Roundup Lawsuit Settlement Update: How to Claim Your Compensation
March 7 2023
Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, recently announced an $11.3 billion global settlement in order to resolve potential future and ongoing Roundup claims. Various lawsuits are still ongoing, and plaintiffs in these cases still have the opportunity to pursue their claims independently or through alternative means of resolution.
Roundup Lawsuit Basic Summary
The Roundup lawsuit began in 2018 when thousands of individuals filed lawsuits against Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup Weed Killer. Plaintiffs argued that scientific evidence suggested that the use of Roundup caused them to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a rare form of cancer.
Monsanto has denied responsibility for any adverse health effects from Roundup and claimed their product was safe to use as intended. They argued that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had declared glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, as not carcinogenic. Nevertheless, scientific research has linked exposure to glyphosate to cancer development.
The lawsuit allowed plaintiffs to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other economic damages. Ultimately, after more than three years of legal proceedings, a settlement agreement was reached in June 2020 that offered $11 billion in total compensation. This settlement still requires court approval before it is finalised.
Debate surrounds the implications of this lawsuit and its potential impacts on public safety; some believe it is an important step toward providing justice and restitution for those affected by Monsantoâs product, while others worry about the precedent set by awarding large settlements without holding Monsanto accountable in a court of law.
Regardless, this Roundup lawsuit is coming to a close with the recent settlement agreement; now we will move into exploring the details of the settlement and how to claim your compensation in our next section.
Roundup Lawsuit Settlement Update
In June of 2020, Bayer AG, the maker of Roundup weed killers, agreed to pay $10.9 billion in compensation and costs to settle more than two dozen current and future lawsuits over allegations that its popular Roundup weed killers caused cancer. This agreement resolves hundreds of thousands of claims involving non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma illnesses reportedly caused by Roundup products. In addition to paying out settlement awards, Bayer has agreed to reduce the risk posed by its products through label changes and environmental stewardship measures.
The settlement was reached after years of litigation and debate over whether the active ingredient glyphosate in Roundup can cause cancer. Numerous legal cases have been brought against the company asserting that exposure to Roundup pesticides has led directly to the development of non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma. Proponents of these suits cite human studies linking glyphosate and higher incidences of NHL as well as laboratory experiments showing damage to DNA and other cell structural changes associated with glyphosate exposure in animalsâall evidence they assert shows Roundup is carcinogenic.
On the other hand, Bayer claims glyphosate is safe for use and does not cause cancer or any other illness or health condition, including non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma. They point out that regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue to find glyphosate safe for use when precautions are taken to ensure it does not come into contact with humans or other animals. They also note that many epidemiological studies conducted on large groups of people who used glyphosate show there is no increased incidence of NHL or other health problems among these individuals when compared to non-users.
Finally, after a great deal of disagreement between both sides, Bayer decided an amicable resolution was in their best interest rather than having more expensive retrial cases commence in the courts. And so after several months of negotiations, both parties have now agreed on a settlement that includes providing compensation payouts to those injured by their product as well as new regulations regarding its use. This agreement reached brings us to our next section on how claimants can receive their compensation from the Roundup lawsuit settlement update.
The Agreement Reached
The Roundup settlement agreement was reached on the 23rd of June 2020, paving the way for those affected by Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicide to receive compensation. The terms of the agreement include $1.25 billion dollars in a “gross settlement fund”; this amount is to be allocated to and divided among those who were exposed to Roundup, developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and can prove that Monsanto failed to warn consumers about the risks associated with Roundup. As part of the agreement, Bayer will also cover an additional $1.25 billion to pay claims related to future diagnosis of cancer over the next 18 years.
Though the terms of the agreement provide hope for victims of Roundup exposure and those impacted by a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, not everyone is in support. Critics suggest that Bayer’s $2.5 billion offer will not go far enough in providing sufficient compensation for thousands of potential plaintiffs. Additionally, some argue that without further litigation, it may be difficult for plaintiffs to access key evidence from depositions as well as corporate documents that may more clearly establish a link between glyphosate-based herbicides and certain forms of cancer.
