Legally Reviewed
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Tort Defenders’ writers and staff and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney.
Roundup Weed Killer, produced by Monsanto (now Bayer), has been a popular herbicide for decades, but it’s also the focus of numerous lawsuits linking its active ingredient, glyphosate, to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Recent scientific studies and legal findings suggest that long-term exposure to glyphosate may increase the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly NHL, a cancer that impacts the lymphatic system.
If you or a loved one have used Roundup and later been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. This article outlines the key eligibility requirements for pursuing a Roundup lawsuit, including usage history, diagnosis, and age criteria.
The Link Between Roundup and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Glyphosate, the active chemical in Roundup, has been under scrutiny since the 1990s due to concerns about its safety. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” This classification spurred a wave of litigation, as thousands of individuals who had used Roundup for years came forward with claims of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the immune system, encompassing several subtypes, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. Plaintiffs in Roundup lawsuits claim that long-term exposure to the product caused their cancer and that Monsanto failed to adequately warn consumers of the potential risks. Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has faced significant legal challenges and large settlements as courts have ruled in favor of plaintiffs in multiple cases.
Requirements for Filing a Roundup Lawsuit
Not everyone exposed to Roundup is eligible to file a lawsuit. To determine if you qualify to file a claim, you must meet several specific criteria. Here are the main conditions for eligibility:
Roundup Usage Requirements
To be eligible to file a Roundup lawsuit, the individual must have used the product for at least two years and for a minimum of 10 lifetime days after 1990. The usage requirement ensures that the plaintiff had sufficient exposure to glyphosate, the chemical linked to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
This criterion applies to a variety of individuals, including:
- Homeowners who used Roundup to maintain their lawns or gardens;
- Landscapers and groundskeepers who regularly applied Roundup for professional purposes;
- Farmers or agricultural workers who frequently used Roundup to control weeds on their crops.
It is important to document the extent and frequency of your Roundup use. This can be done through receipts, work records, or witness statements. Any gaps in documentation should be filled with credible testimony about your regular use of the product.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis
The individual filing the lawsuit must have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or one of its subtypes at least one year after beginning Roundup use. This timeline is crucial because it establishes the plausible connection between long-term exposure to Roundup and the subsequent diagnosis.
The qualifying subtypes of NHL include, but are not limited to:
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
- B-Cell Lymphoma
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Marginal Zone Lymphoma
- T-Cell Lymphoma
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
- Burkitt Lymphoma
For individuals with a diagnosis of any of these subtypes, medical records and pathology reports will serve as vital evidence when filing the lawsuit.
Age at the Time of Diagnosis
Another important requirement is that the individual must have been 80 years old or younger at the time of their non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. This age restriction is in place to ensure the validity of the claim, given that NHL becomes more common with advancing age. However, if someone was diagnosed at an older age and had extensive exposure to Roundup in earlier years, exceptions may still apply under certain circumstances.
No Previous Roundup Settlements or Legal Representation
To qualify for a new Roundup lawsuit, you or your loved one must not have received a settlement from any prior Roundup-related litigation or be currently represented by a lawyer in an ongoing Roundup case. This is to ensure that the individual is not seeking multiple compensations for the same injury.
If you’ve previously filed a lawsuit and accepted a settlement, you won’t be eligible to file another claim. However, if you or a loved one have not yet sought legal action, you can pursue a claim provided all other eligibility criteria are met.
Legal Process for Filing a Roundup Lawsuit
Once you’ve determined that you or a loved one meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to pursue legal action. The process for filing a Roundup lawsuit generally includes the following steps:
- Consulting with a Law Firm Specializing in Roundup Litigation: You’ll need to find an attorney who has experience handling Roundup cases. Many law firms offer free consultations to help you understand your options and evaluate the strength of your case. Be sure to choose a firm that specializes in mass torts or toxic exposure litigation, as they will have the resources and expertise to handle complex cases.
- Filing the Lawsuit: Once you’ve selected a law firm, your attorney will file the lawsuit on your behalf. This may involve gathering medical records, work history, and any documentation of Roundup use. Your attorney will also handle communications with Bayer’s legal team and represent you in court if necessary.
- Joining Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): Many Roundup lawsuits are part of multidistrict litigation (MDL), which consolidates similar cases for pretrial proceedings to streamline the process. MDL allows plaintiffs to share evidence and legal strategies, potentially speeding up the legal process and increasing the chances of a favorable settlement.
- Potential Settlement or Trial: Most Roundup lawsuits are resolved through settlements before going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial, where a jury will decide the outcome.
Get Roundup Justice Now
If you or a loved one has developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup Weed Killer, you may be entitled to compensation. Meeting the eligibility requirements, such as using Roundup for at least 10 lifetime days and being diagnosed with NHL at least one year after exposure, is the first step toward seeking justice. Consulting with an experienced law firm that specializes in toxic exposure and Roundup litigation can provide you with the legal guidance needed to navigate this process.
With thousands of cases already filed and billions in settlements awarded, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait—if you believe Roundup exposure caused your or a loved one’s cancer, contact a qualified plaintiff’s lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential for compensation.