Roundup

Roundup Lawsuits: Fighting for Justice Against Monsanto and Bayer!

If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Roundup weed killer, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced mass tort attorneys today for a free consultation. Our phone number is (917) 526-2673.

What is Roundup?

Roundup is the world’s most widely used weed killer. It contains a chemical called glyphosate as its main ingredient. Monsanto first introduced Roundup to the market in 1974, and it quickly became popular with farmers, landscapers, and homeowners because it kills weeds effectively. The product works by stopping plants from making proteins they need to grow. When sprayed on weeds, Roundup causes them to die within days. Monsanto marketed Roundup as safe for humans and animals, claiming it only affected plants.

Monsanto: The Company Behind Roundup

Monsanto was founded in 1901 and became one of the largest agricultural companies in the world. For decades, Monsanto sold Roundup and made billions of dollars from this product. The company created genetically modified seeds that could survive being sprayed with Roundup, making farmers dependent on both their seeds and their weed killer. Monsanto had a history of selling dangerous products. In the past, the company made chemicals like PCBs and Agent Orange, which were later found to cause serious health problems. This pattern of selling harmful products while hiding health risks continued with Roundup.

Bayer Buys Monsanto

In 2018, the German company Bayer purchased Monsanto for $63 billion. This purchase made Bayer the world’s largest seed and pesticide company. However, Bayer also inherited all of Monsanto’s legal problems, including thousands of lawsuits claiming that Roundup causes cancer. Since purchasing Monsanto, Bayer has faced massive legal costs. The company has had to pay tens of billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts to people who got cancer from using Roundup. It’s clear that Bayer didn’t fully understand the legal risks when they bought Monsanto.

How Roundup Causes Cancer

Scientific studies have shown that glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, can cause cancer. The chemical damages DNA in human cells and interferes with important biological processes. When people are exposed to Roundup over time, their risk of developing certain types of cancer increases significantly. The most common cancer linked to Roundup exposure is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of cancer affects the lymphatic system, which helps fight infections. People who develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may experience symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Monsanto’s Cover-Up

Internal documents revealed during court cases show that Monsanto knew about the cancer risks of Roundup for decades but hid this information from the public. The company’s own scientists raised concerns about glyphosate’s safety as early as the 1980s, but Monsanto ignored these warnings. Monsanto used several tactics to hide the truth:

  • They funded studies that falsely stated that Roundup was safe.
  • They ghostwrote scientific papers that downplayed cancer risks.
  • They pressured regulatory agencies to approve Roundup.
  • They attacked independent scientists who found evidence of harm.
  • They hired public relations firms to spread misinformation.

These internal documents became known as the “Monsanto Papers” and provided crucial evidence in court cases against the company.

Scientific Evidence Against Roundup

Multiple scientific studies have found links between glyphosate exposure and cancer. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s Key scientific findings include:

  • A 2019 study found that people exposed to glyphosate had a 41% higher risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • Laboratory studies showed that glyphosate can damage DNA and cause chromosome problems.
  • Animal studies found increased rates of cancer in mice and rats exposed to glyphosate.
  • Studies of agricultural workers showed higher cancer rates among those who used glyphosate-based herbicides.

Who Uses Roundup?

Many different occupations and groups of people have been exposed to Roundup over the years. Those at highest risk include:

  • Agricultural Workers — Farmers, farm workers, and agricultural applicators use Roundup regularly on crops. They often spray large amounts of the product and may be exposed through skin contact or breathing in the chemical.
  • Landscaping and Groundskeeping — Professional landscapers, groundskeepers, and maintenance workers at schools, parks, and golf courses frequently use Roundup to control weeds in large areas.
  • Nursery and Garden Center Workers — Employees at plant nurseries and garden centers often use Roundup and may be exposed while mixing, applying, or selling the product.
  • Homeowners and Gardeners — Many homeowners have used Roundup in their yards and gardens for decades. Even occasional use can lead to significant exposure over time.

Other At-Risk Occupations

Other at-risk occupations include:

  • Railroad workers who spray tracks
  • Utility workers who clear vegetation
  • Highway maintenance crews
  • Cemetery workers
  • Municipal workers

Major Court Victories

Many people have filed suit lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer and have won significant verdicts. These court victories have established that Roundup does cause cancer and that Monsanto hid this information from consumers.

Dewayne Johnson, a school groundskeeper, won the first major Roundup trial. A jury awarded Mr. Johnson $289 million after finding that Monsanto’s Roundup caused his cancer and that the company acted with malice. The case was filed in San Franscisco Superior Court in California.

Edwin Hardeman, who used Roundup on his property for years, won $80 million. The jury found that Roundup was a substantial factor in causing his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The case was filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California.

Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a married couple who both developed cancer after using Roundup, won over $2 billion. This was the largest verdict in Roundup litigation at the time. The case was filed in Alameda County in California.

Three plaintiffs filed suit in Missouri state courts and obtained a verdict of $611 million collectively.

John McKivison obtained a verdict of $2.25 billion in Pennsylvania.

In the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Kelly Martel won a verdict of $3.5 million.

William Melissen obtained a verdict of $78 million. The case was filed in Philadelphia.

Why Choose Andover Law?

Our law firm has extensive experience in mass tort litigation and has successfully represented clients in complex cases against major corporations. We understand the science behind Roundup cancer cases and have the resources to take on large companies like Bayer.

Here’s why we’re the right choice for your Roundup case:

Proven Track Record

Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous mass tort cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge needed to build strong cases against corporate defendants.

Extensive Resources

Mass tort cases require significant resources to investigate, develop, and litigate. Our firm has the financial resources and expert network necessary to compete against the best defense attorneys that corporations can hire.

Personalized Attention

While we handle many cases, we treat each client as an individual. We understand that behind every case is a person who has suffered harm, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. This allows people who couldn’t otherwise afford legal representation to pursue justice.

Faster Settlements Through Master Settlement Agreements

Monsanto is now signing Master Settlement Agreements (“MSAs”) with law firms that will significantly speed up the resolution of Roundup cases. These agreements establish frameworks for settling cases more quickly than traditional settlement processes.

Benefits of MSAs include:

  • Faster resolution of cases
  • Predictable settlement amounts based on case criteria
  • Quicker access to compensation for injured parties

Our firm has experience with these settlement mechanisms and can help determine if your case qualifies for expedited resolution through a MSA.

Get Help Today

If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Roundup, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time limits apply to filing lawsuits, and evidence can be lost over time. Contact our experienced Roundup attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options at no cost to you. Call us at (917) 526-2673.

The Time to Act is Now

Roundup litigation is ongoing, but there are deadlines for filing cases. If you believe you or a loved one developed cancer from Roundup exposure, it’s important to speak with one of our attorneys as soon as possible. Our legal team is ready to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the devastating impact that cancer can have on individuals and families, and we’re committed to holding corporations accountable for their actions.

Don’t let Monsanto and Bayer get away with putting profits over people’s health. Contact Andover Law today to learn how we can help you seek justice and compensation for your Roundup-related cancer diagnosis. Call us today at (917) 526-2673.