how many monsanto roundup lawsuits

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The Massive Scale of Roundup Litigation

How many monsanto roundup lawsuits have been filed? The numbers are staggering and continue to grow as more people find potential links between Roundup exposure and serious health problems.

Quick Answer:

  • Total lawsuits filed: Approximately 170,000 claims
  • Currently pending: Around 67,000 active cases
  • Federal MDL cases: 4,437 in California federal court
  • Settled claims: ~100,000 for approximately $11 billion
  • Trial verdicts: Over $8 billion awarded across 24 completed trials

The Roundup litigation represents one of the largest mass tort cases in U.S. history. What started as individual claims by farmers and gardeners who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma has exploded into a legal battle involving tens of thousands of plaintiffs against Bayer AG, which acquired Monsanto in 2018.

The sheer volume of cases reflects widespread concerns about glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, which the World Health Organization classified as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015. Despite Bayer’s continued defense of the product’s safety, juries have consistently sided with plaintiffs, awarding billions in damages.

I’m Mason Arnao, and through my work in data management and lead generation, I’ve tracked the explosive growth of how many monsanto roundup lawsuits have been filed across multiple platforms and databases. The numbers tell a compelling story of one of the most significant product liability cases of our time.

Infographic showing Roundup lawsuit statistics: 170,000 total claims filed, 67,000 pending cases, $11 billion in settlements paid, and $8 billion in trial verdicts awarded - how many monsanto roundup lawsuits infographic

How many monsanto roundup lawsuits terms made easy:

  • Class action lawsuit against roundup
  • Roundup lawsuit verdict
  • What cancers are included in the roundup lawsuit

How Many Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits Are There in 2025?

The legal battle over Roundup weed killer continues to unfold in 2025, creating one of the most complex mass tort cases we’ve ever seen. As someone who’s been tracking these numbers closely, I can tell you that the scale is truly remarkable.

Courthouse with a gavel - how many monsanto roundup lawsuits

The story really began gaining momentum after 2015, when the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” That classification opened the floodgates for people who’d used Roundup and later developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

What makes this litigation so complex is how it’s spread across different court systems. When Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018, they inherited this massive legal headache. The federal courts created a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to handle thousands of similar cases more efficiently, while state courts continue managing their own dockets.

Answering ‘How Many Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits’ Have Been Filed?

Here’s the number that might surprise you: approximately 170,000 Roundup claims have been filed in total. That’s not a typo – we’re talking about nearly 200,000 people who believe Roundup caused their cancer.

This initial wave of lawsuits created what’s now considered one of the largest product liability cases in U.S. history. The growth has been exponential, reflecting both Roundup’s widespread use and increasing public awareness about potential health risks.

If you’re wondering about the specifics of these cases, our detailed guide on Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits breaks down everything you need to know about how these claims work.

How Many Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits Are Still Pending?

Despite Bayer’s settlement efforts, how many monsanto roundup lawsuits remain active? The answer is substantial: approximately 67,000 cases are still pending across federal and state courts.

The federal system handles a significant chunk through the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in California’s Northern District. As of August 2025, 4,437 cases remain active in this federal MDL alone.

But that’s just the federal side of things. State courts across the country are managing tens of thousands of additional cases. Each state has its own legal procedures and timelines, which means this litigation will likely continue for years to come.

The numbers tell us something important: even with massive settlement efforts, people are still filing new claims as they receive cancer diagnoses and make potential connections to their Roundup exposure.

How Many Claims Has Bayer Settled?

Bayer has been working hard to put this litigation behind them. The company has settled approximately 100,000 claims for a staggering $11 billion. That’s billion with a “B.”

This massive payout shows Bayer’s strategy to reduce their legal exposure and move forward. But here’s what’s interesting: about $2 billion of that settlement fund was specifically set aside for future claims. That tells us Bayer expects more people to come forward with cancer diagnoses linked to Roundup use.

The ongoing settlement negotiations continue as new cases are filed. Despite the enormous sums already paid out, the litigation is far from over. People continue to be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and some are making connections to their past Roundup exposure.

Landmark Verdicts and Financial Impact on Bayer

When juries hear Roundup cases, they don’t hold back. The courtroom battles have delivered some truly jaw-dropping verdicts that have shaken Bayer to its core. These aren’t just about covering medical bills—juries have been sending a clear message with punitive damages that punish the company for what they see as serious misconduct.

Newspaper headlines announcing large Roundup verdicts - how many monsanto roundup lawsuits

The financial hit to Bayer has been massive. Every major verdict sends their stock price tumbling and forces them back to the settlement table. It’s become a pattern: jury awards billions, Bayer appeals to reduce the amount, but the damage to their reputation and finances is already done.

