The agricultural superpower, Monsanto, agreed to a $45 million settlement in response to a Roundup class action lawsuit, due to their failure to warn customers that a herbicide in its weed killers could potentially lead to cancer or other health issues.
The plaintiffs argue that a key ingredient in the Roundup weed killer, glyphosate, has carcinogenic properties. Despite being challenged by the groups, Monsanto stands firm in its stance regarding any liabilities arising from the settlement and has stated that their federal laws supersede state-law claims.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Consumers suing Bayer over alleged cancer risk
- Bayer’s Monsanto Co. agreeing to billions in Roundup settlements
- Thousands of Roundup lawsuits still pending
Consumers Sue Bayer Over Alleged Cancer Risk
In 2018, Bayer AG bought the Monsanto Company and acquired all its legal history, including Roundup litigation. Thousands of personal injury claims have been filed against Bayer by individuals who received a cancer diagnosis after the use and exposure to Roundup weed killer.
In 2018 and 2019, Bayer and Monsanto were hit with a stream of massive verdicts in personal injury claims that went to trial. As a result, the manufacturers had no choice but to negotiate settlements for the immense number of cases under various law firms.
As previously mentioned, consumers claim that Monsanto, a Bayer subsidiary, illegally marketed, advertised, and sold Roundup without disclosing possible health risks. Had the consumers been aware of these hazards, they claim they paid more for the dangerous product than they would have, had they known of the risk of cancer.
Claimants argue that glyphosate, an ingredient in Roundup, is carcinogenic. They also argue that there is a link between Roundup and their cancer diagnosis, more specifically, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
Despite the allegations, Monsanto denies any liability.
A spokesman for Monsanto stated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has “repeatedly concluded that glyphosate is not carcinogenic.” The spokesman also stated that a cancer-warning label on Monsanto’s glyphosate-based products would be “Illegal and misbranding.”
The Monsanto Roundup lawsuit settlements only cover false advertising, breach of warranty, consumer fraud, and any economic loss claims as a result of the consumers’ purchases. The settlement does not cover any personal injury claims or medical-monitoring claims.
Bayer’s Monsanto Co. Agrees To Pay Billions in Roundup Settlements
In 2021, Monsanto was ordered to pay $87 million to Alberta and Alva Pilliod, a couple in their 70s who alleged that they were both diagnosed with cancer after having used Roundup weed killer for more than 30 years.
In 2019, a jury verdict determined that Roundup was a “substantial factor” in causing the Pilliods to acquire non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A California appeals court rejected Monsanto’s request to overturn the award.
Plaintiffs involved in the Roundup class action settlement requested preliminary approval of an agreement that would form a pool from which consumers can receive refunds of 20% or more on the average retail price of any previously purchased Roundup products. This proposed compensation fund has been established with $23 million being allocated as its minimum and up to $45 million set as its maximum limit.
In 2022, Bayer announced that it would remove the active ingredient glyphosate from Roundup weed killers sold to American residential customers in 2023.
Thousands of Roundup Lawsuits Still Pending
By the end of 2022, Monsanto Company had effectively resolved nearly 100,000 Roundup lawsuits with a total payout of around $11 billion. Despite the fact that nearly 80% of all Roundup claims have been resolved through settlements, 26,000 to 30,000 cases are still being litigated.
However, as of January 18, 2023, there are 4,158 Roundup weed killer lawsuit cases still active and pending in the MDL Roundup class action lawsuit in California.
As the Roundup class action litigation continues, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute provided scientific evidence and showed a link between glyphosate and cancer in humans.
This study included 268 farmers who had occupational exposure to glyphosate. The study compared their medical records to those of non-farmers with no glyphosate exposure. The findings of the study showed that those with glyphosate exposure displayed significantly higher biomarkers for cancer.
File A Roundup Class Action Lawsuit
New Roundup lawsuits continue to get filed regularly. If you or a loved one have been a victim of the same product and wish to file a Roundup lawsuit, do not hesitate to contact our Roundup lawyers today for legal advice. We will help guide you through the process of claiming compensation for your suffering.
At Ayuda California, we understand the emotional, mental, and physical toll this experience can cause. Our team of dedicated Roundup attorneys, doctors, and case managers are willing to help and fight to get you the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Our award-winning personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case. Call us today at (844) 865-0721 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7.
