The Roundup lawsuit remains one of the largest mass torts in American history heading into 2026. Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018, has already paid billions to settle claims that its glyphosate-based weed killer causes cancer.
Tens of thousands of cases are still pending. New claims continue to arrive. If you used Roundup and later developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another blood cancer, you may still have time to file.
This article covers every angle of the litigation as it stands in 2026. You'll find current settlement amounts, per-person payout estimates, state-by-state filing deadlines, and a step-by-step breakdown of how to join. Over $11 billion has been set aside by Bayer to resolve these claims, and the window for filing hasn't closed for everyone.
Some people don't realize they qualify. Others think it's too late. Both assumptions could cost you money you're owed.
What Is the Roundup Lawsuit
The Roundup lawsuit is a massive legal action against Bayer (formerly Monsanto) alleging that Roundup weed killer causes cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thousands of plaintiffs claim they developed cancer after years of regular Roundup use.
Roundup's active ingredient is glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide on the planet. Monsanto introduced Roundup in 1974. For decades, the company told consumers it was safe for humans.
That narrative changed in 2015 when the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." Lawsuits followed almost immediately.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Bayer AG (formerly Monsanto) |
| Product | Roundup herbicide (glyphosate) |
| Primary Cancer Alleged | Non-Hodgkin lymphoma |
| IARC Classification (2015) | "Probably carcinogenic to humans" |
| Total Claims Filed | Over 100,000 |
| Total Settlement Fund | Approximately $11 billion |
The litigation is handled as a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California under Judge Vince Chhabria. This is MDL No. 2741.
It's not a single lawsuit. It's thousands of individual cases grouped together for efficiency. Each person's claim is evaluated on its own facts.
Roundup Lawsuit Update for 2026
As of 2026, Bayer continues to face active Roundup litigation on multiple fronts. The company has settled the majority of earlier claims but still faces new filings and unresolved cases.
Bayer announced in mid-2024 that it would stop selling glyphosate-based products to U.S. residential consumers by 2023, which it followed through on. However, commercial and agricultural versions remain available.
The company has also pursued a legal strategy to limit future liability. Bayer pushed for a national settlement class that would cap payouts for future claimants. Federal courts rejected that proposal in 2022.
In 2025, Bayer set aside an additional $4.5 billion in provisions for unresolved Roundup claims. This brought total reserves above $16 billion. For 2026, analysts expect continued individual settlements and possible bellwether trial outcomes.
Quick Facts: 2026 Status
- New individual claims are still being accepted
- No federal class-wide settlement has been approved
- Bayer's proposed future-claims resolution was denied by courts
- State court trials continue in Missouri, California, and Pennsylvania
- Bayer's total legal costs for Roundup exceed $16 billion
The litigation is not winding down. It's still very much active.
Roundup Class Action Lawsuit Explained
The Roundup class action lawsuit is a common term people search for, but technically, the Roundup litigation is not a traditional class action. It's a mass tort handled through multidistrict litigation.
Here's the difference. In a class action, one lawsuit represents everyone. All class members get the same outcome. In a mass tort, each plaintiff files their own case. Each case is judged on individual evidence like exposure history and cancer diagnosis.
The Roundup MDL groups cases for pretrial proceedings. Things like discovery, expert testimony, and motions happen once. But each person's claim is still separate.
| Feature | Class Action | Mass Tort (Roundup MDL) |
|---|---|---|
| Filing | One lawsuit for all | Individual lawsuits grouped together |
| Evidence | Same for everyone | Unique to each plaintiff |
| Payout | Same amount for all | Varies by case |
| Trial | One trial | Bellwether trials, then settlements |
| Control | Lead plaintiff decides | Each plaintiff has their own attorney |
This distinction matters for payouts. In the Roundup MDL, a farmworker who sprayed Roundup daily for 20 years will receive a very different amount than a homeowner who used it seasonally.
Your case is your own. Your payout depends on your facts.
Key Takeaway: The Roundup lawsuit is a mass tort, not a class action, meaning your individual exposure history and cancer diagnosis directly determine your payout.
The Lawsuit Against Roundup and Monsanto
The lawsuit against Roundup centers on a core allegation: Monsanto knew its herbicide could cause cancer and hid that information from the public. Plaintiffs argue the company prioritized profits over safety for decades.
Three landmark jury trials set the tone for this litigation.
DeWayne Johnson v. Monsanto (2018): A California school groundskeeper was the first to take Monsanto to trial. The jury awarded $289 million in damages, later reduced to $78.5 million. Johnson had terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Edwin Hardeman v. Monsanto (2019): This federal bellwether trial resulted in an $80 million verdict. The jury found Monsanto liable and determined Roundup was a substantial factor in Hardeman's cancer.
Alva and Alberta Pilliod v. Monsanto (2019): A married couple, both diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, won a $2.055 billion verdict. It was later reduced to $86.7 million.