Total Amount Awarded in Trial Verdicts

The numbers from how many monsanto roundup lawsuits have gone to trial are staggering. Across 24 completed trials, juries have awarded more than $8 billion in total damages to victims. That’s billion with a “B.”

What’s even more telling is the recent trend. Since October 2023 alone, plaintiffs have won over $4 billion in new verdicts. This surge shows that juries aren’t getting tired of these cases—if anything, they’re becoming more convinced that Roundup causes cancer.

These consistent wins put enormous pressure on Bayer. Every new trial carries the risk of another massive payout, which explains why they keep pushing for settlements. For detailed coverage of these court victories, check out our comprehensive updates on Roundup Lawsuit Verdicts.

Notable Plaintiff Wins

Some verdicts stand out as true game-changers in the Roundup litigation. These cases didn’t just award money—they shaped how all future cases would be fought.

John McKivison’s $2.25 billion verdict in January 2024 made headlines across the country. This Philadelphia jury award was the largest single Roundup verdict at the time. McKivison had used Roundup for decades before developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While a judge later reduced it to $400 million, the original amount sent shockwaves through Bayer’s boardroom.

Dewayne Johnson’s groundbreaking case deserves special mention as the very first Roundup trial. In August 2018, this school groundskeeper won $289 million after developing terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma from extensive Roundup use. Though appeals reduced it to $78 million, this verdict proved in court that the link between Roundup and cancer was real.

The Pilliod couple’s $2 billion award in May 2019 showed that juries would protect elderly victims too. Alva and Alberta Pilliod both developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after years of using Roundup in their garden. Their massive award (later reduced to $87 million) demonstrated that punitive damages could reach astronomical levels.

Perhaps most significant was the Missouri verdict of $611 million that was upheld in May 2025. The Missouri Court of Appeals rejected all of Bayer’s arguments and affirmed the jury’s findings for four plaintiffs. This ruling was devastating because it reinforced that Monsanto had deliberately concealed known cancer risks from users.

Bayer hasn’t given up the fight. Their main legal strategy centers on federal preemption—essentially arguing that EPA approval of Roundup’s label should trump state laws requiring cancer warnings. It’s a clever argument: if the federal government says the label is fine, how can states demand different warnings?

The Supreme Court’s interest in this strategy has given Bayer hope. The Court asked the Justice Department to weigh in on the Durnell case, where Missouri courts upheld a $1.25 million verdict. Bayer CEO Bill Anderson called this an “encouraging step” toward limiting their legal exposure.

If the Supreme Court rules in Bayer’s favor, it could slam the door on many future failure-to-warn claims. But it’s a risky bet—there’s no guarantee the Court will side with them. Meanwhile, Bayer has been lobbying Congress to include language in the Farm Bill that would shield them from Roundup lawsuits entirely.

These legal maneuvers show just how desperate Bayer has become to stop the bleeding from how many monsanto roundup lawsuits continue to drain their resources and damage their reputation.

The Scientific Evidence and Corporate Conduct in Question

Behind every how many monsanto roundup lawsuits statistic lies a deeper story about science, corporate responsibility, and the quest for truth. The massive scale of litigation didn’t happen overnight—it grew from mounting scientific evidence and shocking revelations about what Monsanto knew and when they knew it.

Scientist looking through a microscope - how many monsanto roundup lawsuits

The scientific debate around Roundup isn’t just academic—it’s personal for thousands of families dealing with cancer diagnoses. Meanwhile, internal corporate documents have painted a troubling picture of a company that may have prioritized profits over public safety.

The turning point came in March 2015 when the World Health Organization’s cancer research arm dropped a bombshell. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate—Roundup’s main ingredient—as a probable human carcinogen.

This wasn’t a hasty decision. The IARC based their classification on “limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans” and “sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.” For cancer patients and their families, this official recognition validated their worst fears.

The science kept building. In 2019, researchers from the University of Washington published a game-changing study. They found that people exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides had a 41% increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This wasn’t just a small bump in risk—it was a significant finding that strengthened thousands of legal cases.

But here’s where it gets complicated. The scientific world isn’t speaking with one voice. The EPA still maintains that glyphosate is “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” The Agricultural Health Study, which followed over 54,000 pesticide users, found no link to blood cancers.

This scientific disagreement is exactly what makes these cases so challenging—and why juries have become the ultimate decision-makers in this debate.

What the “Monsanto Papers” Revealed

If the scientific evidence opened the door to litigation, the “Monsanto Papers” blew it wide open. These internal company documents, revealed through the legal findy process, exposed what many consider a shocking pattern of corporate behavior.

The documents revealed Monsanto’s alleged strategy to discredit independent scientists while maintaining a public face of safety. Internal memos suggested the company spent $17 million on campaigns to undermine negative research about Roundup.

