Roundup Lawsuit
If you or a loved one used Roundup regularly and were subsequently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or another form of cancer, you may be eligible to file a Roundup lawsuit. You might be entitled to compensation.
Roundup is the most widely used herbicide in the world and the second-most used weed killer for home and garden and commerce. It was introduced commercially by Monsanto Company in 1974 and acquired by Bayer in 2018. It is used by landscapers, farmers, groundskeepers, commercial gardeners and even home gardeners. Roundup lawsuits claim that the herbicide contains glyphosate, a probable carcinogen, which caused consumers to develop a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Manufacturers of consumer products are required to perform safety tests, meet all quality standards and provide adequate warnings of potential risks before releasing them to the public. If there’s a risk associated with using the product, they must provide warning labels so consumers understand the dangers they could encounter. Monsanto falsely claimed that its herbicide was safe for use. However, researchers have discovered that long-term exposure to glyphosate can increase the risk of developing certain cancers and cause other serious health complications.
At FrancoLaw, we understand the consequences of suffering from an illness or disease brought on by a dangerous product. If the manufacturer didn’t provide adequate warnings about the harmful effects of using their product, then they can be held liable for their negligent conduct.
For a free consultation to discuss the circumstances of your injury and determine the available legal options, call FrancoLaw today at (888) 213-0761.
What Is Roundup?
Monsanto introduced Roundup in 1974. The primary ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate, a chemical that kills weeds by blocking proteins essential to plant growth. It is easy to use and effective at killing pesky weeds like poison ivy, kudzu, and dandelions. Agricultural workers, farmers, landscapers and gardeners use it to manage the growth of weeds and unwanted plants.
Agricultural use of glyphosate increased sharply since crop seeds were genetically modified to make them resistant to the herbicide. Glyphosate is now used in more than 160 countries with more than 1.4 billion pounds applied each year. About 100 million pounds are used on U.S. farms and lawns annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In March 2015, the World Health Organization’s specialized cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), listed glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” and pointed to evidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma from human exposure to glyphosate, mostly from agricultural means, in the United States, Canada and Sweden since 2001.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. If left untreated, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can spread to other parts of the lymph system. Eventually, the disease can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, brain or bone marrow.
Individuals Most at Risk of Developing Cancer from Exposure to Glyphosate
Specific groups of people are at increased risk of cancer due to their consistent exposure to the toxic chemical in Roundup. They include:
- Agricultural workers
- Groundskeepers
- Professional gardeners
- Farmers
- Herbicide and pesticide applicators
- Landscapers
If you have been exposed to Roundup and have developed non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, call FrancoLaw to discuss your legal options. We can review the circumstances of your injury and determine if you qualify for a Roundup lawsuit.
What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This system helps fight off infections and diseases. Lymphoma can start in any part of the body that contains lymph tissue, including:
- Thymus
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Adenoids and tonsils
- Digestive tract
- Bone marrow
Two main types of lymphocytes make up the lymph system. They are:
- T lymphocytes (T cells) – Some of these cells are responsible for slowing or boosting the activity of other cells in the immune system. Other T cells destroy abnormal cells found in the body.
- B lymphocytes (B cells) – B cells make antibodies to protect a person from bacteria and viruses. The immune system destroys germs with attached antibodies.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma causes a range of symptoms. The symptoms you might experience depend on the type of lymphoma that forms and the part of the body it affects. Common symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Chest pressure or pain
- Chills
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Bleeds or bruises easily
- Fatigue
- Frequent or severe infections
- Swollen abdomen
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
Roundup Settlements
Tens of thousands of lawsuits were filed against Bayer alleging the company failed to warn consumers that exposure to Roundup could cause cancer. On June 24, 2020, Bayer announced that it would pay up to $10.9 billion to settle about three-quarters of the 125,000 Roundup cancer claims the company faced; however, thousands of cases remain unresolved.
According to several news reports, the average payout for an individual who has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other cancers is between $5,000 to $250,000 in compensation. Consumers who used Roundup and developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, B-cell leukemia, T-cell leukemia, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may be eligible for the Roundup settlement.
Despite its link to cancer, Bayer continues to sell Roundup and the company still isn’t warning consumers about the risks of cancer from exposure to the herbicide. Meanwhile, it can take years for Roundup exposure to develop into a cancer diagnosis.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one used Roundup regularly and were subsequently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or another form of cancer, you may qualify to file a Roundup lawsuit. You can discuss your case with us during a free consultation and receive the legal advice you need to make an informed decision about what to do next. Our firm is currently representing clients who have been exposed to Roundup and developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and we welcome any questions you may have. Call us now at (888) 213-0761 for a free consultation.