Understanding New York’s Roundup Lawsuit: A Comprehensive Guide for Consumers and Farmers
Evelyn Hudson 
The Roundup lawsuit is a high-profile case involving the herbicide Roundup, which has been linked to cancer. A California jury awarded $289 million in damages to the victim of a Roundup-caused cancer in 2018. Since then, thousands of other lawsuits have been filed against Roundup’s manufacturer, Monsanto.
While firefighters do not typically use Roundup, they may be exposed to the herbicide through their work, particularly when fighting wildfires. In fact, a recent study found that firefighters have higher levels of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, in their bodies than the general population.
The Roundup lawsuit has been making headlines recently, with consumers and farmers seeking justice against the herbicide’s manufacturer, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer). Roundup, a popular weed killer with glyphosate, has been linked to cancer and other health issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about the Roundup lawsuit.
The Lawsuit: In 2018, a jury awarded $289 million in damages to Dewayne Johnson, a former school groundskeeper who claimed that Roundup caused his terminal cancer. The verdict was later reduced to $78 million on appeal. Since then, thousands of other consumers and farmers have filed lawsuits against Monsanto, alleging that the company knew about the health risks associated with glyphosate but failed to warn the public.
The Health Risks: While the World Health Organization has classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains that the herbicide is safe when used according to label instructions. However, studies have linked Roundup to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other types of cancer. In addition, some studies have linked glyphosate to birth defects, reproductive problems, and other health issues.
The Legal Battle: Bayer has vigorously defended Roundup, arguing that the herbicide is safe and effective when used properly. The company has also pointed to studies and reviews that support its position. However, juries have found in favor of plaintiffs in several cases, awarding millions of dollars in damages. As of 2021, Bayer has agreed to pay over $10 billion to settle around 100,000 Roundup lawsuits.
The Future of Roundup: While Roundup is still available for purchase in the United States, some countries have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate. In addition, many consumers and farmers are switching to organic or alternative weed control methods. Bayer has also announced that it will stop selling glyphosate-based herbicides to U.S. consumers by 2023. However, the company maintains that Roundup is safe and will continue to defend itself in court.
If you have used Roundup and believe that it has caused health problems, you may be eligible to join a Roundup lawsuit. Contact an experienced attorney.
