Monsanto’s Lawsuit, $11 Billion Roundup Catastrophe, 170,000 Cancer Victims, Supreme Court Showdown, and Why Your Lawn Could Be Next
Approximately 170,000 lawsuits allege Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers, with Bayer paying nearly $11 billion in settlements while 61,000 active cases remain pending. What are the Monsanto lawsuits about? Can you still file a claim if you’ve used Roundup?
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide in early 2026 whether it will hear Durnell v. Monsanto, a case that could either end or massively expand Roundup litigation nationwide. Meanwhile, juries awarded over $6 billion in verdicts against Bayer since October 2023, including a $1.5 billion verdict in November 2023—the largest Roundup award to date. On January 9, 2026, Monsanto moved to dismiss 89 of 121 Roundup lawsuits in New Jersey, citing jurisdictional issues, while Iowa legislators prepared to reconsider immunity legislation that could shield Bayer from future claims.
This Affects You If You’ve Used Roundup or Been Exposed to Glyphosate
This affects you if you’re a homeowner, gardener, landscaper, or agricultural worker who used Roundup weedkiller regularly and developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or related cancers. Understanding these lawsuits could help you access compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—or simply make informed decisions about which weed killers to use going forward.
What the Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits Allege
The massive wave of litigation against Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) centers on claims that the company’s blockbuster weed killer Roundup causes cancer and that Monsanto deliberately concealed this risk for decades.
The Background: How “Probably Carcinogenic” Triggered a Legal Avalanche
In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate—Roundup’s active ingredient—as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). This determination triggered the first lawsuits against Monsanto later that year.
The legal avalanche accelerated after 2018 when internal Monsanto documents dubbed “The Monsanto Papers” became public during litigation. These documents revealed the company ghostwrote scientific articles claiming Roundup was safe, established supposedly independent academic websites to discredit critics, and built networks of scientists to promote glyphosate safety “behind the scenes” as far back as 1999.
As of January 2026, approximately 170,000 Roundup cancer claims have been filed. Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018 for $63 billion, has settled nearly 100,000 cases for approximately $11 billion. However, roughly 61,000 active lawsuits remain pending, with more than 4,511 consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in California’s Northern District.
What Plaintiffs Claim Monsanto Did Wrong
The lawsuits allege multiple legal violations. First, product liability claims argue Roundup is defectively designed because glyphosate formulations are unreasonably dangerous when used as intended. Second, failure to warn claims assert Monsanto knew or should have known about cancer risks but failed to include adequate warnings on product labels.
Third, negligent design claims argue Monsanto could have used safer alternative herbicides but chose glyphosate for profit. Fourth, fraudulent concealment allegations accuse Monsanto of actively hiding scientific evidence linking glyphosate to cancer. Fifth, breach of warranty claims state Monsanto violated promises that Roundup was safe for humans when used as directed.
Plaintiffs point to the IARC classification, epidemiological studies showing increased lymphoma risk among agricultural workers, and Monsanto’s internal documents as evidence supporting their claims.
Which Cancers and Health Issues Are Linked to Roundup
The vast majority of Roundup lawsuits involve non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), an umbrella term for blood cancers affecting the lymphatic system. Specific NHL types include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and T-cell lymphomas.
Plaintiffs typically developed NHL after years or decades of Roundup exposure—agricultural workers, landscapers, groundskeepers, and home gardeners who sprayed Roundup regularly without protective equipment. Some cases involve people diagnosed in their 30s and 40s after occupational exposure starting in their teens or twenties.
Who Is Suing Monsanto and What Damages Are They Seeking
Lead plaintiffs include agricultural workers who applied Roundup for years on farms and commercial properties, landscaping professionals who used it for lawn care businesses, home gardeners who regularly sprayed Roundup in residential settings, and family members of deceased cancer victims seeking wrongful death damages.
Lawsuits seek compensation for past and future medical expenses (chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplants, ongoing monitoring), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering from cancer diagnosis and treatment, loss of consortium for spouses, and punitive damages to punish Monsanto for alleged corporate misconduct.
Recent verdicts have been staggering. In November 2023, a Missouri jury awarded $1.5 billion to three plaintiffs—Valorie Gunther, Jimmy Draeger, and Daniel Anderson. In December 2025, the Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed a $611 million verdict for three plaintiffs. Since October 2023, juries have delivered eight successful verdicts totaling over $6 billion.
The Current Status of Cases as of January 2026
The litigation landscape is fluid and complex. More than 4,511 federal cases remain consolidated in the MDL in California’s Northern District. The majority of the remaining 56,000+ cases are proceeding in state courts nationwide, where plaintiffs often achieve more favorable outcomes than in federal court.
On January 9, 2026, Monsanto filed motions to dismiss 89 of 121 Roundup lawsuits in New Jersey state court, arguing the cases lack jurisdictional connection to New Jersey. Plaintiffs countered that Bayer’s U.S. operations nerve center is in Whippany, New Jersey, establishing proper jurisdiction.
