People who allege Roundup caused their cancer continue to pursue legal action against Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto. Over 4,000 Roundup lawsuits are still unresolved in federal multidistrict litigation in California.
Current Status of Roundup Lawsuits
In February 2024, there were 4,203 pending Roundup lawsuit cases out of a total of 4,732 filed in federal multidistrict litigation. Attorneys representing plaintiffs are still accepting new claims, either for trial or potential settlement negotiations.
Key Events in Roundup Litigation
- January 2024: The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Bayer’s attempt to limit its liability on Roundup lawsuits, potentially increasing pressure on the company to settle more suits.
- December 2023: A jury ordered Bayer to pay $3.5 million to a plaintiff who claimed Roundup caused her cancer.
- November 2023: A Missouri jury awarded $1.56 billion to four plaintiffs who alleged Roundup caused their cancer.
- October 2023: A San Diego jury awarded $332 million to a cancer patient after finding Monsanto failed to adequately warn of Roundup’s cancer risks.
- June 2023: Bayer agreed to pay $6.9 million to settle claims filed by the New York attorney general, alleging the company misled consumers about Roundup’s environmental safety.
Reasons Behind Roundup Lawsuits
Individuals filing Roundup lawsuits contend that exposure to the herbicide led to their development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma or related cancers. They argue that Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, failed to warn the public about Roundup’s potential cancer risks.
Injuries Named in Roundup Lawsuits
Plaintiffs in Roundup lawsuits suffer from various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and related cancers. These include B-cell lymphomas, T-cell lymphomas, and other rare lymphoma types.
Glyphosate Controversy
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is at the center of the controversy. While the World Health Organization considers glyphosate a probable human carcinogen, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concludes it is unlikely to cause cancer. Independent studies have shown conflicting results regarding glyphosate’s carcinogenicity.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Bayer maintains the safety of Roundup and denies any link between the herbicide and cancer. However, the company announced it would discontinue residential sales of Roundup in 2023 while commercial formulations remain available.
