Roundup Class Action Lawsuit Update, $11B Paid to 100,000 Victims—61,000 Active Claims Remain, Settlements Range $5K-$250K Based on Cancer Tier

Bayer has paid approximately $11 billion to settle nearly 100,000 Roundup cancer lawsuits as of May 2025, but 61,000 active claims remain unresolved with 4,490 cases pending in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL 2741) as of November 2025. Individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, or T-cell lymphoma after using Roundup weed killer can file claims seeking compensation averaging $150,000, with settlement tiers ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 depending on cancer severity, exposure duration, and age at diagnosis. 

Recent jury verdicts include Georgia’s $2.1 billion Barnes award (March 2025), Pennsylvania’s $175 million Caranci verdict (upheld May 2025), and Missouri’s $611 million judgment for three plaintiffs—though Bayer continues disputing glyphosate’s cancer link despite overwhelming evidence connecting the herbicide to cancer.

What Is the Roundup Class Action Lawsuit About?

The Roundup litigation alleges Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) knew for decades that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer, causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers but failed to warn consumers. Instead, internal documents—known as the “Monsanto Papers”—revealed the company ghostwrote scientific articles claiming Roundup was safe, discredited independent research linking glyphosate to cancer, and established networks of scientists to promote glyphosate safety behind the scenes.

The litigation is not a traditional class action but rather a multidistrict litigation (MDL) where thousands of individual lawsuits are consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California for coordinated pretrial proceedings. Each plaintiff maintains an individual claim with unique compensation based on their specific circumstances, cancer severity, and exposure history.

At the height of litigation, Bayer faced more than 197,000 claims. As of October 2025, 132,000 of those claims have been resolved or deemed ineligible, leaving approximately 65,000 active cases—including 4,490 in federal MDL and thousands more in state courts.

What Is the Glyphosate Cancer Link?

Glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, has been classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization. Multiple scientific studies link glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with agricultural workers and professional landscapers facing the highest risks.

A March 2025 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) linked glyphosate exposure from genetically modified crops to adverse perinatal health outcomes in rural U.S. communities, expanding concerns beyond cancer to reproductive health.

Despite this scientific evidence, the EPA maintains that glyphosate does not cause cancer—a position Bayer leverages in its defense strategy. The company argues federal labeling laws prevented it from adding cancer warnings to Roundup without EPA approval, raising the federal preemption defense now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Who Can File a Roundup Claim?

You may qualify to file a Roundup lawsuit if:

• You were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, or related cancers after using Roundup
• You used Roundup for at least 80 hours over a minimum two-year period before your diagnosis
• You can provide proof of Roundup exposure (receipts, employment records, witness statements)
• You have medical records documenting your cancer diagnosis
• You are within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 2-4 years from diagnosis, varies by state)
• You have not already accepted a settlement or signed a release

Farmers, landscapers, groundskeepers, agricultural workers, golf course maintainers, and homeowners who used Roundup for residential lawn care have all filed successful claims. Professional users with decades of exposure typically receive higher compensation than occasional residential users.

What Cancers Qualify for Compensation?

Eligible Cancer Diagnoses:

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (all subtypes)
• B-cell lymphoma (including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma)
• T-cell lymphoma (including peripheral T-cell lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Multiple myeloma (in some cases, when linked to glyphosate exposure)

The strongest claims involve non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnoses, as these have the most robust scientific evidence and highest success rates in bellwether trials. Claims involving other cancer types face greater scrutiny regarding causation.

Latest Roundup Lawsuit Updates in 2025

November 2025: Federal MDL 2741 increased to 4,490 pending cases, up from 4,472 in October 2025, demonstrating continued new filings despite mass settlements.

September 2025: Bayer announced plans to “significantly contain” national Roundup litigation by end of 2026, with CEO Bill Anderson stating settling 17,000 recent lawsuits demonstrates the containment strategy. The company added $1.37 billion to litigation reserves, suggesting additional settlement rounds ahead.

August 2025: Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Pesticide Injury Accountability Act to protect individuals’ rights to file Roundup lawsuits after several states enacted liability shields for chemical companies. Booker’s office stated chemical companies seek liability shields “because they know the harm their products have already caused.”

June 2025: U.S. Supreme Court requested input from the Solicitor General in Durnell v. Monsanto, a case that could determine whether federal law preempts state failure-to-warn claims. A ruling favoring Bayer could jeopardize thousands of active lawsuits relying on state labeling laws.

May 2025: Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld the $175 million Caranci verdict, rejecting Monsanto’s appeal. Missouri Court of Appeals upheld a $611 million judgment for three plaintiffs with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

March 2025: Georgia jury awarded $2.1 billion to John Barnes ($65 million compensatory, $2 billion punitive) after he developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma following 20 years of home Roundup use. Bayer settled rather than pay the verdict, terms undisclosed.

