Roundup Lawsuit Payouts: Typical Averages, Extraordinary Circumstances Fund, and How to Maximize Your Recovery

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) after long-term exposure to Roundup weed killer, you are facing a difficult and uncertain future. Amidst the challenges of medical treatments and personal hardship, a common and practical question arises: “What is my Roundup lawsuit worth?” Knowing what to expect financially can help you plan for the future and feel a sense of control.

While no attorney can promise a specific outcome, we can provide insight based on how these complex cases have been handled. Thousands of claims have been resolved through large-scale settlement programs, and by examining them, we can understand the factors that determine case value. At Walch Law, we believe in giving our clients clear, honest information and always making ourselves available. Call us now to learn more about our approach to maximizing the value of your Roundup lawsuit.

Reported Averages and Settlement Ranges (A General Guide)

It’s important to understand that there is no single “average” Roundup payout. Values vary significantly based on the specific settlement program, the severity of your cancer, your age, your treatment history, and many other factors. However, we can look at historical data to see general trends.

Settlement Program Averages: Many large-scale settlement programs for NHL and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) claims have reportedly used tiered systems or matrices. These programs have often resulted in average payouts in the low-to-mid six-figure range.
Tiered Valuations: Within these programs, cases are grouped into tiers. Cases in higher tiers—often involving younger individuals, more aggressive cancers, intense treatments like stem cell transplants, or death—trend toward higher values. Lower-tier cases with less severe injuries would resolve for less.
Individual Trial Verdicts: A small number of cases have gone to trial, with some juries awarding verdicts in the seven or even eight figures. It is critical to know that these are rare exceptions, not the norm. These verdicts are often reduced on appeal and do not reflect the typical settlement value most claimants receive.

Disclaimer: These figures are based on publicly reported historical data and are for informational purposes only. They are not a guarantee of any specific outcome for your case. The terms of each settlement program are confidential and can differ significantly.

How Settlement Matrices Typically Work

To manage thousands of claims efficiently and fairly, mass tort settlements often use a matrix or a point-based system. A law firm will present your case, and it will be assigned points or placed in a tier based on specific criteria.

Common factors in a Roundup settlement matrix include:

Specific Diagnosis: Certain subtypes of NHL, like Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), are often valued differently than others, such as Follicular Lymphoma or CLL/SLL.
Treatment Intensity: The type and duration of treatment are key. A case involving multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant will receive more points than a case that resolved with a less aggressive treatment.
Age at Diagnosis: Younger claimants typically receive higher values, as a cancer diagnosis has a greater impact on their life expectancy and earning potential.
Severity and Recurrence: The stage of the cancer at diagnosis and whether it has relapsed are significant factors.
Exposure History: The duration and intensity of your Roundup exposure (e.g., a career landscaper vs. a home gardener) can influence the case.
Other Risk Factors: The defense will look for alternative causes, so factors like smoking history may be considered.

The Extraordinary Circumstances Fund (ECF)

Some settlement programs include a supplemental pool of money called an Extraordinary Circumstances Fund (ECF). This fund is designed to provide additional compensation for victims who suffered unusually severe harm that is not fully captured by the standard settlement grid.

An ECF is not available in every program, and the eligibility criteria are always very strict and specific. To qualify, you must provide extensive documentation proving that your situation is exceptionally tragic. Examples of qualifying circumstances might include:

Multiple cancer relapses.
Severe, life-threatening complications from a stem cell transplant.
Catastrophic economic loss far beyond typical wage loss.
The need for lifelong, round-the-clock caregiving.
Other unique hardships that demonstrate an extraordinary level of suffering.

ECF awards are discretionary, and the funds are limited. Having an experienced attorney who knows how to prepare and argue a compelling ECF petition is critical.

Key Factors That Drive Your Individual Case Value

Medical Severity: The specific type, stage, and aggression of your cancer.
Treatment History: The number and intensity of treatments (chemo, radiation, stem cell transplants).
Proof of Exposure: Strong evidence of long-term Roundup use, such as work records, purchase receipts, pesticide application licenses, and witness statements.
Economic Losses: Verifiable past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and medical bills.
Alternative Causes: The presence or absence of other risk factors for NHL.
Quality of Records: Clear, consistent, and complete medical and employment records.

How Fees, Liens, and Costs Affect Your Net Payout

The gross settlement amount is not the final amount you will receive. Your “net recovery” is the money you put in your pocket after all fees, costs, and liens are paid.

Contingency Fees: At Walch Law, we work on a contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we win, and our fee is a percentage of the gross recovery.
Case Costs: These are funds we advance to build your case, covering expenses like medical records and expert witness fees.
Medical Liens: If Medicare, Medi-Cal, or a private health insurer paid for your cancer treatment, they have a legal right to be reimbursed from your settlement. A crucial part of our job is to negotiate these liens down to maximize your net recovery.

What to Expect: Timelines for Roundup Cases

These are not quick cases; they often take multiple years to resolve. The process generally involves:

Intake and Records Collection: Gathering all your medical, employment, and exposure history.
Registration/Enrollment: Submitting your claim to the relevant court or settlement program.
Review and Deficiency Cures: The program administrators review your documents and may ask for more information.
Settlement Offer: You receive an offer based on the program’s matrix.
ECF Petitions and Appeals: If applicable, your attorney may submit an ECF petition or appeal your initial tiering.

How to Strengthen Your Claim Right Now

Assemble Medical Records: Gather all pathology reports confirming your diagnosis, as well as records of your staging, treatments, and chemo regimens.
Document Exposure History: Create a detailed timeline of your employment and Roundup use. Collect any applicator licenses, purchase logs, or work records you have.
Find Witnesses: Get statements from former co-workers, employers, or family members who can attest to your Roundup use.
Keep Financial Records: Collect tax returns and pay stubs to document your income before your diagnosis.
Stay Off Social Media: Do not post about your case, health, or activities. Insurance companies will use it against you.
Follow Medical Advice: Continue with your prescribed medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of cancer are most commonly compensated in Roundup lawsuits?
The primary focus has been on Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and its various subtypes, including Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

2. Do I need my original pathology slides to prove my diagnosis?
Yes, having the actual tissue slides or blocks is often a requirement for a claim to be accepted into a settlement program.

3. Can I have a case if my cancer is in remission?
Yes. A significant portion of your claim is for the pain, suffering, and economic loss you have already endured.

4. What if I only used Roundup at home and not for work?
You can still have a valid claim. The key is demonstrating consistent, long-term exposure.

5. Can my family file a claim for a loved one who passed away from NHL?
Yes. Surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss.

6. Will bankruptcy or child support affect my settlement?
A settlement may be considered an asset in bankruptcy. Child support obligations may also result in a lien on your recovery. It is vital to discuss this with your attorney.

Get the Expert Guidance Your Family Deserves

Navigating a Roundup lawsuit is a long and complicated journey. You need a legal team with the experience to build a powerful case, maximize your value within any settlement program, and fight for every dollar you are owed. At Walch Law, our family is dedicated to helping your family. We handle the evidence gathering, lien negotiations, and complex legal filings—including any potential ECF submissions—so you can focus on your health.