Roundup lawsuit claims have reshaped mass tort litigation in the United States. This federal multidistrict litigation targets Monsanto, now owned by Bayer AG. Plaintiffs allege its glyphosate-based herbicide causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. As of May 2026, approximately 170,000 lawsuits have been filed. The litigation remains one of the largest product liability cases in American history. A proposed $7.25 billion class action settlement is currently under judicial review. However, a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision could dramatically alter the legal landscape for current and future claimants.
Case Timeline
Last checked: May 16, 2026
What Is the Roundup Lawsuit About?
The Roundup lawsuit centers on glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer. Monsanto introduced Roundup in 1974. It became the most widely used herbicide in the world. Farmers, landscapers, and homeowners applied it to control weeds for decades. Plaintiffs allege that prolonged exposure causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification became a cornerstone of the litigation.
Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 for $63 billion. It inherited the growing wave of cancer-related lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim Monsanto knew about the cancer risks for decades. They allege the company failed to warn consumers or add safety labels. As a result, thousands of homeowners, farmworkers, and landscapers developed serious blood cancers after years of regular use.
The U.S. EPA has maintained that glyphosate is “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” However, multiple juries have sided with plaintiffs in state and federal courts. Several landmark verdicts have awarded significant damages. These conflicting positions between federal regulators and civil juries remain central to this ongoing legal battle.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | 2741 |
| Full Case Name | IN RE: Roundup Products Liability Litigation |
| Presiding Judge | Hon. Vince Chhabria |
| Federal District | U.S. District Court, Northern District of California |
| Pending Federal Cases | Approximately 3,887 (as of May 2026) |
| Total Lawsuits Filed | Approximately 170,000 |
| Active Cases Remaining | Approximately 61,000 |
| Supreme Court Arguments | April 27, 2026 (Monsanto Co. v. Durnell) |
| Decision Expected | By early July 2026 |
The federal Roundup lawsuit MDL was established in 2016. It consolidated thousands of cases for pretrial proceedings in San Francisco. Since then, Bayer has settled nearly 100,000 claims. The company has paid approximately $11 billion in total settlements. However, roughly 61,000 active cases remain pending across federal and state courts nationwide.
In most cases, the litigation has progressed well beyond the discovery phase. Multiple bellwether trials have resulted in plaintiff verdicts. For example, juries in California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania awarded substantial damages. Trial judges later reduced some of these amounts. The outcomes of these early trials helped shape ongoing settlement negotiations between the parties.
Who Qualifies for the Roundup Lawsuit?
You may qualify for the Roundup lawsuit if you used Roundup products regularly and later developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Typically, plaintiffs include homeowners, agricultural workers, landscapers, and groundskeepers. The exposure period generally spans years of repeated use. A confirmed cancer diagnosis is typically required to pursue a claim.
Qualifying conditions most commonly include non-Hodgkin lymphoma and its subtypes. These include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Other lymphatic cancers linked to glyphosate exposure may also qualify. However, each case is evaluated individually based on exposure history and medical evidence.
Evidence that strengthens a claim includes purchase receipts, medical records, and documentation of exposure duration. Testimony from coworkers or family members can also help establish usage patterns. An attorney experienced in mass tort litigation can assess whether your circumstances meet the filing requirements. It is important to consult a licensed attorney to evaluate your potential claim.
How to File a Roundup Lawsuit Claim
Filing a Roundup lawsuit begins with consulting a mass tort attorney. Most firms offer free initial case evaluations. The attorney will review your exposure history, cancer diagnosis, and medical records. If your case qualifies, the firm will typically handle it on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal costs.
After retaining an attorney, you will complete a plaintiff fact sheet. This document details your Roundup usage history, medical diagnosis, and treatment timeline. Your case will then be filed in either the federal MDL or a state court. The filing location depends on several factors. These include where you reside and where the primary exposure occurred.
Statutes of limitations vary significantly by state. In most cases, plaintiffs have between one and six years from diagnosis or discovery to file. For example, California typically allows two years from the date of injury. Other states may permit longer filing windows. The discovery rule may extend deadlines in some jurisdictions. However, unnecessary delays can permanently bar your claim. Consulting an attorney promptly is strongly recommended.
Settlement Updates and What to Expect
In February 2026, Bayer proposed a $7.25 billion class action settlement. This proposal covers both current and future Roundup lawsuit claims related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A Missouri judge granted preliminary approval in March 2026. Final approval hearings are scheduled for July 2026. However, Bayer may withdraw unless most of the approximately 65,000 eligible plaintiffs agree to participate.
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Federal MDL Judge Chhabria has expressed concerns about the settlement structure. He questioned whether a Missouri class action can legally bind plaintiffs in other states. He also raised issues about requiring undiagnosed Roundup users to decide on participation this summer. These judicial concerns introduce uncertainty into the timeline for final resolution.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 27, 2026, in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell. Bayer argues that federal EPA labeling decisions should preempt state failure-to-warn claims under FIFRA. A ruling in Bayer’s favor could significantly limit future Roundup lawsuit filings nationwide. The justices appeared divided during arguments. A decision is expected by early July 2026. Settlement values for individual claims vary widely based on diagnosis severity, exposure duration, and treatment history.
State-by-State Considerations
State tort laws significantly affect Roundup lawsuit outcomes. Each state sets its own statute of limitations, damage caps, and evidentiary standards. California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania have seen the most significant litigation activity to date. These states have produced major jury verdicts and large plaintiff populations. Illinois and Georgia have also seen notable case filings and trial outcomes.
Tort reform laws in some states may limit available damages. As a result, settlement values can differ substantially depending on jurisdiction. For example, states with caps on punitive damages may yield lower total awards. Understanding your state’s specific legal framework is essential. A qualified attorney can explain how local laws affect your potential Roundup lawsuit recovery. For state-specific information, visit the MassTortInfo.com state tort reform guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to file a Roundup lawsuit in 2026?
It depends on your state’s statute of limitations and when you were diagnosed. Plaintiffs diagnosed in 2024 or 2025 likely still have time in most states. However, those diagnosed earlier should verify their deadline immediately. Consulting a licensed attorney is the best way to confirm your eligibility.
How long does a Roundup lawsuit take to resolve?
Timelines vary considerably. Some cases settle within months of filing. Others may take several years, especially if they proceed to trial. The pending Supreme Court decision and class action settlement could accelerate resolutions for many plaintiffs in 2026.
What compensation might I receive from a Roundup lawsuit?
Individual settlement amounts vary based on many factors. These include cancer type, treatment costs, lost wages, and exposure duration. You might be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income. An experienced mass tort attorney can provide a realistic assessment of your potential claim value.
Check If You May Qualify
Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and MDL information:
- JPML: jpml.uscourts.gov — official MDL statistics and transfer orders
- DOJ: justice.gov — settlement announcements and press releases
- FDA: fda.gov — drug recalls, warning letters, and safety alerts
- CDC: cdc.gov — health condition data and exposure guidelines
- EPA: epa.gov — environmental contamination data
- Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu — plain-English legal definitions
Content last reviewed May 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.