The Roundup lawsuit has become one of the largest mass tort cases on record, with thousands of people claiming they contracted cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after years of exposure to the widely used weed killer. The manufacturer, Monsanto (now a subsidiary of Bayer), produces Roundup using the chemical glyphosate, which has been the subject of global controversy regarding the risk to human health.
If you or someone you love was exposed to Roundup and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you might be entitled to compensation from a Roundup lawsuit. The following guide takes you through the essence of the case, scientific issues surrounding glyphosate, legal updates, and action to take.
What Is Roundup?
Roundup is a widely-used herbicide that’s been on the market since the 1970s. Its active ingredient is glyphosate, which works by inhibiting an enzyme essential to plant growth. Roundup is used across the globe on residential lawns, commercial landscapes, and especially on genetically modified crops like soy, corn, and cotton.
Due to its effectiveness, Roundup became the most popular weed killer in the world. However, increasing scrutiny about the safety of glyphosate has raised serious public health concerns.
Health Risks Associated With Glyphosate
While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States maintains that glyphosate is safe when used as directed, other studies and international agencies disagree.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” This conclusion was based on studies showing a link between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Other potential health effects of glyphosate exposure may include:
- Chromosomal damage
- Hormonal disruption
- Liver and kidney disease
- Reproductive toxicity
- Neurological effects
Although Monsanto has consistently defended the safety of Roundup, the growing body of research has fueled public distrust and spurred lawsuits across the U.S.
History of the Roundup Lawsuit
The Roundup litigation began gaining momentum in the mid-2010s, when individuals started filing lawsuits against Monsanto, claiming that Roundup exposure caused them to develop cancer.
In 2018, a California jury awarded $289 million to Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, a former school groundskeeper who was diagnosed with terminal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While the award was later reduced, this case was a turning point and opened the floodgates for thousands of similar lawsuits.
Other landmark verdicts include:
- Edwin Hardeman (2019): A jury awarded him $80 million (later reduced) after finding that Roundup was a substantial factor in causing his cancer.
- Alva and Alberta Pilliod (2019): A California jury awarded the couple $2 billion, later reduced to $86.7 million, in one of the largest verdicts to date.
Since then, over 125,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto/Bayer, many of which have been consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL).
What Plaintiffs Claim in the Roundup Lawsuit
The primary legal claims in Roundup lawsuits typically include:
- Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto failed to adequately warn users about the cancer risk associated with Roundup exposure.
- Negligence: Claims that the manufacturer was careless in designing and marketing a dangerous product.
- Product Liability: Allegations that Roundup is inherently unsafe, even when used correctly.
- Fraudulent Concealment: Monsanto is accused of deliberately hiding evidence and manipulating data to protect profits.
The overarching claim is that Monsanto prioritized profits over public safety and engaged in deceptive practices to downplay Roundup’s health risks.
Who Qualifies to File a Roundup Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Roundup lawsuit if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or related cancers.
- You have a history of long-term exposure to Roundup or glyphosate-based herbicides.
- You used Roundup either personally (home/garden use) or professionally (farming, landscaping, groundskeeping).
A strong case generally includes:
- Medical diagnosis and records
- Proof of Roundup use (purchase receipts, work logs, equipment)
- Duration and frequency of exposure
Family members may also qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of loved ones who passed away due to cancer linked to Roundup exposure.
Settlement Status and Compensation
In 2020, Bayer announced it would pay over $10 billion to settle thousands of Roundup lawsuits. While many plaintiffs accepted settlement offers, a significant number of cases are still unresolved or awaiting trial.
Compensation in Roundup settlements may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
Individual settlement amounts vary based on the severity of illness, length of exposure, age, and other unique factors. Some settlements have ranged from $5,000 to over $250,000, with higher amounts for severe or fatal cases.
Recent Legal Developments
As of 2025, Roundup litigation continues to evolve. Key updates include:
- Ongoing jury trials across the U.S., with mixed outcomes.
- Reformulated versions of Roundup: Bayer announced it will remove glyphosate from consumer Roundup products in the U.S. market.
- Scientific studies: Continued research is being reviewed in court to determine causation and liability.
- Legislation: Some states have considered restricting or banning glyphosate use.
Bayer has committed to fighting future litigation but has also set aside billions for additional settlements.
What to Expect When Filing a Roundup Lawsuit
If you’re considering filing a Roundup claim, here’s a general outline of the process:
- Free Legal Consultation: Most attorneys offer a free case review to determine your eligibility.
- Case Evaluation: Your medical history and exposure details will be assessed.
- Evidence Gathering: Collect medical records, documentation of Roundup use, and any related materials.
- Filing the Lawsuit: If you qualify, your attorney will file your case in the appropriate jurisdiction or join a multi-district litigation.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your case may settle out of court or proceed to trial, depending on the circumstances.
Personal injury and product liability attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if you win compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a deadline—called the statute of limitations—for filing a product liability lawsuit. This time frame typically ranges from 1 to 4 years, starting from the date you:
- Were diagnosed with a related illness, or
- Discovered the link between your illness and Roundup exposure
Missing the deadline could bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s essential to act quickly.
Should You Join a Class Action or File an Individual Lawsuit?
While some Roundup cases are part of a multi-district litigation (MDL), they are still handled individually. This differs from a class-action lawsuit, where plaintiffs share a single judgment or settlement.
Individual lawsuits may result in higher compensation, especially if your damages are severe. A skilled attorney can advise you on the best path forward based on your situation.
How a Roundup Lawsuit Attorney Can Help
Given the complexity of product liability litigation, working with an experienced Roundup lawyer is crucial. Your attorney will:
- Investigate your exposure and medical history
- Connect you with expert witnesses and medical professionals
- Handle negotiations with Bayer’s legal team
- Prepare your case for trial if needed
- Fight for the maximum possible compensation
An attorney will also ensure that all paperwork and legal filings are accurate and timely, preserving your rights throughout the process.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
