Roundup Cancer Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Roundup Cancer Lawsuit Overview

Roundup lawsuits focus on claims that Monsanto’s (now Bayer’s) glyphosate-based herbicide causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other serious health issues.

The litigation alleges that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn users about cancer risks associated with the product’s active ingredient.

In November 2023, a landmark verdict awarded $1.5 billion to plaintiffs linking Roundup to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

With over $11 billion allocated for settlements related to approximately 100,000 cases, the momentum in litigation against Monsanto continues to build.

Despite these settlements, approximately 40,000 cases remain pending, including over 4,000 in California’s multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Latest Roundup Lawsuit Updates

• November 20, 2023– A jury in Jefferson City, Missouri, ordered Monsanto to pay $1.5 billion to three former Roundup users—Valorie Gunther (New York), Jimmy Draeger (Missouri), and Daniel Anderson (California)—who alleged that the weed killer caused their non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The verdict included $61.1 million in actual damages and $500 million each in punitive damages.
• October 11, 2023 – A Philadelphia jury awarded $78 million to a Pennsylvania resident after finding Monsanto liable for his cancer.
• January 2023 – A jury awarded $2.25 billion, marking one of the largest verdicts related to Roundup.
• November 10, 2022 – Bayer announced it would continue defending Roundup cases, particularly those involving glyphosate, and expressed no intent to settle at this time. CFO Wolfgang Nickl stated, “We have no appetite to write humongous checks in a time where we have little free cash flow.”
• June 30, 2022 – The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal regarding an $87 million verdict for Alberta and Alva Pilliod. Experts estimated that Bayer would need to pay at least $5 billion to settle the remaining outstanding lawsuits that went to trial, with an average settlement check of approximately $167,000.

Roundup Usage and Health Statistics

Key statistics regarding Roundup usage and associated health concerns:

• Since 1974 in the U.S., over 1.6 billion kilograms of glyphosate active ingredients have been applied, representing 19% of the estimated global use of glyphosate (8.6 billion kilograms) [1].
• Two-thirds of the total volume of glyphosate applied in the U.S. from 1974 to 2014 has been sprayed in just the last 10 years.
• According to a 2021 study published in Mutation Research, individuals with significant exposure to Roundup have a 41% increased relative risk of developing non-Hodgkin Lymphoma [2].
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015 [3].
• The average proposed settlement payouts for Roundup lawsuits in the higher settlement tiers have been around $100,000 to $160,000.

Read more: Dicamba Lawsuit

Roundup Cancer Risks & Side Effects

Exposure to Roundup has been associated with various forms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)—a group of blood cancers affecting the lymphatic system.

The primary NHL variants linked to glyphosate exposure include:

• Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): The most common and aggressive type of NHL, with potential for curability.
• Follicular Lymphoma: Typically slow-growing and most often diagnosed in older adults.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Often grouped with Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) due to their similarities, both are generally slow-progressing.
• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Primarily impacts the skin and may present with persistent rashes or lesions.
• Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A rare, aggressive form that can affect lymph nodes or the skin.
• Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL): Related to CLL, characterized by small, mature lymphocytes.
• Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): An aggressive type of NHL with a poor prognosis if untreated.
• Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma: A rare type of lymphoma confined to the brain or spinal cord.

In addition to primary cancers, prolonged exposure to Roundup has been linked to several other health concerns:

• Liver Disease: Studies suggest a potential link between glyphosate exposure and liver dysfunction, including fatty liver disease [4].
• Kidney Disease: Chronic glyphosate exposure may increase the risk of kidney-related issues, such as nephrotoxicity or chronic kidney disease.

Additionally, research has suggested potential links between glyphosate exposure and other health conditions including:

• Neurological Disorders: Including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders.
• Endocrine Disruption: Impacting hormone function and potentially contributing to reproductive issues and metabolic disorders.

Roundup Exposure ‘Probably’ Causes Cancer: Report

According to the New York Times, in 1985, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency committee found that Roundup may cause cancer [5].

Six years later, the agency reversed itself after re-evaluating the study it had based its original conclusion on.

Now the issue is back again. In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is the cancer research arm of the WHO, published a report in The Lancet Oncology that found that the glyphosate contained in Roundup “probably” causes cancer in humans.

All three lines of evidence sort of said the same thing, which is we ought to be concerned about this,. – Aaron Blair, Retired Epidemiologist from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Roundup Linked to Liver Disease, Study Finds

January 10, 2017 – according to the National Institute of Health study from 2020, glyphosate causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in laboratory rats at very low doses [6].

The study, published Monday in Scientific Reports, used cutting-edge profiling methods to analyze the molecular composition of the livers of female rats that were given extremely low doses of Roundup herbicide (thousands of times lower than what is permitted by worldwide health regulators) over 2 years.

How Roundup Can Cause Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma?

