What You Need to Know About Roundup Cancer Claims
Corporate mergers and acquisitions happen all the time in the business world. Back in 2018, Bayer paid $63 billion to take over Monsanto. That gave Bayer control over all of Monsanto’s assets and products. It also meant that Bayer inherited all of Monsanto’s legal woes, including the ongoing litigation against Roundup.
Roundup is a popular weed killer used by farmers and home gardeners alike. Its active ingredient is glyphosate.
Back in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen, or cancer-causing element. As a result, thousands of Roundup users who were diagnosed with cancer sued Monsanto.
That brings us back to the Bayer acquisition.
In an effort to “clean house,” Bayer has proposed a $7.25 billion settlement to cover the costs for approximately 65,000 plaintiffs involved in various class-action lawsuits. Bayer would like nothing more than for this to be the end of their troubles. That shifts the burden to all those people who used Roundup and have been diagnosed with cancer to make a legitimate claim.
Pursuing these claims is a complicated process that requires very specific evidence. It also requires the support and guidance of an experienced Morris toxic exposure lawyer. That attorney will be in the best position to help lay out all the available options.
Understanding the Link Between Roundup and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
The debate over whether using Roundup can cause Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) centers on its active ingredient, glyphosate. There have been many studies, such as reports from the IARC and the University of Washington, that classify glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.
On the other hand, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a different conclusion, finding that there are “no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label.”
It would stand to reason that if the EPA declares something safe, there should be no cause for concern. However, that did not stop Bayer from proposing the multi-billion-dollar settlement. As with most of these types of settlements, Bayer does not have to admit that it or Monsanto did anything wrong. Any plaintiff who accepts part of the settlement fund would sign a waiver that prevents them from taking further action.
Who Is Eligible to File a Roundup Lawsuit in Illinois?
Roundup claims have been widespread. By some estimates, there have been over 100,000 cases already settled, with another 65,000 plus pending. In order to pursue a claim, you have to meet some specific criteria, including the following:
Cancer Diagnosis: You must have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or a related subtype of cancer for at least two years after your first exposure to Roundup.
History of Exposure: You must have had regular, significant exposure to Roundup. The most common occupations for plaintiffs were the following:
- Agricultural workers
- Farmers
- Landscapers
- Groundskeepers
- Garden nursery workers
Residential Users: Thousands of homeowners, gardeners, and individuals who used Roundup on their property have also been diagnosed.
Wrongful Death: The surviving family members of someone who has already passed away from a Roundup-linked cancer could be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their loved one’s estate.
Types of Compensation Available in Roundup Cancer Claims
A Roundup cancer claim could be a product liability claim. That would allow plaintiffs to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Those can include these types of damages:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Consortium
- Funeral and Burial Expenses
Plaintiffs are also entitled to seek punitive damages. These are typically awarded by a jury in a lawsuit, rather than a punitive one. These damages are tied to a specific receipt, such as a medical expense, but are intended to punish the defendant, in this case, Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer, for gross negligence.
How an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with NHL and has a history of Roundup exposure, you have options to pursue a claim. To get there, you need the support of a legal team that has direct experience with these types of claims. The attorneys at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP have helped many Morris residents seek damages from toxic exposure.
We understand how challenging it can be for a family to deal with a cancer diagnosis.
The financial burdens of managing the disease and the resulting income loss can be overwhelming. That is why we want to help by discussing the available remedies.
You could join the class action settlement and seek compensation that way. You would still need to establish a link between your history of Roundup use and your cancer diagnosis.
The other option is to opt out of the settlement and pursue your own legal remedy. Each of those options will have challenges and obstacles that we can discuss in your first free case review.
Getting answers about your options can bring a measure of comfort. Reach out to set up your case review today.
