How Long Does a Roundup Case Take? A Realistic Timeline and Why These Cases Move Slowly

When you or a loved one is battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after years of using Roundup, the last thing you want is another long, stressful wait. You need answers and financial support now. It’s natural to ask: “How long will my Roundup lawsuit take?” The honest answer is that these cases are complex and rarely resolve quickly. The process is a marathon, not a sprint.

Understanding the timeline and the reasons behind it can help manage expectations during a difficult time. At Walch Law, we believe in being transparent with our clients. This guide provides a realistic overview of the Roundup litigation timeline and explains why building a strong case takes time. Our consultations are always free and confidential, and you pay no fees unless we secure a financial recovery for you. Call now to learn more.

A Snapshot of a Typical Roundup Case Timeline

Every case is unique, and timelines can vary significantly based on individual facts, court schedules, and defense tactics. However, most cases follow a general path.

Intake and Initial Investigation: 30–90 days
Medical & Exposure Evidence Gathering: 2–6 months
Filing the Lawsuit and Serving Defendants: 30–60 days
The Discovery Phase: 6–18+ months
Expert Witness Phase & Challenges: 6–12 months (often overlaps with discovery)
Mediation and Settlement Negotiations: Ongoing throughout the process
Trial and Appeals: Months to several years, if necessary

This adds up to a process that often takes several years from start to finish. It’s important to be wary of any firm that promises a fast payout, as this is rarely the reality in complex toxic tort litigation.

Why Do Roundup Cases Take So Long?

These cases aren’t simple car accident claims. They are high-stakes legal battles against a massive corporation involving complex scientific evidence. Key reasons for the lengthy timeline include:

Proving Causation is Complex: We must scientifically link your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to your Roundup exposure. This requires expert testimony in fields like epidemiology, toxicology, and oncology.
Documenting Exposure is Detailed Work: Proving decades of occupational or home and garden use of Roundup requires extensive investigation into work history, purchase records, and witness testimony.
Corporate Defendants Fight Hard: The manufacturer has immense resources and uses legal tactics to delay the process, fight discovery requests, and challenge scientific evidence.
MDL and State Court Coordination: Many Roundup cases are part of a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) or other consolidated proceedings. Coordinating thousands of cases adds layers of complexity and time.
Expert Witness Challenges: Both sides hire top experts, and a significant portion of the case involves legal challenges (known as Daubert or Frye hearings) to determine which experts will be allowed to testify at trial.
Court Backlogs and Appeals: Court systems are often overloaded, and even after a verdict is reached, the defense can spend years filing post-trial motions and appeals.

What Happens at Each Stage of the Case?

Understanding the purpose of each phase can make the waiting more manageable.

1. Intake and Evidence Gathering (Months 1-8)

This is the foundation of your entire case. We work with you to verify your diagnosis and map your complete history of Roundup exposure. This involves gathering:

Medical Records: We obtain all oncology records, pathology reports, and the actual biopsy slides that confirmed your cancer diagnosis.
Exposure Proof: We collect purchase receipts, employer records, work logs, and witness statements to build a detailed timeline of your exposure to glyphosate.

2. Filing and Service (Months 8-10)

Once we have a strong evidentiary foundation, we draft and file the official lawsuit in the appropriate court—either a California state court or the federal court system (often as part of the MDL). We then formally “serve” the legal papers on the defendants.

3. Discovery (Months 10-28+)

This is typically the longest phase of litigation. It is the formal process where both sides exchange information and evidence. Key activities include:

Written Discovery: Sending and answering detailed written questions (interrogatories) and requests for documents.
Document Production: Sifting through millions of pages of internal corporate documents from the defendant.
Depositions: Questioning witnesses, including you, your family members, coworkers, doctors, and corporate employees, under oath.

4. Expert Witness Phase (Months 18-30+)

While discovery is ongoing, we identify and hire our team of scientific and medical experts. They review all the evidence and prepare reports on causation, your diagnosis, and the financial damages you have suffered. The defense will hire their own experts to counter our arguments, leading to extensive expert depositions and legal challenges.

5. Resolution Paths: Settlement or Trial

Throughout the process, opportunities for resolution may arise.

Settlement Negotiations: Your case may be selected for mediation or become part of a broader settlement program. We leverage the strength of the evidence we’ve built to negotiate for the maximum possible compensation. Bellwether trials—the first few cases tried in an MDL—heavily influence these negotiations.
Trial: If the manufacturer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to present your case to a jury. This involves months of intensive preparation, the trial itself, and potentially years of appeals.

How You Can Help Your Case Move Forward

While much of the timeline is outside your control, you can play a crucial role in helping your legal team build the strongest case possible.

Gather Records Early: Start collecting any medical records, receipts, and employment information you have right away.
Identify Witnesses: Make a list of coworkers, friends, or family who can speak to your Roundup use or your illness.
Stay Off Social Media: Do not post anything about your case, your health, or your activities online.
Be Responsive: Respond quickly to requests from your legal team for information or to sign documents.
Preserve Evidence: Keep any old Roundup containers, photos of you using the product, and related electronic devices (phones, computers).

Managing Expectations is Key

The journey through a Roundup lawsuit is long and demanding. The goal is not speed; it is justice. A thorough, well-documented case is the only path to securing the full and fair compensation your family deserves for medical bills, lost income, and immense pain and suffering.

The team at Walch Law will be with you at every step, providing clear communication and fighting relentlessly on your behalf. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.