As stated in a 2021 research by the National Center for Biotechnology and Information, a broad scientific analysis of the Roundup cancer-causing potential of glyphosate herbicides has found that people with high exposure to glyphosate have a 41% increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma [7].

Exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been linked to various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma.

Here’s how exposure can lead to cancer:

• Mechanism of Action: Glyphosate can damage white blood cells (B-lymphocytes) by altering their DNA, leading to abnormal cell function. These damaged cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells.
• Tumor Development: Tumors typically first appear in the lymph nodes and can spread to other organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, liver, thyroid, testes, skin, breast, brain, and bones.
• Risk Factors: The risk of developing Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma increases with age and is particularly high among white or Jewish males in their early-to-mid 60s. Additional risk factors include exposure to high radiation levels and chemicals like glyphosate.

National Institute of Health Studies has shown that glyphosate can damage white cell membranes, resulting in mutations to their DNA, which can cause multiple types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma [8].

Study Links Glyphosate to Autism

March 8, 2017– A new study has been published linking glyphosate to an increased risk for autism.

For the study (PDF), a research team led by William Shaw, Ph.D. of The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. found extremely high levels of glyphosate in urine samples taken from a set of triplets.

The amount of glyphosate dropped significantly after implementing a strict diet of organic foods, with improvements noted in the functioning of the children.

Glyphosate Linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS, Study Finds

A new study has found that glyphosate alters DNA function, increasing the risk for several serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.

According to a 2016 study from Research Gate, glyphosate acts as a glycine analog that is incorporated into peptides during protein synthesis.

When this occurs, the herbicide changes proteins that depend on conserved glycine to function.

According to the study, glyphosate substitution for glycine is associated with several serious diseases including (but not limited to):

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Asthma
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson’s disease

Glycine, the smallest of the 20 amino acids found in proteins, has unique properties that can anchor to the plasma membrane or cytoskeleton.

The new study, taken in conjunction with correlating data, makes a compelling argument that glyphosate action as a glycine analog accounts for a high percentage of glyphosate’s toxicity.

This mechanism affects humans and other organisms in several ways including:

• Impaired fatty acid release leads to obesity
• Impaired insulin receptor response leading to type 2 diabetes
• Impaired one-carbon metabolism leading to neural tube defects and autism
• Impaired cell cycle control during DNA synthesis
• Dysregulated phosphorylation cascades lead to cancer, lung disorders, and autoimmune diseases

Do You Qualify for a Roundup Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Roundup lawsuit if:

• You have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another form of cancer potentially linked to glyphosate exposure.
• You had regular exposure to Roundup through agricultural work, landscaping, or home garden use.
• There is a reasonable timeframe between your Roundup exposure and cancer diagnosis.
• You can document your Roundup use and medical condition.
• Your claim is filed within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 2-4 years from diagnosis).

Evidence Required for a Roundup Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you’ll need:

• Medical Records: Documentation of your cancer diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis.
• Exposure Evidence: Proof of Roundup purchase and use (receipts, photos, employment records for occupational exposure).
• Expert Testimony: Medical opinions linking your specific condition to glyphosate exposure.
• Usage Timeline: Documentation showing the frequency and duration of your Roundup use.

Damages You Can Recover

A successful Roundup lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Costs of cancer treatment, including doctor’s visits, surgeries, and prescription drugs.
• Lost wages: Compensation for past and future income lost due to your illness.
• Pain and suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress associated with your diagnosis and treatment.
• Loss of consortium: Damages for the impact on your relationship with your spouse or family.
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation intended to punish manufacturers for egregious conduct.

Roundup Regulatory Information

Use of the active ingredient in Roundup has soared in recent years as Monsanto continues to market Roundup Ready crops, which account for most corn and soybeans now grown in the U.S.

These crops are genetically modified (GMO) to be resistant to Glyphosate, allowing farmers to spray their fields without damaging the crops.

Despite ongoing litigation and health concerns:

• Bayer (which acquired Monsanto in 2018) has not issued a recall for Roundup products containing glyphosate.
• The company maintains that glyphosate is safe when used as directed.
• In November 2023, the Ninth Circuit ruled that California’s mandate for glyphosate-containing products to carry warning labels is unconstitutional.
• Roundup is banned in more than 20 countries worldwide due to cancer concerns.
• According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Bayer plans to reformulate Roundup for residential use in 2023, removing glyphosate from consumer products [9].

EPA Pulls Report Saying Glyphosate is Safe

May 5, 2016 – The EPA says it accidentally released an 87-page report which concluded that glyphosate is “not likely” to cause cancer in humans.

The documents, revoked earlier this week, are from a report by the EPA’s Cancer Assessment Review Committee (PDF) which says “epidemiological studies in humans showed no association between glyphosate exposure” and 15 types of cancers, according to the Des Moines Register.