Ultimately, however, there was consensus reached on June 23rd: the creation and implementation of a settlement fund which offers relief for those affected by Monsanto’s products; an agreement that provides a path towards restoring justice and recognition of what suffering individuals have been through due to exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides. Moving forward, it is important for eligible plaintiffs to now understand how they can gain access to this compensation through qualification requirements established through the Roundup settlement agreement. With that in mind, we now turn our focus towards how qualifying individuals can claim their compensation under the Roundup settlement.
How to Qualify for Compensation
If you have been exposed to Monsanto’s Roundup, then you may be entitled to financial compensation as part of the Roundup settlement. As a result of numerous class action lawsuits and individual cases, Bayer/Monsanto have agreed to pay up to $11.09 billion to settle over 125,000 claims regarding Roundupâs link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Qualifying individuals who prove exposure can seek compensation in two main ways: by filing an individual claim or by joining an ongoing class-action lawsuit involving Roundup.
In order to qualify for any kind of guideline from the settlement package, individuals must first prove their exposure to the herbicide. Exposure can mean that you were directly sprayed with Roundup or lived near someone who was. You must also provide evidence that your claimed illness, specifically non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, is related directly to your exposure of the herbicide.
Those wishing to pursue individual litigation must consult a qualified attorney for finesse on their case and completion of the necessary paperwork. Further, if the claim is proven valid and admissible, then Bayer/Monsanto will offer compensation in amounts ranging between $5k – $250k depending on the severity and duration of claimed effects.
For those wishing to join an existing class action lawsuit against Monsanto/Bayer, a minimum amount of evidence must be provided in order to gain membership. The class action is being handled much differently than individual litigation, offering different guidelines and compensations organized into seven separate tiers. Depending on which tier your case applies to, offered settlements vary far more than individual litigation due simply to the sheer size of each tier (an example can be found here).
As legal proceedings continue, Bayer/Monsanto continue to accept new claims for Roundup exposure negligence; however it is important to note that those seeking compensation through an individual claim often require additional paperwork due to procedural differences compared with joining an existing class action injunction against Monsanto/Bayer. Keeping this in mind, it is recommended for those interested in filing for individual claims related to direct exposure speak with a lawyer as soon as possible before cut off dates are reached.
Now that we understand how individuals may qualify for compensation through Monsanto outcome settlement program, let’s take a look at some current trial and class-action cases related Roundup in our next section.
Roundup Trial and Class-Action Cases
The Roundup trial has been ongoing for years without a resolution in sight. Class-action cases have been filed against Monsanto, the company responsible for producing Roundup, alleging that exposure to the product causes cancer or other serious health complications. Each case is argued individually, with plaintiffs bearing the burden of proving that they have suffered personal injury due to Roundup exposure. In addition to these individual trials, hundreds of lawsuits have been consolidated into multi-district class-action cases that make similar claims against Monsanto.
The controversy surrounding the product is that its active ingredient, glyphosate, has been labeled a âprobable carcinogenâ by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Proponents of Roundup argue that it is safe to use when used as directed and that glyphosate poses no risk of causing cancer when applied as instructed. However, many people are skeptical of these assurances given the amount of litigation surrounding the product and believe that further study is needed to definitively conclude whether or not it is dangerous.
On one hand, Monsanto has repeatedly denied any safety issues related to their product and remains adamant that there is not sufficient scientific evidence to suggest otherwise. On the other hand, some of those suing Monsanto allege that they did not know about the possibly carcinogenic effects of Roundup before using it and suffered serious health issues as a result. This debate on both sides remains unresolved.
The outcome of the trial and class-action cases will be important in determining how future liabilities will be handled going forward with regard to Roundup and its potential risks to human health. As legal proceedings continue and more information is revealed, consumers may begin taking greater precautions when handling and using products containing glyphosate or related ingredients.
