Published by If you or a loved one experienced cancer or other serious health complications following exposure to glyphosate-containing herbicides like Roundup, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to these dangerous chemicals. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Glyphosate Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Glyphosate Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Glyphosate Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Glyphosate Lawsuit?
- Which Herbicides Contain Glyphosate?
- Statute of Limitations for Glyphosate Lawsuits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What Compensation Can Victims of Glyphosate Exposure Expect to Receive?
- 2. What Is the Current Status of Glyphosate-Related Lawsuits in the United States?
- 3. How Long Do Plaintiffs Have to File a Glyphosate Lawsuit?
- 4. Is Glyphosate Still Being Used Despite Cancer Concerns?
- 5. Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit Against Glyphosate Manufacturers?
- 6. Are There Studies Linking Glyphosate to Cancer?
- 7. Is Glyphosate Found in Foods?
- 8. How Can I Minimize My Exposure to Glyphosate?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Glyphosate Lawsuit Overview
Glyphosate lawsuits involve allegations that exposure to this widely-used herbicide causes cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The litigation targets manufacturers like Monsanto (now owned by Bayer AG) for failing to warn users about these serious health risks. With thousands of cases filed nationwide and several landmark verdicts, this litigation represents one of the largest mass torts in recent history.
These lawsuits followed the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification of glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” [1].
Latest Glyphosate Lawsuit Updates
- May 15, 2019 – Bayer suffered another catastrophic financial hit Monday, the hardest yet involving litigation alleging that its newly adopted Roundup Campaign Herbicide weed killer increases the risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of cancer. A jury in the same San Francisco court that served as a venue for the previous three roundup trials delivered the bad news, a $2 billion (with a B) fine, the third massive defeat for Bayer in a row.
- April 18, 2019 – The judge overseeing the multidistrict litigation (MDL 2741) created to handle lawsuits alleging cancer from Roundup weed killer has instructed Bayer AG to pursue mediation with plaintiffs, asking the company to settle as many of the thousands of cases pending against it before they reach the trial phase. There are currently more than 11,200 lawsuits pending against Bayer AG, which bought out Monsanto last September for $63 billion, and the company has lost 2 straight bellwether trials in a row.
- April 1, 2019 – Monsanto has been ordered to pay an $80 million settlement to a San Francisco man who claims that his development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the result of his use of Roundup weed killer, in a rare split trial which could influence the outcome of thousands more cases.
- March 22, 2019 – Shares of Bayer AG dropped over 12% on Wednesday after a jury in a federal court in San Francisco ruled for the second time that its Roundup weed killer caused cancer. It was the pharmaceutical giant’s biggest 1-day loss in 16 years, according to Reuters.
- March 4, 2019 – The prosecution in a Roundup cancer lawsuit currently underway in California will be allowed to use a 1999 internal document from the Monsanto Company which concluded that glyphosate can cause genetic damage to human cells. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria said Monsanto’s attorneys “opened the door” to allow the report by arguing that glyphosate is not genotoxic — meaning that it can’t cause genetic damage to human cells.
FDA Reports and Statistics
An environmental advocacy group in August 2018 found traces of glyphosate in many popular breakfast cereals [2] including Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Quaker Oats. This has raised significant concerns about widespread exposure beyond direct herbicide users.
Research has established links between glyphosate exposures and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in humans [3].
Roundup has also been controversial for its widespread use on genetically modified seeds [4], and research that links the weed killer to antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption [5].
Glyphosate Injuries & Side Effects
Exposure to glyphosate-containing herbicides has been associated with several serious health conditions, particularly various forms of cancer.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: The most commonly reported cancer linked to glyphosate exposure
- Large Diffuse B-cell Lymphoma: An aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Follicular Lymphoma: A slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the skin
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects white blood cells
- Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): A rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting the brain and spinal cord
Do You Qualify for a Glyphosate Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a glyphosate lawsuit if:
- You were exposed to Roundup or other glyphosate-containing herbicides
- You developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another related cancer type listed above
- You can establish a link between your exposure and your cancer diagnosis
- You sought medical treatment for your condition
Evidence Required for a Glyphosate Lawsuit
Only a qualified attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against Monsanto, the maker of glyphosate.
