Roundup Lawsuit Update: $2.1 Billion Verdict Signals Rising Cancer Claims

In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the legal and agricultural communities, a Georgia jury has recently ordered Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, to pay \$2.1 billion to a plaintiff who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) after prolonged use of Roundup weed killer. This verdict, which includes \$65 million in compensatory damages and a staggering \$2 billion in punitive damages, serves as a stark reminder of the potential health risks associated with glyphosate-based herbicides and signals a continued rise in cancer claims against the company.

The Case at a Glance

The plaintiff in the Georgia case alleged that their NHL was a direct result of years of exposure to Roundup, a product containing glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide. The jury sided with the plaintiff, finding that Monsanto (now Bayer) failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential cancer risks associated with the product. This verdict is not an isolated incident. Bayer has faced a barrage of similar lawsuits in recent years, with plaintiffs alleging that exposure to Roundup caused them to develop NHL and other related cancers.

A History of Litigation

The Roundup litigation gained significant traction in 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. This classification sparked a wave of lawsuits against Monsanto, alleging that the company knew or should have known about the risks but failed to properly warn consumers.

Since then, Bayer has been embroiled in a legal battle, facing tens of thousands of lawsuits across the United States. While the company has settled a significant number of claims, many cases remain active, and new ones continue to be filed.

Key Verdicts and Settlements

Johnson v. Monsanto (2018): The first Roundup cancer case to go to trial resulted in a \$289.2 million verdict for the plaintiff, Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, a groundskeeper who developed NHL after using Roundup.
Hardeman v. Monsanto (2019): A federal jury awarded \$80.2 million to Edwin Hardeman, who also developed NHL after using Roundup on his property.
Pilliod v. Monsanto (2019): A California jury awarded a staggering \$2.055 billion to a couple, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, who both developed NHL after years of using Roundup.
March 2025 (Georgia): A jury ordered Bayer to pay \$2.1 billion to a plaintiff who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after prolonged Roundup use.

In 2020, Bayer announced a comprehensive settlement agreement, offering up to \$10.9 billion to resolve approximately 100,000 Roundup claims. However, thousands of cases remain pending, and the recent \$2.1 billion verdict in Georgia suggests that the litigation is far from over.

The Science Behind the Claims

The link between Roundup and cancer, particularly NHL, has been a subject of intense scientific debate. While some regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), maintain that glyphosate is not a carcinogen, other organizations, like the IARC, have reached different conclusions.

Several studies have suggested a potential link between glyphosate exposure and an increased risk of NHL. For example, a 2019 meta-analysis published in Mutation Research found that high exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides was associated with a 41% increased risk of developing NHL.

Scientists have proposed several mechanisms by which glyphosate might contribute to cancer development, including DNA damage, endocrine disruption, microbiome disruption, and increased oxidative stress in cells.

Bayer’s Response

Despite the mounting legal pressure and scientific concerns, Bayer continues to stand by the safety of Roundup. The company argues that the verdicts contradict the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of regulatory bodies worldwide. Bayer has vowed to appeal the recent \$2.1 billion verdict in Georgia, arguing that the damage awards are excessive and unconstitutional.

However, the company’s legal strategy of dragging plaintiffs through trial after trial is taking a significant financial toll. Bayer’s stock price has plummeted since acquiring Monsanto in 2018, and the company has already spent billions of dollars settling past claims.

What This Means for Future Claims

The \$2.1 billion verdict in Georgia is a significant victory for plaintiffs and sends a clear message that juries are willing to hold Monsanto accountable for allegedly failing to warn the public about the potential cancer risks associated with Roundup. This verdict may encourage more individuals who have developed NHL or other related cancers after using Roundup to come forward and file lawsuits.

Do You Have a Claim?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another related cancer after using Roundup, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and determine the best course of action.

Navigating the Complexities of Roundup Litigation

The Roundup litigation is complex and constantly evolving. It is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and to seek legal guidance from qualified professionals. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Future of Roundup

The future of Roundup remains uncertain. Bayer has announced that it will stop selling glyphosate-based Roundup for residential use in the United States, but the product remains available for agricultural and commercial applications. As the litigation continues, it is possible that Bayer may be forced to take further action to address the concerns about the safety of Roundup.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one has been affected by Roundup exposure, it is crucial to take action to protect your rights. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.