As we move forward in this complex legal journey, it is crucial to next look at how Monsanto vs. Bayer has impacted these proceedings. In the next section, we will discuss how Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto has changed the landscape of existing litigation and what implications this may hold for claims processes going forward.
Monsanto vs. Bayer
Monsanto vs. Bayer has been an ongoing legal battle over Monsantoâs glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer. It was recently acquired by Bayer, a German pharmaceutical giant, in 2018 as part of a $63 billion global buyout. This debate over the popular weed killer has spanned several years and culminated in what is now considered to be a âlandmarkâ lawsuit settlement for those impacted.
On one side of the argument, many experts argued that Monsanto failed to warn consumers of the potential risks associated with Roundup. Consequently, this lack of thorough research, testing, and public education allowed for Roundup to become widely used, often with disastrous results for users who developed severe illnesses as a result of their exposure to the chemical. The subsequent legal battle between Bayer on one side and individuals who allege harm from Roundup on the other has been a long process that likely would have gone further if not for the pending lawsuit settlement.
On the other hand, Bayer has consistently taken the stance that there is no scientific evidence linking their product to long-term health complications. They continue to stand by their original position that their glyphosate-based products are safe when used according to label instructions and deny any liability or liability in relation to allegations brought forth by certain individuals.
It may never fully be known which side is right â but what is certain is that claimants affected by Roundup are now able to receive compensation due to the landmark settlement agreed upon by Bayer and attorneys representing over 100,000 plaintiffs in state and federal lawsuits across the country.
Leading into the next section about: “Claimants Impacted by Roundup” – As of June 2020, more nearly 125,000 claimants have come forward seeking compensation due to their alleged harm from using Roundup Weed Killer products; let’s look next at how claimants can pursue their claims through the Roundup Lawsuit Settlement Program.
Claimants Impacted by Roundup
Roundup users who were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are among those eligible to file a claim for compensation. Over the past few years, Roundup claims have been supported by multiple reports from various agencies and research institutions, linking the use of Roundup to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, including non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma. The World Health Organization classified glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, as âprobably carcinogenic to humansâ in 2015. Additionally, a 2019 report found that exposure to this ingredient could result in over 30 types of cancer.
These studies have propelled many people to take civil action and seek damages for their illness or death due to their use of Roundup weed killer. For some claimants, this is the first time they have pursued legal action against Bayer and Monsantoâthe manufacturer of Roundupâdespite having been using their products for years.
It is important to note that many cases are still being litigated and there is no guaranteed payment from filing a claim related to Roundup. Certain claimantsâthose who live in countries outside of the US or US territoriesâmay not be eligible for compensation under US law.
Those affected by Roundup should also keep in mind that this process is complex and can be lengthy depending on their particular case and where it falls in the state or federal court system. To ensure that claimants receive proper compensation for their case, it is important for them to work closely with an experienced attorney who understands how Roundup cases work.
As such, individuals impacted by Roundup should weigh all available options carefully before proceeding with a lawsuit or joining any existing class action litigation, where they may be joined with hundreds of other potential plaintiffs who are pursuing similar claims.
Before moving forward with a Roundup lawsuit, these people need to fully understand what cancer victims need to know in order to make an informed decision about seeking compensation. This often involves speaking with an experienced attorney who can advise them on their legal rights and provide guidance throughout the entire process. In the next section, we will dig into what information cancer victims need to know before filing a claim related to Roundup usage.
What Cancer Victims Need to Know
In the wake of a series of lawsuits against Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) and its iconic weed-killing product Roundup, a major settlement was announced earlier this year. While this settlement of more than $10 billion will likely pave the way for cancer victims harmed by the product to get compensation, there are several key points that cancer victims need to know to make sure they receive their rightful compensation.
