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:
- Fluid accumulation, swelling, or pain in the abdomen
- Bone pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Painless swelling of the lymph nodes
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing
- Bloody stool or vomit
- Night sweats and chills lasting 14 consecutive days
- Severe itching
- Balance problems
Future of Roundup
In July 2021, Bayer announced that it would cease selling glyphosate-based products – including the popular herbicide Roundup — starting in 2023. Bayer AG’s decision is intended to decrease the number of future Roundup lawsuits concerning the safety of glyphosate-based herbicides. However, these Roundup products will remain available for agricultural purposes.
Bayer informed shareholders it would set aside $4.5 billion to resolve any future claims. By 2023, Bayer will begin to replace glyphosate with new ingredients still awaiting review from the EPA.
Get Help From Award-Winning Roundup Lawyers
If you or a loved one’s health has been affected by the use of the Monsanto Roundup weedkiller, then you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to recover financial compensation for your suffering and losses.
You must act quickly. At Farahi Law Firm, our experienced Roundup attorneys can help you through this complicated process. We have recovered millions in compensation for hundreds of clients.We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win! Contact us today to find out if you have a case and what we can do for you. We are available 24/7.
