Roundup Lawsuit: What You Need to Know About the Mass Tort and Cancer Claims

You could be planting tomatoes one day, and fighting cancer the next.

That’s the unsettling truth behind the thousands of lawsuits filed against the weedkiller Roundup, a weed killer once marketed as safe enough to use in your own backyard.

So far, Bayer — the company that acquired Monsanto — has paid out $10 billion to settle claims that glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, causes cancer. 

Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018, inheriting the legal challenges associated with the weedkiller Roundup. These payments are part of ongoing Roundup lawsuit settlements, and new settlements continue to be negotiated as litigation progresses. 

And the fight isn’t over. With 67,000 cases still pending and $5.9 billion set aside for future litigation, the Roundup lawsuit remains one of the most active and closely watched mass torts in the country.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another form of cancer after Roundup exposure, this guide will help you understand:

• How Roundup and glyphosate are linked to cancer
• Who qualifies to file a Roundup lawsuit
• What recent verdicts and science are saying
• Why choosing the right lawyer makes a difference

Let’s take a closer look at what’s unfolding, what your next move could be, and how a mass tort attorney helps.

What Is the Roundup Mass Tort?

The Roundup mass tort is a large-scale legal effort by individuals across the country who have filed lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer, believing they developed cancer after long-term exposure to the popular weed killer.

Unlike a class action (where one lead plaintiff represents a group with identical damages), a mass tort allows each plaintiff to file an individual claim, accounting for their unique diagnosis, exposure history, and losses.

At the center of the litigation is a clear allegation: Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and potentially other blood-related cancers. Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) failed to warn the public, despite mounting scientific evidence and internal documents suggesting the company was aware of the risks.

Thousands of lawsuits have already been filed, and the litigation is far from over. Each Roundup case may involve unique facts and legal strategies, making the outcomes and approaches different from one another.

The legal battle includes both individual and consolidated Monsanto lawsuits, with ongoing multidistrict litigation and efforts to resolve these claims. Key verdicts have awarded billions in damages, while others are still moving through the courts. Bayer continues to face pressure in both settlement negotiations and courtroom trials, and new cases are still being accepted.

What’s the Link Between Roundup and Cancer?

The core claim in the Roundup lawsuits is that long-term exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the Roundup herbicide, may lead to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and other cancers.

The EPA has stated that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. However, ongoing safety concerns about Roundup herbicide have fueled both regulatory scrutiny and litigation. The presence or absence of cancer warnings on Roundup products has become a central issue in the lawsuits.

Scientific Warnings About Glyphosate

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This decision was based on evidence linking glyphosate to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and increased rates of NHL in exposed populations.

Meanwhile, the EPA maintains that glyphosate is safe when used as directed. The EPA’s approval of glyphosate under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), a federal insecticide law, has been central to legal arguments about federal preemption of state cancer warning requirements.

The lack of a cancer warning on Roundup products is partly due to these federal regulatory decisions, which have been challenged in court. But courts have consistently allowed plaintiffs to present independent research that challenges the EPA’s position, including toxicology studies and epidemiological data.

What Internal Monsanto Documents Reveal

During litigation, plaintiffs uncovered the so-called Monsanto Papers — internal company emails and reports suggesting Monsanto may have known about the risks but worked to discredit outside research. These documents have become a critical part of the legal case, with attorneys arguing that Monsanto misled regulators and the public to protect sales.

Many lawsuits allege that Roundup exposure led to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers, based on both scientific studies and internal company documents. In some cases, Bayer has argued that a verdict contradicts scientific evidence and regulatory findings, maintaining that their product is safe according to scientific consensus.

This mix of scientific findings and internal corporate evidence is what continues to drive the Roundup cancer lawsuits forward.

Who Has Been Affected?

The Roundup mass tort centers on individuals who developed serious forms of cancer after extended exposure to the weed killer, most commonly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Roundup-related lawsuits include claims from both occupational and residential users, reflecting the broad impact of the litigation.

