Popular Weedkiller Is Widely Blamed for Causing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Other Cancers
In a financial victory for cancer victims and their families, Bayer will pay more than $10 billion in a Roundup settlement to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits. The company recently made the announcement.
The popular Roundup weedkiller, which has been used extensively by farmers, gardeners and others throughout the country and the world, is widely blamed for causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers. It was developed by Monsanto and was first sold in the early 1970s. Unfortunately, it continues to be sold today.
The Roundup lawsuits passed to Bayer when that company bought Monsanto for $63 billion in 2018. The suits claim that Monsanto disregarded warnings that Roundup contained a cancer-causing chemical. They also allege that the company worked to cover up the product’s dangers.
Glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup. It has been strongly linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer of the blood. In spite of denials by the manufacturer that glyphosate causes cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the chemical is a “probable human carcinogen.”
Roundup $10 Billion Settlement Sets Aside Over $1 Billion for Future Legal Claims
The Roundup $10 billion settlement includes up to $9.6 billion that will go to resolve most of the current lawsuits. The Roundup settlement sets aside another $1.25 billion for potential future claims. Bayer noted in its announcement that the settlement contains no admission of “liability or wrongdoing.”
Only three Roundup lawsuits have already gone to trial. Those suits were not included in the settlement. Juries in these three Roundup cases didn’t agree that the manufacturer wasn’t liable or guilty of wrongdoing. They found that the manufacturer should pay large awards to the cancer victims:
- In August of 2018, a San Francisco jury awarded $289 million to Dewayne Lee Johnson, a groundskeeper who had used Roundup in his job and contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- The following year, in March 2019, another California jury awarded $80 million in damages to 70-year-old Edwin Hardeman. He had used Roundup on his multi-acre property for over 20 years and was diagnosed in 2015.
- In May 2019, a California jury said that Alva and Alberta Pilliod contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma because of their use of Roundup. They were awarded over $1 billion each.
In all three of these cases, large punitive damages were awarded, as well as other damages. Punitive damages in product injury cases are intended to punish companies when they act in an especially negligent way. As shown by these monetary awards, the members of these juries believed strongly that Monsanto was especially negligent.
Even though judges later reduced the original award amounts in all three cases, Bayer is still continuing its appeals.
Consumers Win in Roundup Cancer Settlement
When wealthy corporations sell products that put the health and well-being of consumers at risk, they should be held accountable. In the case of Roundup, Monsanto marketed this product for years even after allegedly knowing it could hurt or even kill people. And, sadly, it still remains on store shelves.
If you think you became ill because of using it, you can get help with a Roundup settlement from an experienced product injury attorney. Product injury attorneys assist people who are harmed by dangerous items developed and sold by companies that put their profits over people’s lives. You may be able to get compensation for your damages to help pay medical expenses and other bills. The money you could receive won’t take away your cancer, but it can help to reduce financial stresses.
If you lost a family member to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another form of cancer and that person used Roundup regularly, you may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney who is skilled in handling Roundup and other product injury cases can examine the evidence and advise you.
Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
People who used Roundup and have potential symptoms of the disease, but have not been diagnosed, should be checked by their doctors.
Some of the symptoms of the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Stomach swelling
- Full feeling after eating only a small amount.
These symptoms don’t mean that you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other things. But if you have one or more of these signs, especially if you have used Roundup regularly, seeing a doctor is very important.
If you should, unfortunately, be diagnosed with the disease, you may be able to get a Roundup settlement. How much you could get depends upon the individual circumstances of your case.
Additionally, Roundup may also be linked to other cancers and illnesses. A study by researchers at the University of Washington, found that exposure to glyphosate increased the risk of some cancers by as much as 40%. Other studies have linked the chemical to multiple myeloma, liver cancer, brain cancer, leukemia, and additional forms of cancer.
Contact Our Law Firm for Help with Your Roundup Cancer Settlement
If you used Roundup or were exposed to it and were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another type of cancer, the Terry Bryant law firm would like to hear from you. Or if a family member who used Roundup died of cancer, we can explain your options for a potential wrongful death lawsuit.
Our Houston attorneys have extensive experience fighting for victims who become ill after using defective products. We will carefully review your circumstances to determine whether you may be entitled to compensation in a Roundup cancer settlement. When we take on your case, we will work compassionately with you toward getting you compensation for your losses.
Contact our product injury lawyers in Houston at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you if you believe you are ill because of the Roundup weedkiller.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]