New cases continue filing regularly. Attorneys report hearing daily from individuals recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after years of Roundup exposure. The September 5, 2025 filing deadline for the federal MDL triggered over 37,000 new case submissions—demonstrating continued momentum despite Bayer’s settlement efforts.
What You Must Know About These Cases
Understanding the legal arguments, recent developments, and potential outcomes helps you evaluate whether these lawsuits affect you personally.
The Supreme Court Battle That Could End or Expand All Roundup Litigation
The single most important development for 2026 is the Supreme Court’s consideration of Monsanto Company v. Durnell. Monsanto petitioned the Court to decide whether federal law—specifically the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)—preempts state-based failure-to-warn claims.
Monsanto argues that because the EPA approved glyphosate product labels without cancer warnings, plaintiffs cannot sue under state law for failure to include such warnings. Federal courts are split on this issue. The Ninth Circuit has allowed these claims to proceed, while the Eleventh Circuit has taken the opposite view—creating a circuit split the Supreme Court may now resolve.
If the Supreme Court sides with Monsanto, tens of thousands of pending lawsuits could be dismissed, and future claims blocked. If the Court rejects Monsanto’s argument or declines to hear the case, litigation will continue expanding. The Court held a conference on June 26, 2025, and is expected to announce whether it will grant certiorari in early 2026. If accepted, oral arguments would occur during the 2025-2026 term.
State Legislation to Shield Monsanto from Lawsuits
Bayer has launched an aggressive campaign to obtain statutory immunity from Roundup lawsuits through state legislation. In 2024, Bayer founded the Modern Ag Alliance, working with state Farm Bureaus to push laws preventing what they call “scientifically unsound lawsuits.”
North Dakota and Georgia have passed shielding laws preventing certain pesticide-related lawsuits. Iowa’s House of Representatives is reconsidering a bill in 2026 that could shield Bayer from Roundup litigation after similar legislation stalled in 2025. The chemical industry also attempted to include immunity provisions in the federal FY2026 funding bill, but this language was dropped in January 2026 after opposition from over fifty organizations.
If more states pass immunity legislation, victims in those states could be barred from pursuing compensation even with strong evidence of harm—a development consumer advocates call a fundamental denial of justice.
Monsanto’s Defense Strategy and What Bayer Says
Monsanto maintains Roundup is safe and that decades of scientific studies support glyphosate’s safety. The company points to the EPA’s position that glyphosate is not carcinogenic and argues the agency refused to approve cancer warning labels because such warnings would be misleading.
In the Durnell case, Monsanto argues it was actually told by the EPA in 2019 that adding the IARC’s cancer warnings would render Roundup “misbranded” under federal law—creating an impossible situation where complying with state failure-to-warn claims would violate federal labeling rules.
Bayer settled most early cases without admitting wrongdoing. The company states it settled “to avoid the cost and time of further litigation” and maintains its products are safe. However, recent jury verdicts suggest juries find plaintiff evidence more compelling than Monsanto’s defense.
What Happens Next: Timeline and Potential Outcomes
Several scenarios could unfold in 2026. If the Supreme Court grants certiorari in Durnell and rules for Monsanto, the litigation could collapse as thousands of cases face dismissal based on federal preemption. If the Court declines the case or rules against Monsanto, litigation will continue with potentially tens of thousands of additional claims.
Bayer has publicly stated it aims to “significantly contain the US litigation by the end of 2026” through its multi-pronged strategy of settlements, favorable court rulings, and state immunity legislation. However, late 2025 and early 2026 jury verdicts demonstrate continued plaintiff success, keeping settlement values high.
For individual cases, expect 18-36 months from filing to settlement for cases Bayer agrees to resolve pre-trial. Cases proceeding to trial take 2-4 years. Complex cases involving extensive expert testimony or multiple defendants take longer.
What to Do Next If You’ve Used Roundup
Whether you’re considering a lawsuit or simply want to monitor developments, knowing where to find reliable information is essential.
How to Determine If You Have a Potential Roundup Claim
You may have a claim if you meet these criteria. First, you were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or related blood cancer. Second, you used Roundup regularly over several years or decades—not just once or twice. Third, you used Roundup before your diagnosis, establishing exposure preceded illness.
Fourth, you can document your Roundup exposure through purchase receipts, employer records showing occupational use, witness testimony from family or coworkers, or photos showing you using Roundup products. Medical records confirming your lymphoma diagnosis are essential.
Contact a product liability attorney specializing in Roundup litigation for a free case evaluation. Most work on contingency—you pay nothing unless you win. They typically take 33-40 percent of settlements or verdicts.
Where to Find Official Case Information and Track Updates
Access federal MDL dockets through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.gov. The Roundup MDL is Case No. 3:16-md-02741-VC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. PACER requires account creation and charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3 per document.
For state court cases, check individual state court websites. Most offer free online docket search by case number or party name. Major Roundup litigation hubs include Missouri, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania state courts.