These verdicts didn't just award money. They exposed internal Monsanto documents showing the company had ghostwritten scientific studies, attacked independent researchers, and pressured the EPA.
Think of it like the tobacco lawsuits of the 1990s. The product was profitable. The science was inconvenient. So the company buried it.
Roundup Cancer Lawsuit and the Science Behind It
The Roundup cancer lawsuit is built on scientific evidence linking glyphosate to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This connection has been studied, debated, and litigated for over a decade.
The strongest institutional statement came from the IARC in 2015. After reviewing years of research, IARC classified glyphosate as a Group 2A carcinogen, meaning "probably carcinogenic to humans."
A 2019 meta-analysis published in the journal *Mutation Research* found that heavy exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides increased the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%.
On the other side, the U.S. EPA has maintained that glyphosate is "not likely to be carcinogenic to humans." However, internal documents revealed during litigation showed that EPA officials had close relationships with Monsanto.
- IARC (WHO): Probably carcinogenic
- EPA: Not likely carcinogenic
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Not classified as carcinogenic
- Multiple independent studies: Significant association with NHL
The science is not unanimous. But juries have consistently sided with plaintiffs. Every major Roundup trial has resulted in a plaintiff verdict.
Internal Monsanto emails exposed during discovery showed company scientists privately raising concerns about glyphosate's safety as early as the 1990s. One email from a Monsanto toxicologist stated he could not say Roundup does not cause cancer because "we have not done the necessary testing."
Roundup Settlement Amounts in 2026
Roundup settlement amounts in 2026 range widely based on the severity of each case. Most individual settlements fall between $5,000 and $250,000, while severe cases with strong evidence have settled for over $1 million.
Bayer established a $10.9 billion settlement framework in 2020 to resolve the majority of pending claims. By early 2026, a significant portion of that fund has been distributed. Additional reserves bring total provisions above $16 billion.
| Case Tier | Estimated Settlement Range | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Severe) | $250,000 to $2,000,000+ | Long-term exposure, aggressive NHL, strong medical link |
| Tier 2 (Moderate) | $50,000 to $250,000 | Moderate exposure, confirmed NHL diagnosis |
| Tier 3 (Lower) | $5,000 to $50,000 | Limited exposure, less aggressive cancer, weaker documentation |
| Wrongful Death | $500,000 to $5,000,000+ | Plaintiff died from NHL linked to Roundup |
These numbers are estimates based on reported settlements and attorney disclosures. No official public database of individual payouts exists.
The largest trial verdicts exceeded $2 billion before judicial reductions. But most cases settle privately for far less than jury awards.
Settlement amounts depend on exposure duration, cancer severity, available medical records, and whether Monsanto's internal documents apply to your situation.
Roundup Lawsuit Payout Per Person
The Roundup lawsuit payout per person varies dramatically. There is no single fixed payment. Each case is evaluated individually based on its own facts.
Based on available data from resolved cases, here's what individuals have received:
- Low-end payouts: Around $5,000 to $25,000 for cases with limited documentation or shorter exposure periods.
- Mid-range payouts: Between $50,000 and $200,000 for well-documented cases with confirmed NHL and several years of Roundup use.
- High-end payouts: $500,000 to over $2 million for cases involving decades of heavy exposure, aggressive cancer types, or wrongful death.
Attorney fees typically consume 33% to 40% of the settlement amount. That means a $150,000 settlement might result in a take-home payment of around $90,000 to $100,000 after legal fees and costs.
Quick Comparison:
| Scenario | Gross Settlement | Attorney Fee (35%) | Net to Plaintiff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate case | $150,000 | $52,500 | $97,500 |
| Strong case | $500,000 | $175,000 | $325,000 |
| Severe case | $1,000,000 | $350,000 | $650,000 |
Some attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win or settle.
Don't compare your case to a $2 billion jury verdict. Those numbers get reduced by judges and often settle for far less on appeal.
Bayer Roundup Settlement Breakdown
The Bayer Roundup settlement is the largest product liability settlement in recent history. Bayer committed $10.9 billion in June 2020 to resolve approximately 100,000 pending claims.
That initial commitment has grown. By 2026, Bayer's total provisions for Roundup litigation exceed $16 billion when you include additional reserves, legal defense costs, and settlements reached outside the original framework.
Here's how the money has been allocated:
| Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Original settlement fund (2020) | $10.9 billion |
| Additional reserves (2021 to 2025) | $4.5 billion+ |
| Legal defense costs | $1 billion+ |
| Resolved claims (paid out) | Estimated $8 to $9 billion |
| Remaining for pending/new claims | Estimated $3 to $5 billion |
Bayer tried to create a separate $2 billion fund for future claims from people not yet diagnosed. Federal courts rejected this plan in 2022, ruling it was unfair to claimants who hadn't developed cancer yet.
The company also attempted to add warning labels suggesting glyphosate safety. California's Proposition 65 already requires cancer warnings on Roundup sold in that state.
Bayer hasn't stopped fighting. The company has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court twice, arguing that federal EPA approval should preempt state-level failure-to-warn claims. As of early 2026, the Supreme Court has not granted Bayer the broad immunity it seeks.
Key Takeaway: Bayer has spent over $16 billion on Roundup litigation, with an estimated $3 to $5 billion still available for pending and new claims in 2026.
Who Qualifies for a Roundup Lawsuit
You may qualify for a Roundup lawsuit if you used Roundup or another glyphosate-based herbicide and were later diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or a related cancer. Both personal and occupational use counts.
Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Exposure: You used Roundup, Ranger Pro, or another glyphosate product regularly. This includes spraying it in your yard, farm, garden, or workplace.
- Diagnosis: You were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or a related blood cancer.
- Timeline: Your diagnosis came after a period of regular Roundup use. Most successful claims involve at least two or more years of repeated exposure.
- Statute of limitations: You must file within your state's deadline (covered in a later section).
People who commonly qualify include:
- Farmers and agricultural workers
- Landscapers and groundskeepers
- Nursery and greenhouse employees
- Home gardeners with regular use
- Golf course and park maintenance workers
- Highway department workers who sprayed roadsides
Family members of deceased Roundup users can also file wrongful death claims.
You do not need to prove that Roundup was the only cause of your cancer. You need to show it was a substantial contributing factor.
Roundup Lawsuit and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the primary cancer type at the center of the Roundup lawsuit. NHL is a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. It affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
There are more than 60 subtypes of NHL. The ones most commonly linked to glyphosate exposure include:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): The most common aggressive NHL subtype
- Follicular lymphoma: A slower-growing form of NHL
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Marginal zone lymphoma
- Burkitt lymphoma
NHL symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Many people don't receive a diagnosis until the cancer has progressed.
The average age of NHL diagnosis is 67. But Roundup-related cases have appeared in people as young as their 40s and 50s, especially those with occupational exposure.
| NHL Subtype | Aggression Level | Common in Roundup Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Diffuse Large B-cell | Aggressive | Yes, most common |
| Follicular | Indolent (slow) | Yes |
| CLL/SLL | Indolent | Yes |
| Mantle Cell | Aggressive | Sometimes |
| Marginal Zone | Indolent | Sometimes |
If you've been diagnosed with any form of NHL after using Roundup, that diagnosis is the single most important piece of your legal claim.
Roundup Lawsuit Evidence You Need
Strong evidence is what separates a six-figure settlement from a denied claim. The Roundup lawsuit requires you to prove two things: that you were exposed to Roundup and that you developed a qualifying cancer.
Medical evidence you should gather:
- Pathology reports confirming NHL diagnosis
- Oncology treatment records (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy)
- Doctor's notes referencing potential environmental causes
- Dates of diagnosis and all treatments received
Exposure evidence you should document:
- Purchase receipts for Roundup products
- Photos showing Roundup use at your home or workplace
- Employment records from jobs involving herbicide application
- Testimony from coworkers, family, or neighbors who witnessed your use
- Records from employers about chemicals used on the job
You don't need to have every receipt from the last 20 years. Attorneys know that most people don't keep records of lawn care purchases. Circumstantial evidence and witness statements carry real weight.
What strengthens your case:
- Longer duration of exposure (years, not weeks)
- Higher frequency of use (weekly or daily application)
- Direct skin contact or inhalation during spraying
- Diagnosis occurring within a reasonable timeframe after exposure
- No other significant cancer risk factors
Think of your evidence like building a wall. Each piece of documentation is a brick. You need enough bricks to build a strong wall, but you don't need every single one.
Key Takeaway: Your Roundup claim depends on proving both regular exposure and a cancer diagnosis, so start gathering medical and purchase records now.
How to File a Roundup Lawsuit
Filing a Roundup lawsuit starts with contacting a personal injury attorney who handles mass tort or product liability cases. Most Roundup attorneys offer free case evaluations and work on contingency, meaning no upfront cost.
Step-by-step filing process:
- Contact an attorney: Look for a law firm experienced in Roundup/glyphosate litigation. Many firms have dedicated intake teams for these cases.
- Free case review: The attorney evaluates your exposure history, cancer diagnosis, and potential claim value. This usually happens over the phone or through a questionnaire.
- Gather documentation: Your attorney will request medical records, employment history, and any evidence of Roundup use.
- File the complaint: Your attorney drafts and files a legal complaint in either state court or federal court (the MDL in California).
- Discovery and negotiation: Your case enters the litigation process. Bayer's attorneys may review your medical records and depose you.