Perhaps most damaging was evidence of “ghostwriting” scientific papers. The documents suggested Monsanto would draft studies that appeared to support Roundup’s safety, then have outside academics put their names on them. This practice, if proven, undermines the very foundation of independent scientific research.

The papers also revealed efforts to influence regulatory bodies and shape public opinion. For juries hearing these cases, the Monsanto Papers have been powerful evidence that the company may have known about cancer risks while publicly denying them.

These revelations have been crucial in the federal MDL cases and have helped explain why juries have consistently sided with cancer patients over corporate interests.

Upcoming Regulatory Scrutiny

The regulatory landscape is shifting, and it could impact the future of how many monsanto roundup lawsuits get filed. The EPA is conducting a comprehensive glyphosate safety review with a 2026 deadline—and this time, they’re under intense scrutiny.

The 9th Circuit Court previously found “serious flaws” in the EPA’s cancer analysis, forcing the agency to withdraw its interim decision. This wasn’t just a bureaucratic hiccup—it was a recognition that the EPA’s previous work wasn’t thorough enough.

Adding pressure is the “Make American Healthy Again (MAHA)” report commissioned by Health Secretary Kennedy. The report raises alarming questions about pesticide safety, noting that over 40,000 chemicals, including glyphosate, have been detected in children’s blood and urine.

The upcoming 2026 EPA review could be a watershed moment. If the agency changes its position on glyphosate’s safety, it could validate the concerns of cancer patients and potentially open the door to even more lawsuits. For Bayer, it represents both a risk and an opportunity to finally put the scientific debate to rest.

This regulatory scrutiny shows that the Roundup story is far from over, even as settlement numbers climb and court cases continue.

Do You Qualify for a Roundup Cancer Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Roundup weed killer, you’re probably wondering whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. With how many monsanto roundup lawsuits reaching into the tens of thousands, it’s clear that many people have found themselves in similar situations. The good news is that you may still have options, even if some time has passed since your diagnosis.

The path to filing a Roundup cancer claim involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, understanding statute of limitations rules, proving your exposure to the herbicide, and having the right medical documentation. Let’s walk through what you need to know.

Cancers Covered in Roundup Claims

The heart of these lawsuits centers around non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which has been the primary cancer linked to Roundup exposure in courtrooms across the country. However, the scope extends beyond just NHL to include several related blood cancers that share similar characteristics.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) remains the most commonly alleged cancer in Roundup litigation. This umbrella term covers various types of blood cancers that affect the lymphatic system. Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) represents one of the most aggressive forms, involving the rapid, uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. Many successful verdicts have involved plaintiffs diagnosed with this particular subtype.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is another qualifying condition. Unlike DLBCL, CLL typically progresses more slowly but still affects white blood cells in both the blood and bone marrow. Other qualifying cancers include various B-cell and T-cell lymphomas such as Follicular Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, and Hairy Cell Leukemia.

Each case is unique, and the specific type of cancer you’ve been diagnosed with plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility. What matters most is establishing the connection between your diagnosis and your history of Roundup use.

What Proof Is Needed to File a Claim?

Building a strong Roundup cancer case requires gathering solid evidence that demonstrates both your exposure to the herbicide and your subsequent cancer diagnosis. Think of it as telling your story through documentation and expert testimony.

Evidence of Roundup use forms the foundation of your case. This might include purchase receipts if you still have them, but don’t worry if you don’t. Landscaping records, employment history showing you worked with herbicides, or even witness statements from family members, neighbors, or coworkers who saw you using Roundup can all help establish your exposure pattern. The duration and frequency of use often matter more than having perfect documentation.

Medical records confirming your diagnosis are absolutely essential. You’ll need comprehensive documentation that details your cancer diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis. These records help establish not just what type of cancer you have, but also the timeline of when it developed relative to your Roundup exposure.

Expert testimony often makes or breaks these cases. Oncologists can speak to your specific diagnosis and treatment, while toxicologists and epidemiologists can help establish the scientific link between glyphosate exposure and your cancer. The good news is that experienced Roundup attorneys typically have relationships with qualified experts who understand this litigation inside and out.

Is It Too Late to File a Claim?

One of the most common questions we hear is whether it’s too late to pursue a Roundup cancer claim. The answer depends on several factors, but the most important is your state’s statute of limitations – essentially the legal deadline for filing your lawsuit.

These deadlines vary significantly from state to state, typically ranging from one to three years. However, the clock doesn’t necessarily start ticking from when you were first diagnosed. Many states follow what’s called the “findy rule,” which means the deadline begins when you reasonably finded (or should have finded) the potential link between Roundup and your illness.

