Roundup Mass Tort
If you or someone you know used Roundup and are now diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Leukemia, contact and speak with an attorney.
What is Roundup?
Roundup is an herbicide (weed killer) manufactured by Monsanto, which was purchased by Bayer in a massive deal in 2017, according to Scientific American. Roundup’s active ingredient is glyphosate, a chemical that is at the heart of the debate over Roundup’s safety. Roundup has been used across the country for more than 40 years.
Several organizations consider Roundup to be “probably carcinogenic to humans,” including the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to The Lancet. Carcinogenic means capable of causing cancer. Other organizations, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), classify it as likely non-carcinogenic.
How does Roundup work?
Roundup’s main ingredient, glyphosate, is a herbicide that kills weeds by blocking enzymes that regulate plant growth. Roundup is used both in agricultural settings and in lawn care.
The agricultural industry has created bioengineered crops that can resist glyphosate, so they can thrive even when glyphosate is sprayed on a field.
Who is most at risk for Roundup Exposure?
- Professional Gardeners
- Landscapers
- Farmers
- Agricultural Workers
- Herbicide Applicators
- Groundskeepers
Though it seems to have the most dangerous effects from chronic use, Roundup may be dangerous for homeowners too.
How you can be Exposed to Roundup
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and a host of other commercial herbicides. The plant-killing chemical is widely used in both homes for private use and for agricultural use. Unfortunately, this means that anyone can be exposed to the chemical. Exposure to Roundup or herbicides containing glyphosate can include:
- Breathing the air near a sprayed area
- Touching sprayed plants
- Drinking from a contaminated water supply
- Eating food grown in treated soil
It doesn’t matter if you live in a city, on a farm or in the suburbs, you are likely at risk for glyphosate exposure.
Roundup Injuries & Side Effects
You might be asking yourself, “is Roundup is harmful to humans?” In addition to the findings of the IARC and UC Berkeley/University of Washington assessments, Roundup has also been linked to a collection of other health problems, including:
- Liver damage
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
- Sterility
- Breathing problems
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that is fundamental to the importance of the immune system and works to fight infections. In addition, lymphocytes determine the specificity of the immune response to infectious microorganisms and other foreign substances. Lymphocytes can be found in the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and bone marrow.
The disease is sometimes known as NHL or just lymphoma. Three major sites of lymph tissue include:
Lymph Nodes
These are bean-sized collections of lymphocytes and other immune system cells throughout the body, including inside the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Additionally, they connect to a system of lymphatic vessels.
Spleen
The spleen is an organ under the lower ribs on the left side of the body. Additionally, the spleen makes lymphocytes and other immune system cells. It also stores healthy blood cells and filters out damaged blood cells, bacteria and cell waste.
Bone marrow
The bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside certain bones. Furthermore, bone marrow creates new blood cells and lymphocytes.
What are the symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
NHL{ Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma} presents several different signs and symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of lymphoma and what part of the body it is in. Sometimes, it may not cause any symptoms until it grows in size. If you work closely with Roundup, signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Sweating
- Chills
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Swollen abdomen (belly)
- Feeling full after only a small amount of food
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe or frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
The largest signifier of NHL{ Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma} is swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in the neck, groin, underarms or above the collarbone may be visible or felt as lumps under the skin. However, they are usually not painful. While swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of lymphoma, infections are the usual culprit. When infections are present, they are called reactive nodes or hyperplastic nodes.
Who can file a Roundup lawsuit?
Many believe that Roundup causes cancer. The World Health Organization has also classified it as a carcinogen. You could be concerned because you or a family member used the product. The following parties can file lawsuits against the makers of Roundup:
- Individuals. If you developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another ailment after Roundup exposure, you could file a lawsuit. While many claimants have filed individual lawsuits against Bayer and Monsanto, some partake in mass torts, which allow multiple claimants to file a unified case against an entity.
- Beneficiaries. If you lost a loved one to cancer due to Roundup exposure, you could file a lawsuit on behalf of a late loved one. Your eligibility largely depends on where you live; not all family members have the inherent ability to file wrongful death lawsuits.
