What Qualifies for a Roundup Lawsuit Liver Damage?

Roundup is the world’s most widely used herbicide. It is used in many agricultural and home settings. Unfortunately, it has been linked to severe health concerns, including liver damage. If you or a loved one has suffered a liver disease after using Roundup, you may be eligible for compensation through a lawsuit.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, our experienced lawyers are currently representing agricultural workers and other individuals who have suffered health problems after they were regularly exposed to Roundup. If you have developed liver problems after using Roundup, we want to hear from you. Call us today for a free consultation.

The Health Effects of Roundup

Roundup is an herbicide that contains the active ingredient glyphosate. Glyphosate is a chemical that kills plants by preventing them from making specific proteins that are essential for their growth.

Roundup was first introduced in 1974 Known by Monsanto Roundup and has since become one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. 

However, a number of studies have found that exposure to Roundup increases the risk of cancer. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen." The IARC is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. 

This determination is based on studies that found that people who were exposed to glyphosate had an increased risk of a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer diagnosis. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cells that support the immune system. 

This can even occur at Roundup levels considered safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Other blood cancers that have been potentially linked to exposure to Roundup herbicide include:

• Hairy cell leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Large B-cell lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Liver cancer
• T-cell lymphoma

In addition to causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, glyphosate has also been associated with other serious health problems, including kidney disease, infertility, birth defects, and liver damage.

How Is Roundup Linked to Liver Damage?

Not only does Roundup make people appear more likely to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but the scientific community believes it can also harm the liver.

In 2017, a study published in the journal Nature found that even low levels of glyphosate exposure can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. NAFLD is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and damage. 

The study found that rats exposed to glyphosate had increased fat levels in their livers and developed markers of liver disease. The biomarkers for NAFLD were also significantly higher in the glyphosate-exposed rats [2]. 

This study suggests that this weed killer may play a role in the development of NAFLD in humans. This effectively linked Roundup to liver disease, in addition to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. 

What Are Liver Damage and NAFLD?

The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for removing toxins from the blood. When the liver is damaged, it can no longer do its job, leading to a build-up of impurities.

NAFLD is a condition where fat infiltrates the liver. Its health risks include:

• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Itching
• Mental confusion

Additionally, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This is a severe disease where dense inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) occur in the liver. 

NASH can lead to cirrhosis, a condition where the liver is so permanently damaged that it can no longer function properly [3]. In its end stages, cirrhosis can be fatal.

"People with NASH can develop liver complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. If cirrhosis leads to liver failure, you may need a liver transplant. People with NASH have an increased chance of dying from liver-related causes."
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Roundup Cancer Lawsuits Awards

Given the seriousness of the conditions associated with Roundup exposure, it is not surprising that Monsanto is facing a large number of future cases from people who claim to have been injured by glyphosate-based herbicides.

Awards in lawsuits will vary depending on the individual case but can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Additionally, juries have sometimes awarded Roundup victims punitive damages in large amounts. The first significant Roundup victory resulted in the plaintiff being awarded $289 million in damages, though the judge later reduced this amount.

In another renowned case, a California jury awarded $2 billion in punitive damages to Alva and Alberta Pilliod after finding that they developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma from their repeated exposure to Monsanto’s Roundup.

Plaintiffs exposed to this probable carcinogen and diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have even won in federal court. Federal courts are a much more challenging arena than the state courts for these suits.

Bayer, the owner of the Monsanto Company, has had so many cases with a similar outcome that it has set aside over $1 billion for future claims that it did not warn consumers about the cancer risks of their glyphosate-based herbicide.

Our expert lawyers offer a free case review that covers your medical records, Roundup use, and someone to listen to your experience. If you choose to form an attorney-client relationship with us, we will enter the settlement negotiations or litigation as needed to get you the economic damages you deserve.

Related Articles:

• Pre-Settlement Loans for Roundup Lawsuit
• Average Settlement for a Roundup Cancer Lawsuit
• What Cancers Qualify for a Lawsuit?

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Roundup Lawsuits and Liver Damage

Liver damage from Roundup weed killer is a significant problem that you shouldn't take lightly. If you or someone you love has been exposed to this toxic substance and have the symptoms of liver problems, it's vital to seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Schmidt & Clark, LLP who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases and would be honored to put our skills and resources to work for you. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn about your legal rights and options. We can answer your Roundup settlement questions.

References:

1. https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-mission/
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep39328#Sec4
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts