The Top 3 Highest Roundup Payouts—and What They Mean for Your Case
For decades, millions of people used Roundup, trusting it was a safe and effective way to control weeds. Now, thousands of families are grappling with a devastating reality: a link between the weedkiller’s active ingredient, glyphosate, and a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While Bayer, the company that acquired Roundup’s original manufacturer Monsanto, continues to fight its legal battles, juries across the country have delivered staggering verdicts in favor of victims.
These massive payouts are more than just numbers; they represent jurors’ anger at a company they found to have hidden the dangers of its product for profit. For those currently battling cancer and considering a lawsuit, these landmark cases provide hope and a blueprint for justice. At Walch Law, we are using the lessons from these verdicts to build the strongest possible cases for our clients. This guide breaks down the top three Roundup payouts and explains what they mean for you and your family.
(Note: The verdict amounts discussed are based on initial public reports. Jury awards, particularly punitive damages, are often reduced by judges after the trial or during the appeals process. The final amount received by plaintiffs can differ.)
1. Pilliod v. Monsanto (2019) – The $2 Billion Message
In May 2019, a jury in Oakland, California, delivered a verdict that sent shockwaves through the corporate world. Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a husband and wife who had both developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, were awarded a stunning $2.055 billion.
- The Plaintiffs: The Pilliods were a compelling and sympathetic couple who used Roundup on their properties for more than 30 years, from 1975 to 2011. They believed the product was safe and were both diagnosed with the same type of cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, four years apart.
- Key Factors: The jury heard evidence of the Pilliods’ extensive, long-term exposure. More importantly, their lawyers presented internal Monsanto documents showing the company’s efforts to ghostwrite scientific papers and suppress evidence of Roundup’s cancer risk.
- The Verdict: The jury awarded $55 million in compensatory damages (for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering) and a staggering $2 billion in punitive damages—$1 billion for each spouse. This massive punitive award was intended to punish Monsanto for its conduct and deter future wrongdoing. The award was later reduced by a judge to a total of $86.7 million, but the jury’s initial message was clear.
2. Johnson v. Monsanto (2018) – The First Domino to Fall
The first Roundup cancer lawsuit to ever go to trial set the stage for all future litigation. In August 2018, a San Francisco jury awarded Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, a former school groundskeeper, $289 million.
- The Plaintiff: Dewayne Johnson’s job for a Bay Area school district required him to spray large quantities of Roundup, sometimes for several hours a day. During his work, he was accidentally drenched in the herbicide on two occasions. He was diagnosed with a terminal form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Key Factors: Because of his terminal diagnosis, Johnson’s case was expedited. The jury heard powerful testimony about his suffering and his extensive on-the-job exposure. Like in the Pilliod case, jurors were shown internal company emails and documents suggesting Monsanto had known about the cancer risks for years and worked to hide them from the public.
- The Verdict: The jury awarded Johnson $39 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages, finding that Monsanto had acted with “malice or oppression.” A judge later reduced the total award to $78.5 million, and it was further reduced on appeal to $20.5 million, but this first verdict was a monumental victory. It proved that a jury could be convinced of the link between Roundup and cancer and would punish the company for its actions.
3. Anderson, Draeger, & Gunther v. Monsanto (2023-2025) – A Verdict That Withstood Appeal
In late 2023, a Missouri jury in Cole County handed down a massive $1.56 billion verdict to three plaintiffs: Daniel Anderson, Jimmy Draeger, and Valorie Gunther. This case is significant because it not only resulted in a massive award but has largely survived the appeals process.
- The Plaintiffs: The case involved multiple victims with different exposure stories, including a man who used Roundup on his father’s property, a man who used it on his own property, and a woman who used it for nearly 40 years.
- Key Factors: The jury found Bayer liable for failure to warn, negligence, and—critically—a defective product design. After the trial, the judge reduced the total award to approximately $611 million. In September 2025, the Missouri Supreme Court refused to hear Bayer’s appeal, making the judgment final in the state courts and allowing 9% post-judgment interest to accrue, pushing the total payout over $700 million.
- The Verdict: This case demonstrates that even years into the litigation, juries are still finding the evidence against Bayer compelling and are willing to award substantial damages. The state Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene shows that the legal and factual basis for these verdicts is sound.
What These Verdicts Mean for Your Case: Key Takeaways
These verdicts are not just headlines; they provide a roadmap for current and future claimants.
- The Strength of Your Story Matters: In each of these cases, the plaintiffs had a clear and compelling history of Roundup use and a confirmed diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Documenting your own exposure history is the first and most important step.
- Internal Documents Are Crucial: The “Monsanto Papers”—internal emails, reports, and communications—have been key to proving the company knew about the risks and actively concealed them. This evidence of corporate misconduct is what drives massive punitive damage awards.
- Expert Testimony Is Essential: Successful cases rely on top-tier medical and scientific experts who can explain to a jury how glyphosate can cause cancer and how it specifically affected a plaintiff.
- Settlements vs. Trials: While these large verdicts grab headlines, most Roundup cases will likely settle out of court. These verdicts, however, put immense pressure on Bayer to offer fair settlements to avoid the risk of another multi-billion dollar loss at trial.
Building Your Case: Evidence to Start Gathering Now
If you are considering a lawsuit, you can begin to build your case today by preserving evidence:
- Usage History: Write down everything you remember about your Roundup use—the specific products, the years and frequency of use, and the locations where you sprayed.
- Proof of Purchase: If you have any old containers, receipts, or credit card statements showing purchases, save them.
- Employer Records: If you were exposed at work, gather any work logs, timesheets, or statements from co-workers that can confirm your use of the product.
- Medical and Pathology Records: These are the most critical documents. Obtain all records related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially the pathology reports that confirm your specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I qualify for a Roundup lawsuit?
You may qualify if you have a confirmed diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (or a related subtype) and a history of significant exposure to Roundup before your diagnosis. A free consultation with an experienced attorney is the best way to know for sure.
2. Do I need the original bottle or exact proof of purchase?
No. While receipts or containers are helpful, they are not required. Your testimony, along with other circumstantial evidence like witness statements or landscaper invoices, can be used to establish your history of use.
3. How long does a Roundup lawsuit take?
These are complex cases that can take several years to resolve, whether through a settlement or a trial. The legal system moves slowly, but having a dedicated legal team ensures your case is constantly moving forward.
4. Will previous settlements affect my case?
No. Every case is evaluated on its own merits. While past settlements can provide a general idea of case values, the specifics of your exposure, diagnosis, and damages will determine the value of your claim.
5. Do I have to pay any legal fees up front?
No. At Walch Law, we handle all Roundup cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no fees unless and until we win your case and recover money for you.
You Deserve Justice. Walch Law Can Help You Get It.
The families in these landmark cases stood up to one of the most powerful corporations in the world and won. Their courage has paved the way for thousands of other victims to seek the justice they deserve. The dedicated team at Walch Law has been fighting for injured families for over 45 years. We have the experience, resources, and unwavering commitment to take on Bayer and hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.
If you or a loved one developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup, contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on your health and your family.