Key Takeaways
- Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) alleging that Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, causes cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Bayer has paid nearly $11 billion in settlements but continues to face ongoing litigation, including large jury verdicts and thousands of unresolved claims.
- The legal landscape is evolving, with Bayer exploring new settlements, efforts to block future lawsuits, and even the possibility of bankruptcy for Monsanto.
Overview of the Roundup Lawsuit
The Roundup lawsuit refers to a series of legal actions against Monsanto, the original manufacturer of Roundup, a widely used herbicide. After Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018, it inherited the legal challenges tied to allegations that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, causes cancer. As of early 2024, approximately 165,000 lawsuits had been filed in the United States alone, with Bayer and Monsanto paying nearly $11 billion to settle a significant portion of these claims (Simmons Hanly Conroy).
These lawsuits generally allege that Monsanto failed to warn users about the potential cancer risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Plaintiffs claim that long-term use of Roundup led to the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers. The litigation has resulted in a mix of settlements, jury verdicts, and ongoing trials, making it one of the most significant product liability cases in recent history.
The Allegations: Glyphosate and Cancer
Scientific and Regulatory Background
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It was introduced by Monsanto in the 1970s and became popular due to its effectiveness in killing weeds. However, concerns about its safety began to surface in the 2010s. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (IARC Monographs). This classification became a central point in the lawsuits.
Regulatory agencies in the United States, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have maintained that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed (EPA Glyphosate Interim Registration Review Decision). However, the conflicting scientific opinions have fueled the legal debate and contributed to the complexity of the litigation.
Plaintiff Claims
Plaintiffs in the Roundup lawsuits typically allege that:
- Monsanto knew or should have known about the cancer risks associated with glyphosate.
- The company failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions for safe use.
- Exposure to Roundup caused them to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or other cancers.
These claims are supported by expert testimony, scientific studies, and internal company documents obtained during discovery.
Bayer’s Legal Strategy and Settlements
Settlement Efforts
After acquiring Monsanto, Bayer faced an overwhelming number of lawsuits. To manage the litigation, Bayer agreed to pay nearly $11 billion to settle a large portion of the claims (Wall Street Journal). These settlements were intended to resolve current lawsuits and limit future liability. However, thousands of claims remain unresolved, and new lawsuits continue to be filed.
Settlement amounts have varied widely, with individual payouts ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, depending on the severity of the case and the strength of the evidence (Robert King Law Firm). Bayer’s settlement strategy is ongoing, with the company seeking new agreements to address remaining claims.
Bankruptcy Considerations
In May 2025, Bayer began exploring the possibility of declaring bankruptcy for Monsanto as a means to manage the financial burden of the lawsuits (Insurance Journal). Bankruptcy could allow Bayer to consolidate claims and potentially limit its liability. This strategy is controversial and could have significant implications for both the company and plaintiffs.
Jury Verdicts and Ongoing Trials
Notable Verdicts
Jury verdicts in Roundup cases have varied. Some juries have sided with plaintiffs, awarding substantial damages. For example:
- In Georgia, a jury ordered Bayer to pay nearly $2.1 billion to a man who claimed Roundup caused his cancer (CNN).
- In Philadelphia, a jury awarded $2.25 billion to another plaintiff with similar claims (Consumer Notice).
These large verdicts reflect the seriousness of the allegations and the willingness of some juries to hold Bayer accountable.
However, not all cases have resulted in plaintiff victories. In the Gordon trial, the jury determined that Roundup was not responsible for the injuries claimed (Bayer). These mixed outcomes highlight the legal uncertainty and ongoing risks for Bayer.
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
Given the large number of cases, many have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court. MDL is a process that allows similar cases to be grouped together for pretrial proceedings, streamlining discovery and motions (Arnold & Itkin). As of early 2024, more than 4,000 claims were pending in a single class action lawsuit in California (C&EN).
MDL helps manage the massive volume of litigation but does not resolve individual claims. Each case may still go to trial or be settled individually.
Bayer’s Efforts to Block Future Lawsuits
Bayer has intensified efforts to block further lawsuits related to Roundup. The company has sought legal rulings that would preempt state law claims, arguing that federal pesticide regulations should shield it from liability (Civil Eats). These efforts are ongoing and have not yet resulted in a definitive resolution.
The outcome of these legal maneuvers will affect not only current plaintiffs but also future claimants who may allege harm from Roundup exposure.
Financial and Reputational Impact
The financial implications for Bayer are significant. The company has already paid billions in settlements and faces the prospect of additional payouts as more cases proceed. The ongoing litigation has also affected Bayer’s reputation and stock price.
Bayer’s strategy includes:
- Settling large numbers of claims to limit exposure.
- Exploring bankruptcy for Monsanto.
- Seeking legal rulings to block future lawsuits.
Despite these efforts, thousands of lawsuits remain pending, and new claims continue to be filed (Sokolove Law).
The Future of Roundup Litigation
The Roundup litigation is ongoing and continues to evolve. The outcome of pending cases, potential bankruptcy proceedings, and efforts to block future lawsuits will shape the legal landscape for years to come. Regulatory decisions and new scientific studies on glyphosate may also influence future litigation.
Individuals who believe they have been harmed by Roundup should consult with qualified legal counsel to understand their rights and options. Attorneys and legal professionals can access in-depth research and case law through resources like Counsel Stack.
Disclaimer
This guide provides a general overview of the ongoing Roundup litigation as of May 2025. The information is based on current allegations, court filings, and public reports. Legal outcomes may change as new evidence emerges and cases proceed. This is not legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney.
