Why an NHL Diagnosis Is Key to a Winning Los Angeles Roundup Lawsuit

Thousands of people have filed lawsuits against Bayer, the company that now owns Monsanto, alleging that its flagship herbicide, Roundup, caused their cancer. These lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, bringing hope to families devastated by a cancer diagnosis they believe was preventable. However, not every cancer diagnosis qualifies for a Roundup claim.

The cornerstone of a successful Roundup lawsuit is a very specific medical diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) or one of its subtypes. While exposure to the chemical glyphosate—Roundup’s active ingredient—may be linked to other health issues, the vast majority of successful legal claims have been built on the strong scientific and legal connection between glyphosate and this particular type of cancer.

At Walch Law, we often speak with individuals who believe Roundup caused their illness. A critical part of that initial conversation is determining the exact medical diagnosis. This guide explains why a Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis is so essential for a winning Roundup case and what it means for your legal options.

The Scientific Link: Why Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

The entire legal strategy against Roundup hinges on scientific evidence. The pivotal moment came in 2015 when the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This was not a general warning; the IARC’s conclusion was based heavily on studies that found a specific link between glyphosate exposure and an increased risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

What is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is not a single disease but a group of blood cancers that originate in your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your immune network, and NHL begins when a type of white blood cell, called a lymphocyte, becomes cancerous. These cancerous cells can then spread throughout the body.

There are many different subtypes of NHL, and many of them have been successfully linked to glyphosate exposure in court. Some of the most common subtypes found in Roundup lawsuits include:

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Follicular Lymphoma
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Hairy Cell Leukemia

How Does Glyphosate Cause NHL?

Scientists believe glyphosate induces “oxidative stress,” a process that damages cells and their DNA. The lymphatic system appears to be particularly vulnerable to this type of damage. When the DNA of lymphocytes is damaged, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which is the hallmark of cancer.

Because the most robust scientific literature supports the connection between glyphosate and NHL specifically, legal teams have focused their arguments on this diagnosis. It provides the clearest and most defensible causal link that can be presented to a jury.

Proving Causation: The Legal Requirement

In any personal injury lawsuit, the injured person (the plaintiff) must prove “causation.” This means you must show that the defendant’s negligent actions were a substantial factor in causing your harm. In a Roundup case, this translates to proving two things:

You were significantly exposed to Roundup.
That exposure was a substantial factor in causing your Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

An official NHL diagnosis from a medical professional is the non-negotiable starting point for proving the second part of this equation. Without it, your claim has no legal foundation.

The Role of Your Medical Records

Your medical records are the most critical evidence in your case. They provide the objective proof needed to build your claim. A strong set of records will include:

A Pathology Report: This is the definitive document. A pathologist examines a tissue sample (biopsy) under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous lymphocytes and identify the exact subtype of NHL.
Doctor’s Notes and Consultations: Records from your oncologist and other specialists document your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis.
A “Differential Diagnosis”: Your legal team’s medical experts will review your entire health history to rule out other potential causes of NHL, such as genetic predispositions or other known risk factors. This process strengthens the conclusion that glyphosate was the primary cause.

An NHL diagnosis allows your legal team to hire leading oncologists, epidemiologists, and toxicologists who can testify in court. These experts can explain to a jury how the science connecting glyphosate to NHL applies directly to your specific medical situation.

What if You Have a Different Type of Cancer?

This is a question many potential clients ask. People who have used Roundup for years and later developed lung, brain, or prostate cancer naturally wonder if the chemical is to blame.

While some studies suggest glyphosate may be linked to other health problems, the scientific evidence is not as strong or as widely accepted as the link to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As a result, law firms are generally not pursuing cases for other types of cancer at this time because they are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to win in court.

A defense attorney for Bayer would easily be able to argue that there is no scientific consensus linking glyphosate to that specific cancer, and the case would likely be dismissed. Legal success depends on following the established science, and right now, that science points overwhelmingly to NHL.

Steps to Take if You Have an NHL Diagnosis and Used Roundup

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have a history of using Roundup, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Here is what you should do:

Gather Your Medical Records: Obtain all documents related to your NHL diagnosis and treatment.
Document Your Roundup Exposure: Write down a detailed history of your Roundup use. Include the years you used it, the frequency, the locations (e.g., farm, garden, work), and the brand of product if you can remember.
Preserve Evidence: Keep any old Roundup containers, purchase receipts, or employment records that can help prove your history of use.
Consult with the best Los Angeles Roundup Attorney: Do not speak to representatives from Bayer or accept any offers without legal advice. Contact a personal injury law firm that specializes in Roundup litigation.

Walch Law: Fighting for Victims of Los Angeles Roundup Exposure

A Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis is a devastating event that brings physical, emotional, and financial hardship. When that diagnosis is linked to a product you were told was safe, it adds a profound sense of injustice. The law provides a path to hold the manufacturer accountable, but it requires a case built on a solid foundation of medical and scientific evidence.

At Walch Law, we have the experience and resources to take on corporate giants like Bayer. We understand the critical importance of an NHL diagnosis and know how to use it to build a powerful, winning case for our clients. We work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and the immense pain and suffering you have endured.

If you have been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have a history of Roundup use, contact Walch Law today for a free and confidential consultation. Let us evaluate your case and help you take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.