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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 is one of the most popular weed killers in the United States, but recent concerns about a link between Roundup and cancer have led to a slew of lawsuits. Since 2018, thousands of plaintiffs have sued Bayer and Monsanto, alleging that using Roundup products caused them to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers. Many payouts are substantial, with Bayer offering $10.9 billion to settle around 100,000 claims in 2020.
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve used Roundup weed killers and have a cancer diagnosis. So, what cancers are included in the Roundup lawsuit? Let’s explore the link between Roundup and cancer and what evidence you need to file a claim.
What in Roundup Causes Cancer?
Roundup contains glyphosate, an herbicide used to kill weeds and certain grasses. Most genetically modified crops are resistant to the effects of Roundup, so the formula is a common choice for weed control on commercial farms. Many homeowners also rely on Roundup to control weeds and other unwanted plants in their backyards. Glyphosate is the ingredient in Roundup considered to cause cancer.
In 2015, a working group from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, said the substance is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” In other words, one of the main ingredients in Roundup could cause cancer. The group also stated Roundup could cause genetic changes in human cells.
While many commercially available Roundup products contain around 40% glyphosate, the company also manufactures glyphosate-free formulas. If you’re worried about the impact of glyphosate on your health, using a glyphosate-free alternative could be worthwhile.
What Injuries Have People Reported From Using Roundup?
Most people who have successfully sued the makers of Roundup (Monsanto) had a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph system. People with the disease have abnormal white blood cells that can cause tumors in various areas of the body. There are several types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including B-cell lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
People with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically experience the following symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest pain
- Coughing
What Proof Do You Need to File a Settlement Claim?
You can’t generally sue the manufacturers of Roundup simply because you use the product at home or work. To claim successfully, you must prove that using products containing glyphosate caused a health condition or another loss. Usually, you can only file a settlement claim if you have a cancer diagnosis — most likely non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
To sue Monsanto, you’ll likely need to prove two key factors. First, you’ll need to show you used the products. You can do this by providing purchase receipts or any other evidence that proves you used Roundup. The more frequently you used the products, the greater your chances of success. If you used Roundup at work, you could provide copies of your employer’s operating procedures to demonstrate your exposure as part of your duties.
You’ll also need to show that using Roundup caused your illness. Providing copies of your medical records and using scientific evidence showing the link between Roundup and cancer can help you prove your case. You may also need to share details of your personal life to allow courts to assess which factors likely contributed to your cancer diagnosis.
Hiring a knowledgeable tort lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case. The team at Tort Defenders can support you in producing the most compelling proof of your use of Roundup and its role in your health condition.