Most cases involving product liability lawsuits allege that a product was sold with design, manufacturing, and/or marketing defects, which typically refers to a company’s failure to warn of a certain potential health risk.
To strengthen your case, you will need:
- Medical records documenting your cancer diagnosis
- Documentation of your exposure to glyphosate products
- Proof of purchase or use of glyphosate-containing herbicides
- Medical history showing no other significant risk factors for your type of cancer
Related Article: Adcetris Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Lawsuit
Damages You Can Recover
By filing a lawsuit against the maker of glyphosate, you may be entitled to collect compensation for:
- All current and future medical expenses related to your cancer treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages against the manufacturer
Additionally, filing a lawsuit can help hold the herbicide’s manufacturer accountable for releasing an allegedly defective product into the marketplace, and to discourage other companies from engaging in similar conduct.
Which Herbicides Contain Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a synthetic compound that works as a non-selective systemic herbicide used to kill perennial weeds, grasses, bushes, and certain types of trees.
The product was created by The Monsanto Company and first approved for use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1974.
Glyphosate has grown to become one of the most widely-used herbicides on the planet and is used in at least 750 different products in the U.S. alone.
Some glyphosate-containing weed killers include:
- Roundup
- Roundup Pro
- Roundup Ultra
- Ranger Pro
- Eraser Weed Killer
- Garlon Fallow Master Herbicide
- LandMaster Weed Killer
- Campaign Herbicide
- Accord Herbicide
- And more
Statute of Limitations for Glyphosate Lawsuits
Plaintiffs typically must file within the statute of limitations, which varies by state, usually ranging from 1 to 4 years after diagnosis or exposure.
Time is limited to pursue legal action, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after receiving a cancer diagnosis that may be linked to glyphosate exposure.
Related Articles:
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Compensation Can Victims of Glyphosate Exposure Expect to Receive?
Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, depending on the case’s specifics and legal outcomes.
Glyphosate lawsuits are ongoing, with significant settlements awarded in some cases. Courts continue to hear new cases, and legal challenges are actively pursued nationwide.
3. How Long Do Plaintiffs Have to File a Glyphosate Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs typically must file within the statute of limitations, varying by state, which usually ranges from 1 to 4 years after diagnosis or exposure.
4. Is Glyphosate Still Being Used Despite Cancer Concerns?
Yes, glyphosate products remain on the market in the United States, though some cities and countries have implemented bans. On May 6, 2019, Watsonville, California joined a growing list of cities across the U.S. that have banned the use of Roundup weed killer and its active ingredient glyphosate on city-owned land [6].
5. Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit Against Glyphosate Manufacturers?
Schmidt & Clark, LLP is currently not filing class action lawsuits in the glyphosate litigation. It has been our experience that these types of cases are better handled individually, as individual claims tend to yield much better payouts and afford each client greater control over his or her own case.
6. Are There Studies Linking Glyphosate to Cancer?
Yes, glyphosate has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [7], which found “convincing evidence” that the chemical caused cancer in laboratory animals and “limited evidence” linking glyphosate exposures to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in humans.
7. Is Glyphosate Found in Foods?
Yes, a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found glyphosate in at least 28 cereals and other children’s foods [8], less than 3 months after another study found “a hefty dose” of the weed killer in dozens of similar products.
8. How Can I Minimize My Exposure to Glyphosate?
To minimize exposure, choose organic foods when possible, wash all produce thoroughly, avoid direct contact with herbicides containing glyphosate, and consider natural alternatives for weed control in your home garden or lawn.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action against glyphosate manufacturers. Most states only allow a few years from the date of injury or discovery of injury to file a claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.
The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in glyphosate lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cancer cases in all 50 states.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
References
- http://www.ewg.org/release/world-health-organization-labels-glyphosate-probable-carcinogen
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/roundup-ingredient-found-in-cheerios-quaker-oats-other-cereals
- https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/study-glyphosate-doubles-risk-lymphoma
- http://web.mit.edu/demoscience/Monsanto/about.html
- https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/04/07/cafos-gmos-antibiotics.aspx
- https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2019/05/05/watsonville-latest-city-to-ban-roundup-other-glyphosate-weed-killers/
- http://www.ewg.org/release/world-health-organization-labels-glyphosate-probable-carcinogen
- https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2018/10/roundup-breakfast-part-2-new-tests-weed-killer-found-all-kids