California Farmworkers and Roundup Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

California Farmworkers and Roundup Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

Farmworkers are the backbone of America’s food supply, laboring under demanding conditions to put food on our tables. Their work is physically strenuous and essential, but it also carries hidden dangers that go beyond the long hours and intense labor. One of the most significant and overlooked risks is the prolonged, heavy exposure to chemical herbicides, particularly Roundup.

For decades, California farmworkers have sprayed Roundup and other glyphosate-based products on fields across the country, often with minimal protective gear and little to no warning about the potential long-term health consequences. Now, a growing body of evidence links this exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other serious cancers.

This article is for the farmworkers who may be suffering in silence. We will explain the unique risks you face, the legal challenges in proving your case, and the critical steps you can take to seek justice and compensation for your illness. Whether here legally or illegally you can still file a winning Roundup lawsuit with Walch Law and it can be worth a tremendous amount of money. We take all our Roundup cases on a contingency fee basis so do not hesitate to get in touch with firm partners Robert and Gary Walch today.

The Unique and Elevated Risks for Farmworkers

While anyone who uses Roundup may be at risk, farmworkers face a level of exposure that is exponentially higher than that of a typical home gardener. This intense, occupational exposure is what makes them particularly vulnerable to the herbicide’s harmful effects. The risk is magnified by several factors specific to agricultural work.

High-Volume and Frequent Application

Farmworkers often apply Roundup on a massive scale, using large-tank or backpack sprayers to cover acres of land. This isn’t a matter of spot-treating a few weeds in a driveway; it’s a daily or weekly task that involves handling large quantities of the concentrated chemical for hours at a time, season after season. This high frequency and duration of use dramatically increase the cumulative dose of glyphosate absorbed by the body.

Inhalation and Dermal Exposure

The method of application in agricultural settings creates a significant risk of both inhalation and skin contact. When sprayed from industrial equipment, Roundup can form a fine mist that drifts in the air, easily inhaled by workers. This “spray drift” can expose workers even if they are not the ones directly applying the chemical.

Furthermore, many farmworkers perform their duties with inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Without waterproof gloves, long sleeves, or respirators, the herbicide can easily saturate clothing and skin, leading to direct dermal absorption. Over a long career, this constant contact creates a pathway for dangerous chemicals to enter the bloodstream.

Lack of Warnings and Training

A central argument in the Roundup litigation is that Monsanto (now Bayer) failed to adequately warn users about the cancer risks. This failure is particularly damaging for farmworkers, many of whom are non-English speakers or have limited formal education. Warnings, even if present on labels, were often insufficient, not provided in Spanish, or not properly communicated by employers. Many workers were led to believe the product was as safe as table salt and took no precautions as a result.

Health Consequences: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The primary illness linked to Roundup exposure is non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a critical part of the body’s immune defense, and when its cells (lymphocytes) grow abnormally, they can form tumors.

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma can include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Chest pain, coughing, or trouble breathing
• Persistent fatigue
• Fever and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, lending significant scientific weight to the claims made in these lawsuits. For farmworkers with a history of extensive Roundup use, a diagnosis of NHL should be an immediate red flag.

Challenges Farmworkers Face in Filing a Winning California Roundup Lawsuit

While farmworkers often have the strongest cases due to their high level of exposure, they also face unique hurdles when it comes to filing a lawsuit. These challenges can make the process seem intimidating, but they can be overcome with the help of an experienced attorney.

1. Proving Exposure

Documenting years or decades of Roundup use can be difficult. Farmworkers are often paid in cash, may work for multiple employers over the years, and are unlikely to have kept detailed records or receipts for products used on the job.

2. Fear of Retaliation

Many farmworkers, especially those who are undocumented, fear that coming forward with a lawsuit could jeopardize their employment or lead to immigration-related consequences. It is essential to know that your immigration status does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim. The team at Walch Law will handle your case with complete confidentiality and protect your rights.

3. Language and Cultural Barriers

The legal system is complex and can be difficult to navigate for anyone. For farmworkers who speak Spanish or other languages as their primary language, understanding their rights and communicating with legal professionals can be a major obstacle.

4. Access to Medical Care

Lack of health insurance or access to consistent medical care can result in a delayed diagnosis or incomplete medical records. This can make it more challenging to establish a clear timeline of the illness and its treatment. At Walch Law, we can also help you get and pay for the medical care you need now with a medical lien.

Critical Steps for Farmworkers Seeking Justice

If you are a farmworker who has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another cancer and have a history of using Roundup, you have legal rights. Here are the most important steps to take to protect yourself and your family.

Step 1: Document Everything You Can

Your memory is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you have. Work with your family to create a detailed history of your work and Roundup exposure. Write down:

• A list of all the farms or companies you worked for and the approximate dates.
• The types of crops you worked with.
• How often you sprayed Roundup or worked in fields that had just been sprayed.
• The type of equipment you used (e.g., backpack sprayer, tractor sprayer).
• Whether you were provided with any protective gear.
• Names of coworkers who can confirm your work history and exposure.

Do not worry if you cannot remember every detail. Your attorney will help you piece together your history.

Step 2: Preserve All Medical and Employment Records

Gather any documents you have, no matter how old they seem. This includes pay stubs, old work ID badges, and any medical records related to your diagnosis and treatment. These documents can help corroborate your story.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Continue with all recommended medical treatments and follow your doctor’s advice. Consistent medical care not only is essential for your well-being but also creates a clear record of your illness, which is vital for your legal case.

Step 4: Consult with an Experienced Roundup Attorney at Walch Law

This is the most important step you can take. Do not try to fight a multi-billion dollar corporation on your own. You need an advocate who understands the specific challenges farmworkers face and has the resources to overcome them.

A skilled attorney will:

• Offer a free, confidential consultation in your preferred language.
• Protect your privacy and ensure your immigration status does not become an issue.
• Hire investigators and experts to help prove your exposure and link it to your cancer.
• Handle all the complex legal work so you can focus on your health.
• Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and immense pain and suffering.

You dedicated your life to feeding this country. You should not have to pay for it with your health. The law provides a path to hold Bayer accountable for the harm its product has caused. Taking the first step to speak with an attorney can put you on the road to securing the financial resources you and your family need to face the future.

Call Walch Law now to learn more.