Roundup is the most used weed killer in the United States, which means it’s safe to use—right? Unfortunately, gardeners, groundskeepers, and homeowners alike have learned the hard way that Roundup weed killer can be extremely harmful. According to several reports, the main ingredient in this popular herbicide can cause the development of certain cancers. As a result, several individuals have filed lawsuits against Monsanto, the creator of Roundup, for their part in the distribution of this deadly chemical.
Were you harmed by Roundup? If you were recently diagnosed with cancer and you think Roundup weed killer may have been a contributing factor, make sure you know the facts about this deadly chemical, the potential health concerns, and the current lawsuits.
About Roundup
Roundup first hit the shelves in 1970, and by the early 2000s, it became a household name, widely appreciated for its effectiveness as a weed killer. The herbicide grew in popularity when Monsanto, the manufacturer, introduced genetically modified crops resistant to their weed killer, which made it easier for growers to produce and maintain.
Could I Be Affected?
Roundup is used in a variety of environments, from food crops and large landscaped estates to your neighbor’s front yard. The people who maintain the landscaping in any of these environments face regular exposure to the harsh chemicals in Roundup and any other herbicides or pesticides in the area.
As a result, the individuals most often affected by Roundup include:
- Landscapers
- Farmers
- Gardeners
How Does Roundup Cause Cancer?
According to research conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, is a possible carcinogen. Similar studies by other well-reputed sources, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also linked glyphosate to cancer. When this chemical regularly comes in contact with the skin, or if it is frequently inhaled, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and may spark the development of certain types of blood cancer.
Roundup has been linked to the following cancers:
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Anaplastic Large T-Cell Lymphoma
- Follicular and Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Thymic Lymphoma
- Lymphocytic Leukemia
Recent Verdicts Against Bayer
There have been several recent verdicts against Bayer, the big-name company that owns Monsanto, because of their Roundup weed killer. To date, all of these cases have taken place in California courts. In May of 2019, a jury awarded a couple more than $2 billion in damages when they brought a case against Bayer claiming that Roundup caused their cancer to develop.
This verdict came at the heels of another California trial, this one in March of that same year, involving a man who claimed his cancer developed because he used Roundup regularly. The case was seen in a court in San Francisco, where the jury awarded the man roughly $80 million in damages.
In August of 2018, during the first Roundup trial against Bayer, another San Francisco jury awarded $289 to a school groundskeeper who claimed his cancer was a direct result of his frequent use of the dangerous weed killer.
What Are My Legal Options?
If you developed any of the blood cancers linked to Roundup after using the substance in your home or at work on a regular basis, you may have cause to file a lawsuit. Several individuals have sued Monsanto for the creation and sale of their dangerous herbicide, citing claims that the weed killer caused them to develop various types of cancer.
Do you think you have a case? If you were harmed by Monsanto’s Roundup, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, families who lost loved ones due to cancer caused by Roundup exposure could be compensated for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of potential wages, and so on.
If you think you have a case, contact our Roundup lawyers today at Cutt, Kendell & Olson.