Farmworkers: It’s Easy to Start a Roundup Lawsuit — Your Immigration Status Doesn’t Matter — California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Farmworkers: It’s Easy to Start a Roundup Lawsuit — Your Immigration Status Doesn’t Matter

As a farmworker, landscaper, or groundskeeper in California, you are the backbone of our state’s economy and communities. You work hard every day, often in difficult conditions, to provide for your family. The last thing you should have to worry about is whether the tools of your trade are making you sick. Unfortunately, for thousands of workers exposed to the weedkiller Roundup, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has become a tragic reality.

If you are a farmworker who has been diagnosed with NHL after using Roundup, you may have heard about lawsuits against its manufacturer, Bayer/Monsanto. You may also feel that seeking justice is impossible because of your immigration status, language barriers, or fear of retaliation.

At Walch Law, we want to be very clear: Your immigration status does not matter. Whether you are undocumented, have DACA or TPS, or are a permanent resident, you have the right to file a lawsuit and hold this corporation accountable for the harm it has caused. Our legal system is for everyone, and we are here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. This guide explains how easy it is to start the process and why you should not let fear stand in the way of justice for you and your family.

Your Right to Justice Has No Borders

Let’s address the biggest fear first. Many California farmworkers worry that filing a lawsuit will expose them to immigration authorities. This is not true.

Your Right to Sue: In California, your right to file a product liability lawsuit is based on the injury you suffered, not your immigration status. The law protects everyone who is harmed within our state’s borders.
Complete Confidentiality: Your conversations with our law firm are protected by attorney-client privilege. This means everything you tell us is 100% confidential. We will never report your status to ICE or any other government agency.
Focus on the Injury: The lawsuit is about one thing: proving that Roundup caused your non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Your personal background, including how you came to this country, is not relevant to the case.

It’s Easy and Risk-Free to Get Started

We understand that taking the first step can feel intimidating. Our process is designed to be simple, confidential, and free of any financial risk for you.

Free, Confidential Consultation: You can call us and tell us your story for free. We have bilingual staff and can provide interpreters to ensure we understand everything in your preferred language.
No Upfront Costs: You will never pay us a single dollar out of your own pocket to start your case.
Contingency Fee: We only get paid if we win a financial recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
We Cover All Costs: Lawsuits are expensive. We advance all the costs for hiring medical experts, filing court documents, and taking depositions. You do not have to worry about these expenses.
Flexible Meetings: We know you work long hours. We can meet with you over the phone, via video call, or in person at a time that works for you, including evenings and weekends.

What We Do vs. What You Provide

Filing a Roundup lawsuit involves a tremendous amount of legal and administrative work. Our job is to handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on your health.

What Walch Law Handles for You:

Requesting all of your medical records and pathology slides.
Obtaining your employment and payroll records.
Filing legal requests (subpoenas, CPRA) to get evidence from employers or public agencies.
Hiring world-class oncologists and toxicologists to serve as expert witnesses.
Meeting all court deadlines for filing your lawsuit.
Negotiating with Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurance to reduce any liens, so more money goes to you.
Preparing you for your deposition and standing by your side.

What We Need From You:

Your Story: A detailed account of where, when, and how you used Roundup.
Employer List: A list of the farms, nurseries, or job sites where you worked.
Photos/Receipts: Any pictures of you at work, old Roundup bottles, or receipts you may have saved.
Witness Names: The names of any co-workers who saw you using Roundup.
Doctor List: A list of the doctors and clinics where you received medical treatment.

The First 30-60 Days: How We Build Your Case

Intake and Story: We listen to your story in your preferred language and begin building a detailed timeline of your work history and Roundup exposure.
Request Records: We immediately send out requests for all your medical, employment, and pathology records.
Product ID: We work to identify the specific glyphosate-based products you used.
Preservation Letters: We send legal notices to your past employers demanding they preserve all relevant records.
Lien Audit: We start identifying any medical liens that will need to be negotiated.
Legal Strategy: We map out a plan for where and when to file your lawsuit to protect your rights.
Immediate Help: If you need help filing for disability benefits, we can assist with that process right away.

What If I Don’t Have Perfect Records?

Many farmworkers worry they can’t file a lawsuit because they were paid in cash or don’t have receipts. Perfect records are not required. While documents like purchase receipts or employer chemical logs are helpful, we have many other ways to prove your exposure:

Witness Statements: Testimony from co-workers, supervisors, or family members.
Work Schedules: Old schedules or pay stubs that show where you worked.
Site Photos: Pictures of the job sites can help establish the type of work you did.
Union or Labor Coop Records: These organizations may have records of your employment.

Do not let a lack of paperwork stop you from seeking justice. Our experienced investigators know how to build a strong exposure history even when documents are missing.

Busting Common Myths and Worries

Myth: “My boss will fire me if I file a lawsuit.”
- Fact: It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a lawsuit. California has strong whistleblower and anti-retaliation laws to protect you. You can also file a claim long after you have left the job.
Myth: “I can’t afford a lawyer for a big case like this.”
- Fact: You can. With our contingency fee agreement, you pay absolutely nothing unless and until we secure a recovery for you. There is zero financial risk.
Myth: “I’m scared of going to court.”
- Fact: The vast majority of Roundup cases settle out of court. If your case does require a deposition or hearing, we will prepare you extensively and be by your side every moment. You will never be alone.
Myth: “I won’t be able to understand the legal process because of the language.”
- Fact: We are committed to making sure you understand everything. We provide professional interpreters for all meetings, depositions, and calls so you can participate fully in your own language.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need a Social Security number to file a claim?
No. A Social Security number is not required to file a product liability lawsuit in California.

2. Can I sue if I was paid in cash?
Yes. Your right to sue is not dependent on how you were paid. We can use other evidence, like witness testimony, to prove your work history.

3. What if I worked through a labor contractor?
You can still file a claim. We would file the lawsuit against the manufacturer (Bayer/Monsanto), not the labor contractor or the farm owner.

4. What if I used other weedkillers besides Roundup?
This is very common. As long as you had significant exposure to Roundup, you can still have a strong case. Be sure to tell your attorney about all the chemicals you used.

5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In California, you generally have two years from the date you were diagnosed with NHL and knew or suspected it was linked to Roundup. The best Roundup lawyer can help determine your exact deadline.

6. Can my family file a lawsuit if I have passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Yes. Your surviving family members (such as a spouse or children) can file a “wrongful death” lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss. Again, regardless of immigration status.

Your Health, Your Dignity, Your Rights

You came to this country to work hard and build a better life for your family. You should not have to suffer from a devastating cancer diagnosis because a company put its profits ahead of your safety. At Walch Law, we believe in justice and dignity for all workers, regardless of where you were born or what language you speak.

We will protect your privacy, handle your case with respect, and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Contact us today for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation.