Key Takeaways
- Past Roundup lawsuit settlements have awarded plaintiffs millions of dollars, with notable cases including Dewayne Johnson ($289 million reduced to $78.5 million) and the Pilliods ($2 billion reduced to $87 million).
- Settlement amounts depend on various factors, such as the severity of the illness, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the type of lawsuit (individual vs. class action).
- Consulting with experienced attorneys is crucial for navigating Roundup lawsuits, as they can help secure maximum compensation and provide guidance throughout the legal process.
When you’ve been affected by something as serious as cancer due to exposure to Roundup, it’s not just your health that’s at stake—it’s your peace of mind, your financial stability, and your future. With so much energy and security stripped away from you, it’s natural to want justice. You deserve it. But for some, the thought of filing a lawsuit is just too much.
Even if you believe in holding Roundup makers accountable, you might be wondering, “Is a Roundup lawsuit even worth it?”
Let’s talk about it. We’ll break down the factors that influence settlement amounts, so you can feel more informed and a little less alone on this journey. If you believe Roundup is to blame for your non-Hodgkin’s diagnosis, Join the Many will review your case at no cost and help determine if you may qualify for a settlement. Pay no legal fees unless you’re awarded compensation.
Roundup Controversy Explained
First, a quick overview of how we got here. Roundup weed killer has been at the center of a complex legal debate since 2015, when it was revealed that the product’s active ingredient, glyphosate, could cause cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In 2019, Edwin Hardeman was awarded $80 million by a federal jury in California. Hardeman developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for decades and argued that the herbicide was a substantial factor in causing his cancer.
It wasn’t long until consumers began to put the pieces together. Farmers, gardeners, agricultural workers, landscapers and even people who simply used Roundup on their own lawn came forward to demand justice after developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, the company that now owns Monsanto, the original manufacturer of Roundup. These legal battles have not only influenced public opinion, but also sparked a global discussion on the use of chemical herbicides in agriculture.
Notable Roundup Verdicts
Now, let’s talk numbers. We may not be able to predict exactly how much you can get from a Roundup lawsuit, but we can look to past verdicts to see what’s possible. Keep in mind everyone’s case is different and multiple factors influence each outcome. These are only examples of Roundup lawsuit amounts.
- In 2018, a California jury awarded $289 million to Dewayne Johnson, a groundskeeper who claimed that his non-Hodgkin lymphoma was a result of Roundup exposure. This award was later reduced to $78.5 million, but the case set a significant precedent and opened the floodgates for further litigation.
- In 2019, a jury awarded a staggering $2 billion to a couple, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, linking their cancer to long-term Roundup use. Although this amount was also reduced upon appeal, these cases have highlighted the potential legal liabilities faced by Bayer.
- Also in 2019, Edwin Hardeman was awarded $80 million by a federal jury in California. Hardeman developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for decades and argued that the herbicide was a substantial factor in causing his cancer. The award was later reduced to $25 million.
- In 2020, Bayer agreed to pay over $10 billion to settle around 100,000 claims related to Roundup. This settlement aimed to resolve the majority of the lawsuits, providing significant compensation to those affected.
- In 2021, Bayer set aside an additional $4.5 billion to settle Roundup cancer claims.
- In 2023, a Philadelphia court ordered Bayer to pay John McKivision, who used Roundup in his own yard and later developed cancer, $2.25 billion.
What Affects a Roundup Lawsuit Amount?
Now that you’ve seen some notable examples of Roundup lawsuit payouts, let’s look at the factors that could influence your own outcome.
Class Action Lawsuits vs. Individual Lawsuits
The litigation against Roundup makers generally falls into two categories: class action lawsuits and individual lawsuits. Whether you decide to join a class action against Bayer or pursue an individual claim can impact the final outcome of your case.
Class action lawsuits bundle the claims from large groups of people into a single lawsuit. This helps ensure larger groups of people can get the justice they’re owed. With this approach, the goal is to secure a collective settlement for all the victims involved so everyone gets “a piece of the pie.” Sometimes, class action suits can lead to smaller per-plaintiff settlements.
An individual lawsuit, on the other hand, is just what it sounds like: a suit filed by a single person who was directly harmed by Roundup. Typically, individual lawsuits seek higher compensation, reflecting the unique aspects of the victim’s exposure and illness.
Both types of lawsuits have their pros and cons. For example, individual lawsuits usually have the potential for larger payout, but they tend to require more substantial proof of direct harm. We can connect you directly with a lawyer who has expertise in Roundup lawsuits and, together, you can decide which path is best for you.
