Monsanto Lawsuit, Current Status and Settlement Information (2025-26)
Monsanto lawsuit involves over 61,000 active cases claiming Roundup weedkiller causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bayer has settled approximately 100,000 claims for $11 billion, but recent verdicts total billions more, including a $2.1 billion Georgia award and a $611 million Missouri verdict. Settlement amounts range from $5,000 to $200,000+ depending on case strength.
What Is the Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs claim Monsanto failed to warn that glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, causes cancer despite a 2015 WHO classification labeling it “probably carcinogenic”. The litigation alleges the company knew about cancer risks but prioritized profits over consumer safety.
Current Litigation Status
Active Cases:
- 61,000 lawsuits pending as of fall 2025
- Over 4,000 cases in federal MDL in Northern District of California
- Most cases now in state courts
Settlement Progress:
- Nearly 100,000 cases settled for approximately $11 billion
- New cases filed weekly as diagnoses continue
Recent Verdicts (2023-2025)
Major jury awards demonstrate plaintiff success:
- March 2025: Georgia jury awarded $2.1 billion ($65M compensatory, $2B punitive)
- June 2025: Missouri appeals court upheld $611 million verdict
- January 2024: Philadelphia jury awarded $2.25 billion (later reduced to $400 million)
- October 2024: Pennsylvania jury awarded $78 million
- November 2023: Missouri jury awarded $1.5 billion to three plaintiffs
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Roundup lawsuit, you must:
Diagnosis:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma or related cancers (B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia)
- Current diagnosis or prior treatment history
Exposure:
- Used Roundup for at least three years after 1990
- Minimum 50 hours of use after 1974, or 150 hours total of mixing/applying
High-Risk Groups:
- Agricultural workers, landscapers, farmers, gardeners with regular use
Settlement Compensation Amounts
Original settlements ranged from $100,000 to $160,000. Current estimates suggest $5,000 to $200,000+ depending on:
- Cancer type and severity
- Treatment outcome
- Age and earning capacity
- Strength of exposure evidence
- Medical expenses
Point-Based System: Bayer uses a scoring system to rank cases into tiers based on injury severity and claim strength, with higher scores receiving larger payouts.
Filing Deadlines and Time Limits
Most states require filing within two years from diagnosis date. Some state deadlines have already passed. If you believe you have a claim, contact an attorney immediately.
How to File a Claim
- Consult with a specialized Roundup attorney
- Gather evidence:
- Medical records confirming NHL diagnosis
- Proof of Roundup exposure (receipts, work history)
- Witness statements
- File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
- Discovery and settlement negotiations
- Trial if settlement not reached
What Legal Experts Say
Bayer faces mounting pressure with jury awards in 2023-2024 surpassing $3 billion combined, and no indication jurors are growing sympathetic to the defense. The company has added $1.37 billion in litigation reserves.
Bayer’s Defense Strategy: Seeking Supreme Court ruling that EPA approval preempts state failure-to-warn claims. In February 2025, Bayer urged lawmakers to pass legislation shielding it from liability.
Recent Developments (2025)
June 2025: Supreme Court requested Justice Department views on whether to hear Bayer’s preemption appeal
June 2025: New Jersey Supreme Court approved multicounty litigation for Roundup cases
September 2025: Bayer announced CropKey, a new herbicide using icafolin-methyl instead of glyphosate
December 2025: MDL dropped 18 cases, bringing total to 4,508 pending federal cases
Scientific Evidence
June 2025: Italian study published in Environmental Health found glyphosate causes multiple cancer types in rats, including leukemia, even at doses regulators consider safe. The study involved over 1,000 rats and showed increased tumor rates across all treated groups.
Settlement Criteria Changes
Some law firms reopened case criteria after previously tightening restrictions, encouraging individuals who were told they didn’t qualify to reach out again. Diagnoses often take years to develop after exposure.
Bayer’s Financial Position
Bayer’s market cap collapsed to roughly $25.65 billion in 2025, less than half the $63 billion spent acquiring Monsanto in 2018. The company has threatened bankruptcy and set aside only $5.9 billion for future settlements.
FAQ
Are new lawsuits still being filed?
Yes, new lawsuits are filed weekly as people are diagnosed with NHL after latency periods following exposure.
What is the average settlement?
Original settlements ranged $100,000-$160,000. Current cases may vary significantly based on individual factors.
Is there still time to file?
Possibly, but timing is critical as statutes of limitations vary by state, typically two years from diagnosis.
What happens if Bayer declares bankruptcy?
All lawsuits would be pushed into bankruptcy court, potentially limiting compensation.
Next Steps
If you used Roundup regularly and developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
- Consult a specialized attorney immediately
- Document your Roundup usage history
- Gather medical records
- Act before your state’s deadline expires
The litigation continues evolving with new verdicts, settlements, and legal developments. Given the ongoing nature of this litigation and significant recent verdicts, affected individuals should seek legal counsel promptly.
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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