For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations typically begins from the date of death rather than the original diagnosis. This gives surviving family members time to understand the potential connection and pursue justice on behalf of their loved one.

The critical thing to understand is that waiting can cost you your right to seek compensation. Even if you think you might be close to a deadline, experienced attorneys often know strategies that might still protect your rights. The importance of acting quickly cannot be overstated – every day that passes could bring you closer to losing your opportunity for justice.

While the federal MDL remains active and new cases continue to be filed, each individual situation has its own timeline constraints. You can learn more about how these cases work, including the differences between individual lawsuits and class action approaches, by exploring our resources on the Class Action Lawsuit Against Roundup.

The bottom line? If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after using Roundup, don’t assume it’s too late. A quick consultation with an experienced attorney can clarify your options and help you understand whether you still have time to pursue a claim.

Understanding Potential Roundup Settlements

If you’re considering filing a Roundup lawsuit, you’re probably wondering what kind of compensation might be available. The settlement process can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions about your case.

What Are Potential Settlement Amounts?

The truth about Roundup settlement amounts is that no two cases are exactly alike. Your potential compensation depends on several important factors that make your situation unique.

The severity of your illness plays the biggest role in determining your case value. If you’re dealing with an aggressive cancer that requires intensive treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, or multiple surgeries, your case will likely be worth more than someone with a less severe diagnosis. The stage of your cancer when diagnosed also matters significantly.

How much and how long you used Roundup directly impacts your claim’s strength. Someone who used the product daily for decades as a landscaper will typically have a stronger case than someone who used it occasionally in their backyard. Courts look closely at your level of exposure when determining compensation.

Your economic damages include all the money you’ve lost because of your cancer diagnosis. This covers medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and your reduced ability to earn money in the future. These are the easier damages to calculate because they involve actual dollar amounts.

Then there are non-economic damages – the harder-to-measure impacts on your life. This includes your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and how cancer has affected your ability to enjoy activities you once loved.

Individual case values typically range from $50,000 to well over $1 million, depending on these factors. The most severe cases with clear causation have resulted in much larger awards. Recent trial verdicts show juries have been generous with plaintiffs, awarding over $6 billion total across completed trials.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Settlement Check?

Getting your settlement check isn’t like cashing a lottery ticket – the process takes time, even after you’ve agreed to a settlement amount. Most people receive their compensation anywhere from a few weeks to several months after reaching an agreement.

Why the wait? Several important steps happen behind the scenes. Your legal team needs to resolve any liens against your settlement. This means paying back Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance companies that covered your medical expenses. They also need to handle legal fees and make sure all the paperwork is perfect.

Mass tort complexity adds another layer to the timeline. Since how many monsanto roundup lawsuits involve thousands of people, the administrative process naturally takes longer than a simple car accident case. Your attorney’s office has to coordinate with the settlement administrator, process documentation for multiple clients, and ensure everyone gets paid correctly.

We know waiting for your settlement check can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re dealing with ongoing medical bills and lost income. The good news is that experienced legal teams work hard to speed up this process as much as possible.

For more specific information about what to expect during the payment process, you can read our detailed guide, “When Will I Get My Roundup Settlement Check?”. This resource walks you through each step and helps set realistic expectations for your timeline.

The numbers tell a powerful story. With how many monsanto roundup lawsuits reaching approximately 170,000 filed claims, billions in settlements already paid, and consistent jury verdicts favoring plaintiffs, one thing is crystal clear: this litigation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Despite Bayer’s massive $11 billion settlement effort and their ongoing appeals strategy, the legal pressure keeps building. The scientific evidence continues to evolve, and those damning “Monsanto Papers” aren’t going anywhere. Meanwhile, newly diagnosed cancer patients keep stepping forward, and juries keep siding with them in courtrooms across America.

The reality is sobering. Roundup remains on store shelves while thousands of people battle cancer they believe was caused by this widely-used herbicide. The upcoming EPA review in 2026 and increasing regulatory scrutiny suggest we’re nowhere near the end of this story.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after using Roundup, you’re not alone in this fight. The sheer scale of this litigation proves that thousands of families have faced similar heartbreak and are seeking answers. Understanding your legal rights is absolutely crucial – and time may be running out due to statute of limitations deadlines.

At Tort Advisor, we’ve seen how overwhelming this process can feel. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to connecting people like you with attorneys who truly understand these complex cases. We’re not just another legal referral service – we work exclusively with highly skilled attorneys who have proven track records in Roundup litigation.

We’re here to help, wherever you are. Our team operates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with offices in major cities like Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. But more importantly, we understand that every case is personal, and every family deserves compassionate, expert legal guidance.

The fight for justice continues, and you don’t have to face it alone. Explore your options for a Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit and take that crucial first step toward understanding your rights and potential compensation.

 

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