For occupational exposure, many agricultural workers, landscapers, and groundskeepers have filed claims after years of handling Roundup. Some plaintiffs allege that using Roundup concentrate, which is more potent than ready-to-use formulations, increased their risk of developing cancer.

Primary Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

NHL is the most frequently linked cancer in Roundup lawsuits. It’s a blood cancer that affects the body’s lymphatic system and can spread quickly if untreated. Subtypes like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are among the most commonly reported in plaintiffs. 

In several high-profile cases, a jury determined that exposure to Roundup was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s cancer.

Other Cancers Under Investigation

While NHL is the primary focus, some lawsuits also involve related blood cancers, including:

• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• B-cell lymphoma

Research is ongoing, and future claims may expand as more evidence connects glyphosate to other hematologic malignancies. As research continues, new Roundup lawsuits are likely to be filed by individuals diagnosed with additional types of cancer linked to glyphosate exposure.

Who’s at Risk?

Many of those affected had occupational exposure — farmers, landscapers, groundskeepers, and agricultural workers who used Roundup regularly over long periods. 

But residential users aren’t excluded. Home gardeners and others who applied the product on lawns or driveways may also qualify, especially with routine use.

Why a Diagnosis Matters

To file a claim, you’ll need a formal medical diagnosis linking your condition to one of the cancers being litigated. 

Even if you’re unsure whether your exposure qualifies, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options, especially since statutes of limitation may vary by state.

Can You File a Roundup Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Roundup, you may be eligible to join the ongoing litigation. The criteria are straightforward but you must act quickly.

Who Qualifies?

You may be able to file a Roundup lawsuit if:

• You had significant exposure to Roundup, either through your job (farming, landscaping, groundskeeping) or routine residential use.
• You’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or a related cancer, such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, or B-cell lymphoma.
• Your exposure came before your diagnosis — meaning there’s a clear timeline connecting use of the product to the development of illness.
• You are within your state’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Even if you’re unsure about your timeline or exposure level, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer.

Why Timing Matters

Each state has its own deadline for filing, and once that deadline passes, you may lose your right to compensation. Some victims don’t realize this until it’s too late.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll review your history, answer your questions, and help you understand whether you qualify. You don’t pay unless we win your case.

Don’t wait. Your time to file may be limited.

Roundup Litigation Updates (as of June 2025)

The Roundup mass tort has become one of the largest product liability actions in U.S. history, and it’s still evolving. The litigation has produced a range of outcomes, including both large plaintiff verdicts and defense verdicts in favor of Bayer.

MDL 2741: Centralized in California

Thousands of Roundup cases have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) No. 2741, based in the Northern District of California.

This process streamlines pretrial proceedings and helps establish legal patterns through bellwether trials — individual cases used to gauge how future ones might play out.

Major Plaintiff Verdicts

Several high-profile jury verdicts have already gone in favor of plaintiffs:

• Dewayne Johnson was the first to win a case in 2018, originally awarded $289 million.
• Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a married couple, received a $2 billion verdict (later reduced).
• A Philadelphia jury recently returned a significant verdict in favor of a plaintiff, further influencing the litigation.
• The Young trial in Philadelphia stands out as a notable example of a high-profile Roundup case.

These outcomes sent a strong signal to Bayer and helped fuel further litigation. In some instances, appellate courts have found that the trial court erred by excluding key evidence, leading to reversals or retrials.

Bayer’s Response and Settlement Efforts

Bayer has attempted large-scale settlements over the years, offering billions to resolve thousands of claims. While some victims have accepted compensation, many cases remain unresolved or in active litigation.

In parallel, Bayer announced a phase-out of glyphosate from its U.S. consumer Roundup products, though it continues to sell to the agricultural market. Plaintiffs argue this move is a tacit admission of risk, even if Bayer denies liability.

