Roundup, the popular weed killer, has been the target of tens of thousands of lawsuits by individuals claiming it caused them to develop cancer. Roundup, originally manufactured by Monsanto, is now owned by Bayer, the German pharmaceutical company that acquired Monsanto two years ago. Last June, Bayer announced the largest settlement number ever recorded of $10 billion to settle these claims.
Roundup contains the controversial component of glyphosate, an herbicide. It is mostly used by farmers. Claimants have alleged that it has caused them to develop Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma starts in the white blood cells of the body that are part of the immune system. These blood cells are called lymphocytes, thus leading to cancer’s name. This form of cancer can develop in various areas where lymph tissue is found, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and more.
Despite the massive number of claims against the product, Bayer has maintained its stance that Roundup is safe. It did nothing to provide warnings on its product of any dangers it might pose. However, researchers have since produced findings showing that it can kill human cells. The International Agency for Research on Cancer stated in 2015 that glyphosate is a likely carcinogen after studying its effects on humans and animals.
$10 Billion Settlement Offer for Roundup Victims
Under the settlement offer, approximately 100,000 cases were to be resolved with U.S. law firms representing claimants. The $10 billion included $1.25 billion for future claims from individuals who may develop the cancer as a result of using the product. The settlement offer resulted from the prompting of a judge in San Francisco who urged the company to resolve the huge number of lawsuits instead of going to trial.
As of September 15, the mediator overseeing the settlement process, had reported that approximately 47,000 of the lawsuits had been settled. At that time, another 125,000 cases of both filed and unfiled claims remained. How much was paid in the individual settlements was not disclosed.
As of September 24, it was reported that settlement talks were continuing. At that date, it was revealed the company had settled or was close settling more than 3,000 additional lawsuits grouped together in a District Court in northern California. Other cases had been settled separately outside the northern California group.
With this progress, the judge overseeing the class action lawsuit has agreed to let the settlement process continue. Earlier, he had threatened to allow trials to begin if Bayer did not step up its efforts to settle with claimants.
In the three actual trials held to date against Bayer, the company lost resulting in jury awards totaling in the billions. Juries in these trials all concluded that the product did indeed cause cancer and that its former manufacturer Monsanto concealed its dangers from the public for decades. The company also lost in its appeals to have the the verdicts overturned.
Harmed by Roundup? Turn to an Injury Attorney at Casey Law Offices, S.C.
If you or someone you know was exposed to Roundup and later diagnosed with either Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you may be eligible to file a claim against Bayer for a substantial settlement as part of their $10 billion deal. Time is limited so it is vital that you consult with our attorney as soon as possible. With over 25 years of legal experience serving clients throughout Wisconsin, Attorney John P. Casey has the knowledge and skills needed to help you in seeking justice on this matter.
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