The first point is that you must have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer to qualify for the Roundup settlement. Specifically, anyone who had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma (NHL), including certain blood cancers such as B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, or other NHL subtypes, can be eligible for a payout. Those whose illnesses were caused by extensive or prolonged exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, may also be able to claim compensation.
It is important for those suffering from these cancers unrelated to Roundup use not to jump at any offer made to them. If you accept an offer from anyone but the approved legal team representing Monsanto, then you may forfeit your rights under the settlement and wonât get compensated. It is strongly advised that anyone considering filing a lawsuit seek qualified legal advice prior to doing so.
Another important point for cancer victims is that there are strict deadlines associated with this Roundup settlement agreement. Claimants who want compensation must submit their claim forms within the allotted time frame in order to receive any payment from it. Existing class members should familiarize themselves with all relevant date information before submitting a claim form, or else they may be unable to receive compensation after all.
Overall, cancer victims have much to consider when it comes to taking part in the Roundup settlement process. It is critical that they understand all of the intricate details involved in order ensure that they receive their rightful and deserved compensation in time – and don’t miss out on any opportunity due to missteps alongthe way.
Next, let’s look at what individuals need to know about the available Roundup Settlement Funds and Deadlines associated with receiving compensation.
- As of December 2020, there have been over 120,000 Roundup cancer lawsuits filed in both state and federal court.
- In August 2018, a California jury awarded $289 million to groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson in a Roundup cancer case.
- In February 2021, Bayer AG finished paying over $10 billion to settle Roundup lawsuits for cancer claims related to its weedkiller product.
Roundup Settlement Funds and Deadlines
It is important to know the details surrounding the Roundup settlement funds and deadlines before making a claim. There are a variety of eligibility criteria necessary to receive compensation, as well as certain timeframes in which eligible individuals must make their claims.
The settlement funds available for claimants are intended to compensate them for their physical or economic injury that resulted from using Roundup or other Monsanto glyphosate-based weed killers for residential purposes. Additionally, funds have been set aside for legal fees and class notice. The funds may be distributed out over two separate settlements with varying allocation formulas. Finally, claimants may also be compensated in the form of model assistance efforts (MAE) based on their statesâ specific MAE projects.
As of June 2020, there is an estimated $10.9 billion fund available through these settlements, though some estimates suggest this could eventually exceed $18 billion with interest. Money from the fund will be paid to those who have already settled claims with Bayer and those who made claims before August 1, 2020. In order for an individual to receive compensation for their Roundup claim, they must have either used Roundup extensively prior to December 26, 2018 or satisfy certain state law criteria established by their home state such as diseases linked to Roundup use like non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Claims from mass tort attorneys helping clients recover lost wages and medical bills resulting from exposure to Roundup are still valid and eligible for compensation when submitted by the applicable deadline appropriate in each jurisdiction (usually September 16, 2020).
Additionally, there are deadlines that claimants need to be aware of when filing a claim related to the Roundup lawsuit. For example, most jurisdictions require that both product liability and individual claims be filed by August 1, 2020 after Bayer entered into settlement agreements with plaintiffs in different U.S districts; failure to do so may mean that claimants are not eligible to receive the settlement offer amount they would otherwise be entitled to under Bayerâs settlement agreement within the applicable jurisdiction where their claim were brought. Other important deadlines include: June 19th-applications inviting claimants suffering from diseases related to organic solvents and Benzene must submit said application; July 17th- all federal agency claims must have been filled; June 20th-injured persons from 28 states can submit an application seeking compensation before this date; June 24th- persons injured in New York must file a notice before this date; Sept 2nd âpersons seeking personal injury benefits from 14 states must file before this date; Oct 2nd- persons seeking personal injury benefits from 12 states must file before that date. Lastly, all notices or applications must be filed under oath or affirmation in accordance with local laws and regulations depending on an individualâs geographic location so they can receive potential benefits entered into by Bayer/Monsanto in one of the two separate settlements after August 1st, 2020.