- Estate representatives. If you’re a decedent’s personal representative, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of their loved ones. Again, this depends on where you live, and personal representatives aren’t necessarily family members.
Does Roundup Cause Cancer?
No one can say with 100% certainty that Roundup directly causes cancer. Similarly, no one can say with 100% certainty that smoking causes lung cancer. However, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a strong correlation between Roundup usage and the development of certain types of cancer like non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
The fact that studies have shown Roundup significantly increase the chances of developing cancer is enough to show that Roundup’s manufacturer should be taking responsibility for cancer cases in Roundup users.
What Types of Cancer Could Roundup Cause?
Roundup has allegedly been linked to a number of types of cancer, including:
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- B-cell lymphoma
- T-cell lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Hairy cell lymphoma
Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, which consists of lymph nodes and vessels that move a fluid called lymph through the body. The fluid contains infection-fighting white blood cells. There are more than 70 types of lymphoma.
Leukemia is cancer that grows in the body’s tissues that form blood, such as bone marrow or the lymphatic system, according to Leukemia, like lymphoma, typically involves white blood cells. A person with leukemia has bone marrow that produces an excess number of abnormal white blood cells that don’t function as they should.
Lawsuits have already been filed over Roundup cancer risk, with many who have been diagnosed with cancer awarded millions of dollars.
Why Is Roundup So Dangerous?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that the active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, does not cause cancer. However, other research suggests that glyphosate could be carcinogenic, and that significant exposure might lead to conditions such as NHL. It is difficult for researchers to definitively determine whether an ingredient or product causes cancer.
Is Roundup Safe To Use?
Roundup’s safety is still under debate. Bayer and the EPA claim that Roundup and glyphosate do not cause cancer. However, other research and personal accounts question the weed killer’s safety and suggest that sustained use could result in serious skin irritation and life-threatening conditions.
Those at the greatest risk of developing cancer are landscapers, gardeners and others who regularly sprayed Roundup over an extended period of time.
How Can You Prove That You Used Roundup?
Your attorney will help you to gather evidence to prove that you were in fact exposed to Roundup.
Some evidence might include:
- Employment records
- Medical records
- Bills of purchase
- Receipts
How Much Is a Roundup Case Worth?
Like all injury-related legal claims, the value of a Roundup lawsuit will depend on the plaintiff’s specific circumstances and experience, including:
- the details of your Roundup-related health problems, including diagnosis of the nature and extent of the illness, prognosis for ongoing treatment, and prospects for a full recovery
- the impact of your illness on your ability to work or otherwise earn income, now and in the future
- the effects of your illness and medical treatment on your daily life, including your ability to perform household chores, care for loved ones, enjoy activities and hobbies, etc.
- the extent of your physical pain and discomfort, and
- any mental anguish, anxiety, sleeplessness, and other negative effects of your illness and medical treatment.
Who Qualifies To File For A Lawsuit Against Roundup?
Many factors are evaluated to determine whether an individual has a viable Roundup claim. Some key factors include:
- Type of exposure
- Timing of the exposure versus the timing of the diagnosis
- Documentation (if any) that could support the use of Roundup
- Patient’s final diagnosis
Many plaintiffs report suffering from severe skin irritation, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma.
How Much Do The Lawyers Get In The Roundup Lawsuit?
Roundup lawyers typically take between 33-40% of the total amount recovered in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contingency fee agreements may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
The attorneys’ fees in a Roundup lawsuit will be contingent upon whether the case is resolved through settlement or trial.
If the case settles, the attorney’s fees will generally be a percentage of the total settlement amount.
If the case goes to trial, the roundup attorneys fees will be charged hourly.
You should discuss this with your attorney prior to signing any legal documents.
It is important that you understand all of the terms of your agreement before moving forward.
Have you been sick from exposure to RoundUp? You might be owed compensation. Call a Roundup lawsuit attorney today for a FREE consultation.