Discussions about a new Roundup settlement are ongoing, with some legal experts speculating that Bayer may consider bankruptcy strategies if a settlement cannot be reached. New Roundup lawsuits continue to be filed as more individuals are diagnosed and become aware of potential claims.

Recent Developments (May 2025 and Beyond)

In May 2025, an appellate court upheld a key plaintiff’s verdict, strengthening the legal foundation for future claims. Following this, Bayer has sought Supreme Court review of certain adverse verdicts, aiming to overturn or limit future liability. This signals continued success for injured individuals challenging Monsanto’s long-held defenses.

Importantly, new lawsuits are still being filed, especially from individuals recently diagnosed or just learning about their eligibility. The litigation is far from over.

Roundup Cancer and the Missouri Appeals Court

Missouri has become a key battleground in the ongoing Roundup litigation, with several high-profile cases making their way through the state’s appellate courts. The Missouri appeals court has played a pivotal role in upholding major plaintiff verdicts, including substantial awards for punitive damages against Monsanto and Bayer.

In recent years, the Missouri appellate court has reviewed and affirmed significant jury verdicts, finding that Monsanto failed to adequately warn users about the cancer risks associated with glyphosate exposure. These decisions have reinforced the legal foundation for current and future Roundup cancer lawsuits, sending a strong message to both plaintiffs and defendants.

The Missouri Supreme Court and the state’s superior courts have also weighed in on key legal questions, such as the admissibility of scientific evidence and the application of federal law versus state law in product liability cases. These rulings have helped shape the national conversation around Roundup litigation and have influenced the strategies of both Roundup lawyers and defense teams.

As new Roundup verdicts continue to emerge from Missouri and other jurisdictions, the outcomes of these appellate court decisions will have a lasting impact on the direction of the litigation, the size of future settlements, and the rights of individuals seeking justice for Roundup-related cancers.

What Compensation Can Victims Pursue?

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect your health. It can derail your finances, your family life, and your future. 

If you’ve been harmed by Roundup exposure, you may be entitled to pursue damages through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and related cancers often involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term care. Victims can seek compensation for both out-of-pocket costs and anticipated future medical needs.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Cancer can interrupt your ability to work, sometimes permanently. Many plaintiffs seek damages for lost income and reduced earning potential, especially if they had to leave a job or retire early due to illness.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond the physical symptoms, cancer comes with fatigue, discomfort, and diminished quality of life. Compensation can reflect the daily impact of the illness on your routines, independence, and physical well-being.

Emotional Distress

A cancer diagnosis often brings anxiety, fear, and depression. Plaintiffs may be awarded damages for the emotional toll, especially when the disease was preventable.

Loss of Consortium

Spouses and family members may also suffer, not just emotionally, but in their ability to maintain relationships, provide care, or enjoy companionship. Loss of consortium damages reflect this deeper personal impact.

Punitive Damages

In several landmark cases, courts have awarded punitive damages to punish Monsanto for its alleged misconduct, including efforts to suppress research or downplay risks. These damages are meant to send a message and deter future wrongdoing.

Why Work with a Mass Tort Lawyer for Roundup?

Holding a global corporation accountable isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right legal team.

Mass tort litigation isn’t just about filing paperwork. It requires deep knowledge of product liability law, familiarity with medical science, and the ability to challenge billion-dollar companies in court. That’s where an experienced mass tort attorney makes a difference.

We work within Multi-District Litigation (MDL) frameworks every day, understand how bellwether trials influence future outcomes, and know how to position a case for real results. We also have access to expert witnesses, scientific consultants, and the internal documents that have helped expose Monsanto’s knowledge of glyphosate’s risks.

Most importantly, we don’t treat your case like just another file. Every illness, every family, every loss — it all matters. We build cases that reflect your story and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Talk to a Roundup Lawsuit Lawyer Today

Don’t pursue this alone. If you or someone you love developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup, you may have legal options. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from understanding your exposure to filing your claim.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Don’t wait strict legal deadlines may apply. Talk to a Roundup lawyer now!