Severity and Nature of the Illness
The nature and severity of your illness plays a critical part in determining a Roundup lawsuit settlement amount. Those who have suffered more serious health conditions, like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other cancers, because of Roundup exposure and can establish a direct connection between their illness and the weed killer may see higher compensation, but it’s not guaranteed.
Whether you decide to join a class action against Bayer or pursue an individual claim can impact the final outcome of your case. We can connect you directly with a lawyer who has expertise in Roundup lawsuits and, together, you can decide which path is best for you.
Medical Expenses
Typically, compensation in Roundup lawsuits includes reimbursement for medical expenses you take on because of an illness associated with glyphosate exposure. It can cover a wide range of costs, from hospital stays and treatments to ongoing medication and rehabilitation. You could also be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses, accounting for the long-term care and treatments your condition may require.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Sometimes, people who have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma because of Roundup exposure are too sick to work like they used to. This significantly influences compensation amounts. Your Roundup lawsuit amount could be higher to account for lost wages and even loss of earning capacity, which refers to a reduction in your ability to earn money in the future. Calculating these amounts often requires detailed employment records and expert testimony, which your legal team can help with.
Pain and Suffering
Of course, what you and your family are currently experiencing encompasses so much more than money. Cancer and everything that comes with it can be painful, stressful and life-altering. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic damages you’ve suffered, including physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological harms. Quantifying pain and suffering for legal compensation can be challenging, as it involves subjective experiences, but it’s still a crucial part in determining the final outcome of a Roundup lawsuit.
Punitive Damages
In some Roundup lawsuits, victims are awarded punitive damages. Instead of compensating you for a loss, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant (Roundup makers in this case). They’re awarded to hold the defendant accountable for the harm they’ve done and hopefully deter them from taking similar actions in the future.
Location
Your personal experience won’t be the only thing to influence the final outcome of your case. It’s important to note that compensation amounts can also vary significantly across different jurisdictions. Differences in local laws and regulations governing Roundup lawsuits can vary widely from region to region. Some jurisdictions may cap certain types of damages, such as pain and suffering, while others might be more lenient or strict about the evidence required to prove causation.
Bayer/Monsanto’s Litigation Approach
Despite facing extensive litigation, Bayer/Monsanto has consistently denied the claims that glyphosate is carcinogenic. The company has appealed many of the high-profile verdicts, demonstrating its commitment to defending the safety of its products. However, the decision to settle a large number of cases suggests a strategic approach to limit ongoing legal expenses and mitigate further public relations fallout.
Settlements have reportedly ranged from millions to tens of millions of dollars, but your own Roundup lawsuit compensation amount will depend on the specifics of your case. With so many moving parts to worry about, it’s important to have the best legal care at your side.
Simultaneously, Bayer has been proactive in investing in the development of alternative weedkiller formulations and has committed to conducting further research. This dual approach of defending glyphosate’s safety while also exploring alternatives indicates Bayer’s nuanced strategy to manage the complex legal and public relations challenges it faces.
Determining Average Roundup Lawsuit Compensation
As you can see, a lot goes into determining the final outcome of a Roundup lawsuit. That makes identifying an average payout next to impossible. Settlements can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including the severity of your illness, lost wages or earning potential, pain and suffering, and even where you’re located.
All of this underscores the complexity of Roundup litigation and the importance of tailoring your legal approach to your personal experience. Settlements in individual cases have reportedly ranged from millions to tens of millions of dollars, but your own Roundup lawsuit compensation amount will depend on the specifics of your case. With so many moving parts to worry about, it’s important to have the best legal care at your side.
Get Help with Your Roundup Lawsuit
Join the Many partners with law firms who have extensive experience in Roundup litigation. Like us, they’re committed to securing maximum compensation for victims of glyphosate exposure. In fact, our partner firms work on a contingency basis–meaning you only pay them if you’re awarded compensation.
Navigating the complexities of a Roundup lawsuit can be daunting, but understanding potential settlement outcomes can bring you some much-needed clarity and hope. The significant awards in past cases demonstrate that substantial compensation is possible for those who have suffered due to Roundup exposure. While every case is unique, and outcomes can vary, knowing that others have successfully secured justice can be empowering.
If you’re considering pursuing a lawsuit, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight, and there is support available to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Settlements vary widely based on the case specifics, but individual claims have seen a range from a few thousand to several million dollars.
Individuals diagnosed with cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after prolonged exposure to Roundup products may be eligible.
The timeline can vary greatly, from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the legal process involved.
Most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, but they will take a percentage of the settlement if successful.
Consult with a lawyer specializing in product liability or personal injury, particularly those with experience in Roundup cases, to evaluate your claim.
