Roundup Lawsuits: Understanding Ongoing Litigation for Herbicide Injuries
Did you know that approximately 61,000 Roundup lawsuits remain pending as of May 2025, even after Monsanto (now Bayer) has already reached settlement agreements in nearly 100,000 cases, paying out approximately $11 billion? This staggering figure underscores the widespread impact of the ongoing litigation surrounding Roundup, a widely used herbicide, and its alleged link to serious health issues. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Roundup lawsuits, focusing on the litigation landscape of the 2010s and the current status of claims related to herbicide injuries.
The Rise of Roundup Litigation in the 2010s
The widespread use of Roundup, containing the active ingredient glyphosate, began in 1974 when Monsanto introduced it to the market. Marketed as a safe and effective weed killer, Roundup quickly became a staple for farmers, landscapers, and homeowners alike. However, concerns about its safety began to surface, culminating in the landmark 2015 classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, which classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification served as a catalyst for the surge in Roundup lawsuits.
The first Roundup lawsuits, alleging that the herbicide caused cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), were filed in 2016. These lawsuits claimed that Monsanto knew about the health risks associated with glyphosate but failed to warn consumers. The initial cases were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, streamlining the legal process.
Key Verdicts and Settlements Shaping the Litigation
Several high-profile cases have significantly shaped the trajectory of the Roundup litigation:
- Dewayne Johnson v. Monsanto (2018): This was the first case to go to trial, with a jury awarding Johnson, a school groundskeeper diagnosed with NHL, \$289 million in damages. Although the award was later reduced, this case set a precedent and paved the way for future lawsuits.
- Edwin Hardeman v. Monsanto (2019): In the first federal trial over Roundup, Hardeman was awarded \$80 million after the jury found that Roundup was a “substantial factor” in causing his NHL and that Monsanto was negligent in failing to warn of the cancer risk.
- Alva and Alberta Pilliod v. Monsanto (2019): A California jury awarded the Pilliods \$2 billion for their NHL, concluding that Monsanto failed to warn consumers about Roundup’s cancer risks.
In June 2020, Bayer announced a \$10.9 billion settlement to resolve approximately three-quarters of the 125,000 Roundup cancer claims it faced. While this settlement provided compensation to many plaintiffs, thousands of cases remained pending, and new lawsuits continued to be filed.
The Science Behind the Claims: Glyphosate and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The central argument in Roundup lawsuits is the alleged link between glyphosate exposure and the development of NHL. Plaintiffs present scientific evidence, including epidemiological studies, animal studies, and laboratory analyses, to support their claims.
One analysis from the University of Washington Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) found that glyphosate increases the risk of NHL by 41%. Studies involving laboratory animals have also suggested that glyphosate has the potential to be carcinogenic.
Navigating the Complex Legal Landscape
The Roundup litigation involves complex legal issues, including:
- Causation: Establishing a direct link between Roundup exposure and the plaintiff’s cancer diagnosis.
- Failure to Warn: Demonstrating that Monsanto knew about the potential cancer risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers.
- Federal Preemption: Monsanto has argued that federal law, through the EPA’s approval of Roundup labels, preempts state law failure-to-warn claims. However, courts have been divided on this issue.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of September 2025, thousands of Roundup lawsuits remain active in state and federal courts across the country. While Bayer has settled a significant number of cases, the company continues to face ongoing litigation and mounting legal pressure.
Bayer has set aside billions of dollars to cover potential settlements and verdicts. The company aims to “significantly contain” the Roundup lawsuits by the end of 2026 as it continues to settle cases.
Advice
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Roundup and diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence to support your claim, and navigate the complex litigation process.
Seeking Justice for Herbicide Injuries
The Roundup lawsuits represent a significant legal battle over corporate responsibility and consumer safety. As the litigation continues to unfold, it is essential for individuals affected by Roundup exposure to understand their rights and seek legal representation to pursue the compensation they deserve.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been affected by Roundup exposure, consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.