Related Article: What is Failure to Wan in Product Liability Claims?

The authorization is valid for a decade; however, “any products produced from these GMOs will be subject to the EU’s strict labeling and traceability rules.”-  European Commission.

40 Californians File Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits

April 5, 2017– Forty California agricultural workers have filed a Roundup products liability litigation against Monsanto alleging that Roundup weedkiller caused them to develop “non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers, other permanent defects and permanent bodily impairments.”

According to The Mercury News, the complaint, filed last month in Alameda Supreme Court, alleges that Monsanto says Roundup is safe to use and poses no unreasonable health risk to humans or the environment [10].

Lawsuit Alleges Roundup Caused Bone Cancer in Farm Worker

A former California farm worker and law firm have filed a federal lawsuit against Monsanto alleging that Roundup caused her to develop bone cancer after years of exposure to Roundup.

According to the lawsuit, plaintiff Enrique Rubio sprayed Roundup on crops in California, Oregon, and Texas from 1986 to 1995, and was subsequently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 38 years old.

Rubio claims that during her years as a field worker, she drove a tractor and used a hand pump to spray vegetables with weed killer with nothing more than a paper mask to protect her from the chemicals.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Monsanto in California

May 9, 2016 – Law firms and the widow of a California farmer have filed a lawsuit against Monsanto alleging that the company purposely downplayed the cancer risk associated with exposure to Roundup.

According to the Roundup weed killer lawsuit (PDF), Jack McCall developed non-hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup herbicide for nearly 30 years.

In September 2015, McCall was admitted to a hospital with swollen lymph nodes in his neck.

His doctor informed him that the swelling was caused by anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Roundup Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Glyphosate in Quaker Oats

May 2, 2016 – Quaker Oats is being sued for $5 million by a New York man who alleges the company uses glyphosate during production, according to the New York Post.

The Roundup class action was filed by Lewis Daly, a Brooklyn resident who claims Quaker Oats’ advertising is “false, deceptive and misleading.”

Daly says the carcinogenic substance glyphosate is used to grow the oats and sprayed on them during harvest, undermining the company’s claims that its products are “100 percent Natural.”

Roundup Lawsuits Allege Monsanto Acted Negligently

June 22, 2017– A lawsuit has been filed against Monsanto in Wisconsin federal court by a group of plaintiffs who claim that Roundup herbicide is mislabeled with the statement that its active ingredient targets an enzyme not found in humans or pets.

The complaint (PDF), filed Tuesday by 6 consumers from states across the U.S., focuses on companies that sell Roundup, rather than physical injuries alleged from the weed killer.

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., which also markets Roundup products, is named as a co-defendant in the Roundup Cancer Case.

Groundbreaking Roundup Verdicts

• CA Jury Awards Couple $2 Billion (May 14, 2019)

A jury in San Francisco, California, awarded more than $2 billion to a couple who claimed Roundup weed killer caused their cancer.

According to CNN Business, Bayer shares fell 2% on the news, and have plummeted more than 45% this year [11].

• California Jury Awards $80 Million Settlement (March 27, 2019)

As stated by NPR, Monsanto was ordered to pay an $80 million settlement to a San Francisco man who claimed that his development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the result of his use of Roundup, in a rare split-trial that could influence the outcome of thousands more cases [12].

• Landmark $289 Million Award (August 13, 2018)

According to The Guardian, the jury ruled that Roundup herbicide and Ranger Pro products presented a “substantial danger” to the now 46-year-old Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using the spray for more than 2 years as a groundskeeper in San Francisco [13].

The jury awarded Johnson $289 million — mostly in the form of punitive damages.

Statute of Limitations for Roundup Lawsuits

The deadline for filing a Roundup lawsuit depends on the statute of limitations in your state. Generally, it ranges from two to four years. Some states offer longer or shorter timeframes.

Under the discovery rule, the statute of limitations typically begins when you are diagnosed with a related illness or when you discover that your health condition may be linked to Roundup exposure.

Key Deadlines by State:

• California: 2 years
• Texas: 2 years
• New York: 3 years
• Florida: 4 years

“Every state has a statute of limitations, usually between two and four years, which limits the time you have to sue for product liability. The clock starts at the time you received the diagnosis or when you realized there may be a link between Roundup and your diagnosis.” — Mike Cetera, Editor, Forbes.com

In general, filing a Roundup claim no later than two years after discovering the cancer is recommended to help a patient protect their rights with civil actions.

Glyphosate Found in Oatmeal, Baby Food

October 3, 2016

– The FDA has found glyphosate residues in various oat products including plain and flavored oat cereals for babies.