February 2025: New Jersey plaintiffs requested consolidation of 36 Roundup cases across eight counties, which the state Supreme Court approved in May 2025, establishing New Jersey’s first multicounty litigation (MCL) for Roundup claims.

How Much Is the Roundup Settlement?

Bayer agreed to a $10.9 billion global settlement in June 2020 to resolve approximately 95,000-100,000 pending claims. This settlement included:

• $9.6 billion for resolving existing cases (averaging $96,000 per plaintiff)
• $1.25 billion reserved for future claims from people not yet diagnosed
• Additional $2 billion set aside for potential future claimants (later rejected by federal judge as insufficient)

The settlement used a complex point system allocating compensation based on severity factors. Despite this massive payout, roughly 61,000-67,000 Roundup claims remain unresolved as of mid-2025, with Bayer setting aside $5.9 billion for future settlements—an amount experts consider “laughably insufficient” given continuing jury verdicts.

What Compensation Amounts Are Available?

Settlement Tiers and Compensation Structure:

Tier 1 (Highest Severity): $200,000-$250,000+

• Terminal or advanced cancer diagnosis
• Age under 50 at diagnosis
• Extensive professional exposure (farmers, landscapers, agricultural workers)
• High medical expenses and lost wages
• Strong causal connection between Roundup use and cancer

Tier 2 (Moderate Severity): $100,000-$200,000

• Moderate cancer diagnosis requiring significant treatment
• Ages 50-65 at diagnosis
• Regular occupational or residential exposure over many years
• Moderate medical expenses and impact on earning capacity

Tier 3 (Lower Severity): $50,000-$100,000

• Treatable cancer currently in remission
• Older age at diagnosis (65+)
• Limited exposure history
• Lower medical expenses and damages

Lowest Tier: $5,000-$50,000

• Less severe cases with minimal treatment requirements
• Short exposure duration or weak causal connection
• Older plaintiffs with other health conditions

Legal experts estimate the average Roundup settlement at approximately $150,000-$160,000 per plaintiff, though actual amounts vary dramatically based on individual circumstances.

How Does the Roundup Point System Work?

Settlement administrators assign points to each case based on multiple factors, determining which compensation tier plaintiffs fall into:

Factors Increasing Settlement Value:

• Cancer Type and Stage: Advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma receives maximum points; early-stage or treatable cancers receive fewer
• Age at Diagnosis: Younger plaintiffs (under 50) receive bonus points for lost life expectancy and earning potential
• Exposure Duration: Professional users with 20+ years of Roundup exposure score higher than occasional users
• Exposure Intensity: Daily occupational use scores dramatically higher than weekly residential use
• Medical Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants increase points significantly
• Work Impact: Complete disability or inability to work adds substantial value
• Death: Wrongful death claims receive highest tier placement
• Strong Causation: Medical expert testimony directly linking Roundup to cancer adds bonus points

Each case is evaluated by third-party administrators who calculate total points, place plaintiffs in tiers, and determine final compensation from the settlement fund.

Key Bellwether Trial Verdicts That Changed Everything

Landmark Roundup Verdicts:

March 2025 – Barnes v. Monsanto (Georgia): $2.1 billion total ($65 million compensatory, $2 billion punitive). Bayer settled to avoid paying the full amount, terms confidential.

May 2025 – Missouri Court of Appeals: Upheld $611 million judgment for three plaintiffs with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Original $1.5 billion punitive damages reduced to $549.9 million.

October 2024 – Melissen v. Monsanto (Pennsylvania): $78 million ($75 million punitive, $3 million compensatory) for man who used Roundup 1992-2020.

January 2024 – Reduced Verdict: $400 million awarded to plaintiff with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (reduced from $2.25 billion jury verdict).

October 2021 – Hardeman v. Monsanto: U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Bayer’s appeal, allowing $25 million verdict to stand—major setback for Bayer limiting future liability.

2019 – Pilliod v. Monsanto: $2.055 billion jury verdict ($55 million compensatory, $2 billion punitive) for couple who both developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup for 30+ years.

2018 – Johnson v. Monsanto: $289 million verdict (reduced to $78 million) for school groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson—first Roundup case to reach trial, opening floodgates for tens of thousands of lawsuits.

Of 18 Roundup trials, 10 resulted in plaintiff victories, with three verdicts exceeding $1 billion. This win rate pressures Bayer toward settlements rather than risking additional massive jury awards.

What Evidence Links Roundup to Cancer?

