Roundup victims began filing lawsuits after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that glyphosate, a key ingredient in the popular weedkiller, is a chemical that is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Monsanto, world-renown for many agricultural products, including Roundup, is accused of failing to warn consumers about the significant health hazards, including cancer, associated with the use of this herbicide.
A cancer diagnosis can be the result of many unique factors, including genetics. However, if you have been exposed to Roundup, we recommend having a knowledgeable attorney review your situation to determine whether you may be able to pursue legal action. Deadlines apply, so it is vital you do not wait.
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, we advocate for victims who suffer harm because of the negligence of others every day, something we have been doing for decades. Our defective product lawyers in South Bend have extensive experience and a history of proven results. That said, in no way does a consultation obligate you to pursue a claim or hire our legal services. Additionally, we take cases on contingency, which means if we represent you, there are no upfront costs for you to pay.
Request a FREE case review. Call: (574) 444-0741 today.
What Is Roundup and Who Manufactures This Product?
Roundup is a widely used and effective weed killer manufactured by Monsanto. Monsanto is a giant agricultural biotechnology corporation that has been around for over one hundred years. Founded in 1901, Monsanto was acquired by Bayer in 2018.
Today, Roundup is used to control weeds of more than 168 million acres across the nation, including residential lawns and gardens.
Who May Be Eligible To File a Roundup Lawsuit?
If you are unsure whether Roundup may have caused your health issues, this is something you can discuss with an experienced attorney. An attorney can discuss your situation, review supporting documentation, including your relevant medical records, to make this determination.
Generally, you may qualify for a Roundup lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- You regularly used or were exposed to Roundup for a long time
- A doctor diagnosed you with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another associated disease
Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Cancer Due to Roundup?
Those who use and are regularly exposed to Roundup are considered most at risk for developing cancers, most notably non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These at-risk individuals may include:
- Agriculturists
- Farmers
- Professional or personal gardeners
- Government workers
- Greenskeepers
- Groundskeepers
- Landscape professionals
- Maintenance workers
- Nursery owners/workers
- Others who regularly use or are exposed to herbicide or pesticide applicators
Why Is Roundup Considered a Dangerous Health Risk?
Multiple studies conducted between 1985 and 2019 identified glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup, as a possible carcinogenic to humans.
The cancer studies completed between 2008 and 2015 specifically linked glyphosate to a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers, including:
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- B-cell lymphoma
- Myeloma
In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) brought in a team of 17 world-renown experts to review existing studies and scientific evidence involving the use of glyphosate and other herbicides. As a result of this study, the IARC concluded that glyphosate was deemed a likely carcinogen for humans.
On April 6, 2019, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a report in agreement with the IARC’s 2015 study.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive From a Roundup Lawsuit?
The amount of compensation in any lawsuit varies, depending on the type and severity of your illness, how advanced your illness is, the cost of your treatment, your age and the strength of your case, among other factors.
Generally, lawsuits seek to compensate victims for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and punitive damages.
It is important to mention that we cannot guarantee any specific outcome for a lawsuit. That said, there have currently been three individual lawsuits brought and won against Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer. In total, these plaintiffs have been awarded billions in compensation.
What Medical Conditions Are Associated With the Use of Roundup?
Medical conditions linked to the use of and exposure to Roundup include the following:
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a kind of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. This system plays a key role in helping your body fight off infections. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma happens when white blood cells called lymphocytes start growing out of control, leading to tumors. These tumors can show up in any part of the body that has lymph tissue, such as the lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow.
Common symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include:
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Running a fever
- Sweating a lot at night
- Losing weight without trying
- Having a cough, trouble breathing or chest pain
- Nausea and vomiting
When it comes to treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the plan can vary based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s health and wishes.
Treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy: A treatment that uses powerful, focused medicine to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: A powerful energy used to specifically target and kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps boost your immune system in its fight against cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Drug treatment to stop specific parts of cancer cells from growing.
- Stem cell transplant: Replacing unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
Doctors might use one treatment or a combination of multiple types of therapies to kill the cancer cells, keep them from spreading and improving symptoms. Each patient gets a treatment plan customized to what is deemed most effective for their situation. Often patients have a team of doctors involved to help ensure the best possible care.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are made. In leukemia, the body starts producing too many white blood cells that do not work properly. These abnormal cells crowd out the healthy blood cells, making it hard for the body to do its job of fighting infections and carrying oxygen.
Symptoms of leukemia may include:
- Feeling tired and weak
- Easily bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infections
- Fever or chills
- Weight loss without trying
- Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
- Red spots on the skin
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
The treatment for leukemia varies depending on the type of leukemia, the age of the patient, and how far the cancer has progressed. Treatment options are similar to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Myeloma
Myeloma, or multiple myeloma, is a kind of blood cancer that begins in the plasma cells inside your bone marrow. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight off infections. When someone has myeloma, these plasma cells turn cancerous and start to grow uncontrollably, taking over the space in the bone marrow that healthy cells need. This overcrowding can cause anemia, increase the risk of infections, and damage the bones and kidneys.
Symptoms include:
- Persistent bone pain, often in the back or ribs
- Fatigue, caused by anemia
- Increased vulnerability to infections
- Unintended weight loss
- Problems with kidney function, such as reduced urine output
- High levels of calcium in the blood, which may cause excessive thirst and frequent urination
Unfortunately, there is no cure for myeloma. The treatment for this disease therefore focuses on controlling further spread of the disease and managing the symptoms.
Not Sure if You Need Legal Help? We Answer Your Questions for FREE.
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak in Indiana, our legal experts understand that dealing with a lawsuit can be confusing, difficult and overwhelming. This is especially true if you are trying to figure things out while you are sick, undergoing treatment and worried about money.
Our experienced attorneys have helped many victims harmed by the negligence of others. We work tirelessly every day to recover the compensation our clients need to move forward.
We are prepared to look closely at your claim to determine if you may have legal options. If a family member died because he or she got sick from Roundup, we may also be able to help you file a claim on their behalf. It is important to act sooner than later, however, as filing deadlines may apply.
Get in touch with Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak today to get answers to your legal questions about a Roundup lawsuit. We are here to help you. Your initial consultation is completely free, and there are no upfront costs to hire our services. We only get paid if you do.
Experienced Lawyers. Proven Results. (574) 444-0741