Data (PDF) presented by FDA chemists at a meeting in Florida showed residues of glyphosate in the following products:

• “Cinnamon spice” instant oatmeal
• “Maple brown sugar” instant oatmeal
• “Peach and cream” instant oatmeal
• Banana strawberry and other banana-flavored varieties of infant oat cereal
• Other similar products

Glyphosate Found in Many Breakfast Foods, Study Finds

April 20, 2016– Glyphosate has found its way into many common breakfast foods including bagels, cereals, and eggs, according to a new report.

According to the report, which was issued by the Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH-USA), testing procured from Microbe Inotech Laboratories in St. Louis found detectable levels of glyphosate in 10 out of 24 breakfast food items including oatmeal, bagels, and coffee creamer.

“Americans are consuming glyphosate in common foods daily,” – ANH.

Impact on Consumer Behavior

According to John Peterson Myers’s study from the Environmental Health Commission conducted in 2016, the controversy surrounding Roundup and its potential health risks has undoubtedly influenced consumer behavior.

Many individuals and businesses are now more cautious about using glyphosate-based products, with some seeking alternative weed killers [14].

This shift not only reflects growing health concerns but also a broader trend where consumers demand greater transparency and safety assurances from product manufacturers.

Effective 2023: Glyphosate No Longer Available for Residential Use

According to the 2023 Environmental Working Group (EWG) report, Bayer plans to reformulate Roundup for residential use in 2023.

As part of its plan to thwart future litigation, Bayer will stop selling glyphosate-based herbicides for residential use in the US beginning in 2023 [15].

Related Articles:

• Columbus Roundup Lawsuit Lawyer
• Roundup Class Action Law Firms in Charlotte, NC

FAQs

1. What are the “Monsanto Papers”?

The Monsanto Papers are internal documents released since March 2017 as part of Roundup litigation. They reveal how Monsanto actively manipulated scientific research and regulatory processes to protect their glyphosate-based products despite potential health risks.

2. Will Roundup become banned in the United States?

While Roundup is banned in more than 20 countries because of cancer concerns, it remains legal in the United States. Some states have implemented restrictions, and Bayer plans to reformulate residential Roundup products without glyphosate by 2023, but a nationwide ban has not been enacted.

3. How many Roundup lawsuits have been filed?

Bayer has faced more than 100,000 Roundup lawsuits alleging that exposure to glyphosate caused non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While the company has settled approximately 80% of these cases (about 60,000 claims), approximately 40,000 lawsuits remain pending.

4. How much is the average Roundup settlement?

The average proposed settlement for Roundup cases in the higher settlement tiers ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 per plaintiff. However, individual trial verdicts have resulted in much larger awards, including several in the millions and some exceeding $1 billion.

5. How long does it take for a Roundup lawsuit to settle?

Successful plaintiffs typically wait an average of 2 to 3 years before receiving Roundup settlement compensation. Higher-value claims and those that are appealed may take longer to resolve due to the complex litigation process.

6. What types of cancer qualify for a Roundup lawsuit?

The strongest Roundup cases involve non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and its subtypes, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and other forms of NHL. Some cases involving multiple myeloma have also been pursued.

7. How do I prove I was exposed to Roundup?

You can prove Roundup exposure through purchase receipts, employment records showing work with herbicides, photographs of you using the product, testimony from witnesses who saw you use Roundup, and documentation showing you worked in an occupation with regular herbicide exposure (farming, landscaping, groundskeeping).

Get Your Free Roundup Cancer Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for cancer related injuries to Roundup exposure. Most states impose strict deadlines for filing product liability claims, typically between two and four years from diagnosis or discovery of the connection between your illness and Roundup use.

At the Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced attorneys who understand the complex science behind glyphosate exposure

Free Roundup Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you developed lymphoma after using or being exposed to Roundup, you should contact our law firm immediately for legal advice from a lawyer. You may be able to file a Roundup Cancer Lawsuit and our law firm can help.

References:

1. https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.1985

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7541593/

3. https://www.iarc.who.int/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news-glyphosate/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776714/

5. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/28/business/energy-environment/decades-after-monsantos-roundup-gets-an-all-clear-a-cancer-agency-raises-concerns.html
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776714/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706269/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706269/
9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305318376_Glyphosate_pathways_to_modern_diseases_V_Amino_acid_analogue_of_glycine_in_diverse_proteins
10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305318376_Glyphosate_pathways_to_modern_diseases_V_Amino_acid_analogue_of_glycine_in_diverse_proteins
11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305318376_Glyphosate_pathways_to_modern_diseases_V_Amino_acid_analogue_of_glycine_in_diverse_proteins
12. https://www.npr.org/2019/03/27/707439575/jury-awards-80-million-in-damages-in-roundup-weed-killer-cancer-trial
13. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/sep/25/monsanto-dewayne-johnson-cancer-verdict
14. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-016-0117-0
15. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2021/07/bayer-end-residential-sales-cancer-causing-weedkiller-glyphosate