Scientific and Legal Evidence:

The Monsanto Papers: Internal company documents revealed systematic efforts to suppress cancer research, including:

• Ghostwriting scientific articles claiming Roundup safety for publication in toxicology journals
• Establishing “independent” academic websites to discredit allegations
• Building networks of scientists to promote glyphosate safety “behind the scenes” since 1999
• Deliberately hiding research linking glyphosate to non-Hodgkin lymphoma

IARC Classification: World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015.

Agricultural Health Study: Long-term research tracking 89,000 farmers and agricultural workers found increased non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates among high-exposure glyphosate users.

PNAS Study (2025): Linked glyphosate exposure to adverse health outcomes beyond cancer, including reproductive harm.

Expert Testimony: Oncologists and epidemiologists testifying in bellwether trials established biological mechanisms by which glyphosate causes DNA damage and promotes lymphoma cell growth.

Bayer’s Defense Strategy and Federal Preemption Battle

Bayer maintains Roundup is safe despite $11 billion in settlements, arguing:

• EPA consistently concluded glyphosate does not cause cancer and approved Roundup labels without cancer warnings
• Federal law (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) prevented Monsanto from adding cancer warnings without EPA approval
• State failure-to-warn claims are preempted by federal labeling authority
• Scientific consensus supports glyphosate safety based on regulatory assessments

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Durnell v. Monsanto could determine whether federal preemption shields Bayer from state-law claims. If the Court rules for Bayer, thousands of active lawsuits could be dismissed. The Solicitor General’s opinion, requested June 2025, will significantly influence the Court’s decision.

Bayer lobbies Congress for immunity from Roundup lawsuits, backing legislation in multiple states barring failure-to-warn claims when pesticide labels comply with EPA regulations. The company threatens to withdraw Roundup from the U.S. market if litigation costs escalate further—threats critics call “hollow” given Bayer’s continued losses in court.

How to File a Roundup Claim

Step-by-Step Filing Process:

1. Document Your Case:

• Gather medical records proving cancer diagnosis
• Collect proof of Roundup use (receipts, employment records, photos, witness statements)
• Calculate medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing treatment costs
• Document how cancer impacted your life, work, and family

2. Verify Eligibility:

• Confirm you meet minimum exposure requirements (80+ hours over 2+ years)
• Check your state’s statute of limitations
• Ensure you haven’t signed previous settlement releases

3. Consult a Roundup Attorney:

• Most Roundup lawyers work on contingency (no upfront costs, payment only if you win)
• Attorneys typically take 33-40% of settlements plus case costs
• Choose firms experienced in Roundup MDL litigation with proven settlement track records

4. File Your Lawsuit:

• Your attorney files either in federal MDL 2741 or state court
• Cases filed in federal court automatically transfer to MDL for coordinated proceedings
• State court cases may remain in local jurisdictions or consolidate into multicounty litigation

5. Case Evaluation:

• Third-party administrators assign points based on severity factors
• Medical experts review causation and link Roundup exposure to your cancer
• Your attorney negotiates settlement tier placement

6. Settlement or Trial:

• Most cases settle through global settlement agreements without trial
• High-value cases may proceed to individual settlement negotiations
• Strongest cases with maximum damages may go to jury trial

What Documents Do You Need?

Essential documentation strengthens your Roundup claim:

• Medical Records: Cancer diagnosis, pathology reports, treatment records, chemotherapy/radiation documentation
• Employment Records: Pay stubs, job descriptions, employer statements confirming Roundup use
• Purchase Records: Receipts, credit card statements, store loyalty program records showing Roundup purchases
• Exposure Documentation: Photos of you using Roundup, witness statements from family/coworkers, application logs
• Financial Records: Medical bills, lost wage calculations, disability documentation, future care cost projections
• Expert Reports: Your attorney arranges medical causation experts and oncology specialists

Even without perfect documentation, experienced Roundup attorneys can build strong cases using alternative evidence like employment history, residential property records, and expert testimony.

Filing Deadlines and Statute of Limitations

Critical Timing Rules:

Each state has different statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims:

• Most Common: 2-3 years from cancer diagnosis date
• Discovery Rule States: Clock starts when you learned (or should have learned) Roundup caused your cancer
• Wrongful Death Claims: Separate deadlines, typically 1-3 years from date of death
• Tolling Rules: Some states pause deadlines for minors, military service, or mental incapacity

Recent State Actions Limiting Claims:

Several states enacted legislation shielding chemical companies from failure-to-warn lawsuits when pesticide labels comply with EPA regulations. Senator Booker’s Pesticide Injury Accountability Act seeks to override these state laws and protect victims’ rights to sue.