Monitor trusted legal news sources covering Roundup litigation including Law360 (subscription required), ClassAction.org (free), Drugwatch.com (free consumer resource), and TopClassActions.com (free). These sites report on major verdicts, court rulings, and settlement developments.
The Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog provides environmental and health perspective on pesticide litigation. For Monsanto’s position, visit Bayer’s website at bayer.com, though expect carefully worded corporate statements emphasizing safety claims.
What You Should Do Right Now If You’re Still Using Roundup
If you currently use Roundup and are concerned about cancer risk, consider switching to alternative weed killers that don’t contain glyphosate. Options include vinegar-based herbicides, horticultural corn gluten meal, manual weeding, or alternative chemical herbicides like 2,4-D (though these have their own safety concerns).
Bayer announced in July 2021 it would remove glyphosate from residential Roundup products by January 2023 because over 90 percent of lawsuits came from residential users. However, as of January 2026, commercial Roundup products still contain glyphosate and remain widely available for agricultural and professional use.
If you must use Roundup, wear protective equipment including gloves, long sleeves, pants, and a mask to minimize skin contact and inhalation. Apply on calm days to prevent drift, and shower immediately after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Monsanto lawsuits about?
The lawsuits allege Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers due to its active ingredient glyphosate, which the World Health Organization classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Plaintiffs claim Monsanto knew about cancer risks for decades but failed to warn consumers and actively concealed scientific evidence. Approximately 170,000 lawsuits have been filed as of January 2026.
Who is suing Monsanto and what damages can they receive?
Agricultural workers, landscapers, groundskeepers, and home gardeners who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after regular Roundup exposure are suing. Successful plaintiffs receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Recent verdicts range from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions per plaintiff—a November 2023 Missouri jury awarded $1.5 billion to three victims, though appeal processes typically reduce final amounts.
Can I still file a Roundup lawsuit in 2026?
Yes. Despite Bayer settling nearly 100,000 cases, approximately 61,000 lawsuits remain active and new cases continue filing. Statutes of limitations vary by state—typically 1-4 years from diagnosis or when you discovered the connection between Roundup and your illness. If you were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after regular Roundup use, contact a product liability attorney immediately for a free case evaluation to determine if you qualify.
What is the current status of the Monsanto Supreme Court case?
The Supreme Court is considering whether to hear Monsanto Company v. Durnell, which could determine if federal law blocks state-based failure-to-warn claims. This case could either dismiss tens of thousands of pending lawsuits or allow them to proceed. The Court held a conference on June 26, 2025, and is expected to announce in early 2026 whether it will grant certiorari. If accepted, oral arguments would occur during the 2025-2026 term.
How much has Bayer paid in Roundup settlements?
Bayer has paid approximately $11 billion to settle nearly 100,000 Roundup cases. Additionally, juries have awarded over $6 billion in trial verdicts since October 2023, though final amounts after appeals are typically lower. Individual settlement amounts vary based on factors including cancer severity, duration of Roundup exposure, age at diagnosis, medical expenses, and lost income—ranging from tens of thousands to millions per plaintiff.
Is Roundup still sold in stores?
Yes. Despite the litigation, Roundup remains widely available for purchase throughout the United States as of January 2026. Bayer removed glyphosate from residential Roundup products in 2023, but commercial products for agricultural and professional use still contain glyphosate. The product has not been recalled, and the EPA maintains its position that glyphosate is not carcinogenic, contradicting the World Health Organization’s classification.
What happens if states pass immunity laws for Monsanto?
North Dakota and Georgia have passed laws shielding chemical manufacturers from certain pesticide lawsuits. Iowa is reconsidering similar legislation in 2026. If more states enact immunity laws, residents in those states could be barred from filing Roundup lawsuits even with evidence of harm. Consumer advocates argue these laws deny victims their constitutional right to seek justice and could set dangerous precedents protecting corporate wrongdoing
Pro Tip: If you’ve used Roundup regularly and are concerned about cancer risk, request your complete medical records now—even if you haven’t been diagnosed with anything. Having a baseline record of your health status proves you were healthy before exposure. If you’re later diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, this documentation strengthens your timeline and shows the illness developed after Roundup exposure. Most medical providers offer free or low-cost record copies to patients.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Monsanto lawsuits and Roundup litigation based on court filings, jury verdicts, and public records. It is not legal advice. Monsanto lawsuit outcomes vary by individual circumstances and jurisdiction. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal services or represent clients in litigation. For specific questions about whether you have a viable Roundup claim, statutes of limitations in your state, or case value, consult a qualified product liability lawsuit attorney experienced in toxic tort cases.
Related Resources:
- Understanding product liability lawsuits and manufacturer responsibilities
- How class action lawsuits work and your rights as a plaintiff
- Kaiser class action lawsuit settlement procedures and claim filing
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Last Updated: January 12, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments
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.
Read more about Sarah