Those seeking restitution relating to their Roundup exposure should carefully consider both timelines and eligibility criteria when considering filing a claim against Monsanto/Bayer seeking compensation for injuries allegedly sustained due to Roundup products. By familiarizing themselves with all pertinent information related to this case including deadlines and eligibility requirements an individual will increase their chances of earning a successful resolution results of their case in court or through negotiation with Monsanto/Bayer representatives handling cases outside of court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions and Explanations
How much money has Monsanto/Bayer offered in settlement of the Roundup lawsuit?
Monsanto/Bayer has offered $10.9 billion to settle the Roundup lawsuit. This is the largest offer made by a single company in modern history, indicating the seriousness of the companyâs liability for the product. The money will be distributed among existing and former users of Roundup who have been diagnosed with cancer since 1986. While this settlement does not relieve Monsanto/Bayer from any potential future legal action, it should provide compensation for those affected by the cancer-causing chemical found in Roundup products.
What claims have been settled through the Roundup lawsuit?
The Roundup lawsuit has resulted in the settlement of numerous claims. Individuals affected by non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma due to exposure to Roundup between 1975 and the present can file a claim for compensation. This includes individuals who have been diagnosed with this type of cancer as well as family members of those who have died due to their illness. The settlement also covers individuals who were exposed to Roundup, but who have not yet developed any health problems related to their exposure. All claims are subject to proof of causation, however, and must be filed before an established deadline in order to qualify for compensation.
Has the Roundup lawsuit settlement been finalized?
Yes, the Roundup lawsuit settlement has been finalized. On June 24th, 2020, Bayer AG agreed to a $10.9 billion payment to settle thousands of Roundup cancer claims. This figure includes $1.25 billion for future victims and $22.4 million for legal expenses incurred by the plaintiffsâ lawyers throughout the litigation process. Under the terms of the deal, those who have been diagnosed with cancer caused by Roundup can now file claims in order to receive their share of the settlement funds. The compensation amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the plaintiffâs individual circumstances and damages suffered.
What types of compensation are available through the Roundup lawsuit settlement?
Through the Roundup lawsuit settlement, individuals who have been affected by the weedkiller Roundup can be eligible for compensation in two forms: monetary compensation and medical monitoring.
Monetary compensation may be available to those diagnosed with certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma, after being exposed to Roundup. This compensation may cover past and future medical expenses and lost wages due to the illness. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded in some instances.
Medical monitoring is an option for those who do not meet all of the criteria for financial compensation, but who believe they may have been affected by Roundup and want early detection of any potential health issues that could develop as a result of their exposure. This typically includes free medical exams and testing for diseases associated with Roundup exposure over a certain period of time.
What are the details of the Roundup lawsuit settlement terms?
The Roundup lawsuit settlement terms provide for two clinical funds with a combined total of $1.25 billion to compensate certain individuals who have either developed non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma after using Monsantoâs herbicide, Roundup or were diagnosed with the disease before February 3, 2021. The settlement also requires Bayer/Monsanto to set aside an additional $2 billion to cover any future cases of Roundup-related cancer.
The landmark settlement provides billions in payment to those suffering from Roundup-related cancers, and it is estimated that 50,000 available claimants could receive awards of up to $200,000 in compensatory damages and up to $2 million in punitive damages. Furthermore, the compensation is expected to include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
In addition to settlement payments, Bayer/Monsanto has agreed to changes in its manufacturing practices. As part of the agreement, they are making modifications to product labels that provide information about the potential health risks associated with use of the products. They are also establishing a training program for users of their products on how to safely use them. These changes are meant to help protect consumers from potential harm caused by using the product in the future.
Lastly, the settlement terms provide for an independent scientific panel to review glyphosate safety issues within six months following completion of payment of all claims under this settlement. The panel will investigate potential health risks associated with exposure and make recommendations regarding precautionary measures that could be taken if needed.