Acting quickly preserves your claim. Even if you’re uncertain about eligibility, consult an attorney immediately to avoid missing filing deadlines that could bar your case forever.

Similar Pesticide Lawsuits and Legal Precedents

The Roundup litigation mirrors other toxic tort cases where manufacturers concealed health risks:

• Paraquat Lawsuits: Herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with thousands of cases pending
• Dicamba Lawsuits: Drift damage claims and health effects litigation
• Talcum Powder Litigation: Johnson & Johnson paid billions for asbestos-contaminated baby powder causing ovarian cancer
• Zantac Lawsuits: Ranitidine heartburn medication linked to cancer, resulting in massive recalls

These precedents demonstrate that manufacturers hiding health risks face substantial liability even when regulatory agencies initially approved products.

What Legal Experts Say

Roundup attorneys believe the documented evidence—Monsanto Papers, IARC classification, bellwether verdict patterns—establishes clear liability despite Bayer’s ongoing denials. Attorney Paul Yetter stated massive jury verdicts “keep the spotlight on Roundup litigation and encourage new plaintiffs to come forward.”

Legal analysts note Bayer’s “winning record” is misleading—while the company won 8 of 18 trials, it simultaneously paid $11 billion to settle 100,000 claims and faces 61,000 active lawsuits, suggesting Bayer recognizes litigation risks despite courtroom victories.

Experts project continued settlements throughout 2025-2026 as Bayer pursues its “containment strategy.” The company’s additional $1.37 billion litigation reserve suggests significant settlement rounds ahead, though Bayer will fight high-stakes cases to trial hoping for favorable precedents.

FAQs About Roundup Lawsuits

What is the Roundup class action lawsuit about?

 Tens of thousands of lawsuits allege Monsanto (now Bayer) knew Roundup’s glyphosate ingredient causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma but failed to warn consumers. Bayer has paid $11 billion to settle 100,000 claims, with 61,000 active cases remaining as of 2025.

Can I still file a Roundup lawsuit? 

Yes. New Roundup lawsuits are filed regularly as additional users are diagnosed with cancer. You must be within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 2-3 years from diagnosis) and have proof of Roundup exposure and cancer diagnosis.

How much compensation can I receive? 

Roundup settlements average $150,000-$160,000 but range from $5,000 to $250,000+ depending on cancer severity, exposure duration, age at diagnosis, and damages. Recent jury verdicts exceeded $2 billion, though most cases settle for lower amounts.

What is the Roundup settlement point system? 

Third-party administrators assign points based on cancer type/stage, age at diagnosis, exposure duration/intensity, medical treatment, work impact, and causation strength. Higher points place you in higher compensation tiers with larger payouts.

Do I need a lawyer to file a Roundup claim? 

Yes. Roundup cases require expert medical testimony, complex causation proof, and knowledge of MDL procedures. Most Roundup attorneys work on contingency—no upfront costs, payment only if you win (typically 33-40% of settlement plus costs).

What is the filing deadline? 

Deadlines vary by state, typically 2-3 years from diagnosis date. Some states use “discovery rules” where the clock starts when you learned Roundup caused your cancer. Consult an attorney immediately to preserve your claim.

What if I already accepted a settlement? 

If you signed a release as part of previous settlement, you cannot file new claims for the same injuries. However, if you developed cancer after signing or have different injuries, consult an attorney about eligibility.

Next Steps for Filing Your Roundup Claim

1. Act Immediately: Statutes of limitations can bar claims filed too late. Even uncertainty about eligibility warrants immediate attorney consultation.

2. Choose Experienced Counsel: Select law firms with proven Roundup MDL experience, substantial settlement track records, and resources to fight Bayer through trial if necessary.

3. Gather Documentation: Collect all medical records, exposure proof, employment history, and financial damage documentation before your initial consultation.

4. Understand Settlement vs. Trial: Most cases settle through global agreements offering faster, predictable compensation. High-value cases may negotiate individual settlements or proceed to jury trial for maximum damages.

5. Consider Pre-Settlement Funding: If facing immediate financial hardship from medical bills or lost income, pre-settlement funding provides cash advances repayable only when your case settles.

6. Stay Informed: Monitor Roundup litigation developments including Supreme Court rulings, new settlement rounds, and legislative changes affecting claim eligibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides factual information about the Roundup class action lawsuit based on publicly available court documents and news reports. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Case details are based on court rulings and settlement agreements. Filing deadlines and eligibility requirements may vary. For legal advice regarding your specific situation or claim, please consult with a qualified attorney.

For more information on product liability and mass tort litigation, see our coverage of the Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits, TurboTax class action settlements, and consumer protection cases.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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