Latest Updates on the Roundup Lawsuit: What Victims Need to Know Now

For years, thousands of families across the country have been fighting a legal battle against Bayer (the owner of Monsanto), alleging that exposure to the weedkiller Roundup caused them or their loved ones to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. This mass tort litigation is one of the largest and most significant in recent history. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer after using Roundup, you are likely wondering about the current status of these lawsuits and what it means for your right to seek justice.

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, with new trial verdicts, appellate court decisions, and settlement negotiations changing the outlook for victims. At Walch Law, we are actively monitoring these developments to best advise our clients. This guide provides a clear update on where the Roundup lawsuits stand today and what you need to know now if you believe you have a claim.

Current Status of the Roundup Litigation

The fight against Bayer is happening on multiple fronts, primarily in federal and state courts.

Federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): A large portion of the federal lawsuits have been consolidated into an MDL in the Northern District of California. An MDL centralizes thousands of similar cases before one judge to streamline pretrial processes like discovery and expert testimony. While there have been significant settlements, the MDL is still active, and new cases continue to be filed.
State Court Lawsuits: Many important battles are being fought in state courts, particularly in California and Missouri. These state-level trials, known as “bellwether” trials, have produced some of the largest jury verdicts to date. The outcomes of these trials often influence settlement negotiations for the thousands of other pending cases.
Trial Trends and Settlement Posture: In recent years, there has been a mixed bag of trial results. While plaintiffs secured several massive, multi-billion-dollar verdicts early on (which were later reduced), Bayer has also won a string of defense verdicts. This back-and-forth signals that nothing is guaranteed at trial. In response, Bayer has engaged in both large-scale global settlements and smaller “inventory” settlements to resolve batches of cases. This means that while some victims have received compensation, many valid claims are still pending, and new claims are being evaluated every day.

Ongoing Legal Issues That Affect Your Claim

The core of the litigation revolves around complex legal and scientific arguments that are still being debated in appellate courts.

Federal Preemption: Bayer’s primary defense is that federal law “preempts,” or overrides, state law. They argue that because the EPA approved Roundup’s label without a cancer warning, they cannot be sued under state law for failing to warn consumers. Courts have been divided on this issue, but several recent appellate decisions have rejected this argument, which is a significant victory for plaintiffs.
Punitive Damages: Many of the large verdicts included substantial punitive damages, which are intended to punish a defendant for egregious conduct. Bayer continues to challenge the legality and size of these awards. The future of punitive damages will have a major impact on the overall value of many claims.

These ongoing appeals mean the legal fight is far from over, and the outcome will continue to shape the value of both settled and future cases.

Am I Still Eligible to File a Roundup Lawsuit?

Yes. If you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or a related cancer and have a history of exposure to Roundup, you may still be eligible to file a claim. The most important factor is the statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit.

In California, this is typically two years. However, under the “discovery rule,” this two-year clock may not start ticking until you knew, or reasonably should have known, that your cancer was linked to your Roundup exposure. Because public awareness of this link has grown over time, it is critical to speak with an attorney immediately to determine if you are still within your filing window.

What Factors Affect the Value of My Case?

Not all Roundup cases are the same. The potential value of your claim depends on a specific set of factors:

Exposure History: The duration and intensity of your Roundup use (e.g., a career landscaper vs. an occasional home gardener).
Injury Severity: The specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, your prognosis, and the intensity of your medical treatment.
Medical Costs and Lost Wages: The total economic cost of your illness, including all medical bills and lost income.
Age and Health: Your age at diagnosis and any other health conditions can impact calculations for life expectancy and damages.
Strength of Evidence: The quality of your medical records and proof of Roundup use.

Practical Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Claim

If you are considering a lawsuit, the actions you take now can significantly strengthen your case.

Document Your Exposure: Write down every detail you can remember about your Roundup use. Where did you use it (home, farm, golf course)? How often? For how many years? What equipment did you use?
Preserve Proof of Purchase: If you have any old receipts, invoices, or empty containers, keep them in a safe place.
Obtain Your Medical Records: Request copies of your diagnostic reports, pathology reports, and all records related to your cancer treatment.
Keep a Symptom Journal: Document your symptoms, pain levels, medical appointments, and how your illness impacts your daily life.
Avoid Social Media: Do not post about your health, activities, or potential lawsuit. Defense lawyers monitor social media for any information they can use against you.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer: The most important step is to get a professional evaluation of your claim as soon as possible.

How Walch Law Fights for Roundup Victims

Taking on a global corporation like Bayer requires deep legal knowledge, substantial resources, and unwavering resolve. The team at Walch Law understands what it takes to win these complex cases.

We Build a Powerful Case: We meticulously review your medical and exposure history, working with top medical and scientific experts to build an undeniable link between Roundup and your cancer.
We Navigate the Complex Legal System: We manage all deadlines and procedural requirements, whether your case is in the federal MDL or state court.
We Maximize Your Compensation: We calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs and the profound personal cost of your pain and suffering. We are skilled negotiators but are always prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get a fair result.

We handle all Roundup cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

You do not have to face this fight alone. If you or a loved one has suffered after being exposed to Roundup, you deserve justice.

Contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide a clear assessment of your legal options.