- Settlement or trial: Most Roundup cases settle before trial. If Bayer doesn't offer a fair settlement, your case may proceed to trial.
| Step | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | 1 to 2 weeks | Attorney reviews your case |
| Filing | 1 to 3 months | Complaint is officially filed |
| Discovery | 6 to 18 months | Evidence exchange, depositions |
| Settlement negotiation | 3 to 12 months | Bayer makes or rejects offers |
| Trial (if needed) | 1 to 3 weeks | Jury decides your case |
The entire process can take 1 to 3 years from filing to resolution. Some cases settle faster. Others take longer, especially if they go to trial.
Filing a Lawsuit for Roundup Exposure
A lawsuit for Roundup exposure is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of whether you used it at home or at work. The filing process applies equally to all plaintiffs.
One thing people often ask is whether they can file on behalf of someone else. The answer is yes, in certain situations.
Who can file:
- Individuals diagnosed with NHL after Roundup use
- Spouses or children of deceased Roundup users (wrongful death claims)
- Legal guardians or estate representatives of incapacitated plaintiffs
If a family member died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and had a history of Roundup exposure, the estate can pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases often result in higher settlement amounts due to the severity of the outcome.
Common concerns addressed:
- "I only used Roundup at home." That counts. Residential users have won cases.
- "I stopped using Roundup years ago." That's fine. The cancer link involves past exposure.
- "I can't prove exactly how much I used." Estimates and witness testimony are accepted.
- "I was never formally diagnosed." You need an actual medical diagnosis to proceed.
The barrier to filing is lower than most people think. You don't need ironclad proof at the filing stage. Your attorney builds the case over time.
Class Action Lawsuit Roundup vs. Individual Claims
Understanding the difference between a class action lawsuit for Roundup and an individual claim is important because it affects how much money you could receive. The Roundup litigation is primarily structured as individual claims within a mass tort, not a class action.
In a true class action, one court ruling or settlement applies to everyone in the class equally. That's not how Roundup works.
Why Roundup cases are individual:
- Each person's exposure is different
- Cancer types and stages vary
- Medical histories are unique
- Damages (lost wages, pain, medical costs) differ
Pros of individual claims:
- Higher potential payout
- Your case is evaluated on your own merits
- Stronger cases get more money
Cons of individual claims:
- Takes longer to resolve
- Requires more personal documentation
- More involvement from the plaintiff
| Aspect | Class Action | Individual Claim (Mass Tort) |
|---|---|---|
| Payout control | Fixed by court | Based on your case |
| Time to resolution | Usually faster | 1 to 3+ years |
| Documentation required | Minimal | Significant |
| Average payout | Lower per person | Higher per person |
If you have a strong case with heavy exposure and a clear diagnosis, an individual claim typically pays more than any class action settlement would.
Some Roundup cases are filed in state courts rather than the federal MDL. Your attorney will decide which venue gives your case the best chance.
Key Takeaway: Individual Roundup claims through the mass tort typically yield higher payouts than class action settlements because each case is judged on its own evidence.
Roundup Lawsuit Deadline in 2026
The Roundup lawsuit deadline depends on your state's statute of limitations for personal injury claims. There is no single national deadline. Each state has its own rules.
For most states, the clock starts ticking from the date you were diagnosed with cancer, not from the date you last used Roundup. This is called the discovery rule.
Some states give you one year from diagnosis. Others give you up to six years. Missing your state's deadline permanently bars your claim.
Deadlines in key states (from date of diagnosis):
| State | Statute of Limitations | Deadline from Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2 years | 2 years after diagnosis |
| Texas | 2 years | 2 years after diagnosis |
| Florida | 2 years | 2 years after diagnosis |
| New York | 3 years | 3 years after diagnosis |
| Illinois | 2 years | 2 years after diagnosis |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years | 2 years after diagnosis |
| Ohio | 2 years | 2 years after diagnosis |
| Missouri | 5 years | 5 years after diagnosis |
| Louisiana | 1 year | 1 year after diagnosis |
| Maine | 6 years | 6 years after diagnosis |
Louisiana has one of the shortest windows at just one year. If you live there and were diagnosed in 2025, your deadline could be as early as 2026.
Don't assume you have plenty of time. Contact an attorney well before your state's deadline to allow time for case preparation.
Roundup Lawsuit Statute of Limitations by State
The Roundup lawsuit statute of limitations varies by state and is the most common reason people lose their right to file. Missing this deadline means your case is dismissed, regardless of how strong your evidence is.
The statute of limitations for personal injury (which includes toxic exposure claims like Roundup) ranges from 1 year to 6 years depending on the state.
How the discovery rule works:
In most jurisdictions, the statute doesn't start when you last touched Roundup. It starts when you knew, or reasonably should have known, that your cancer was connected to Roundup use. For most people, this is the date of their NHL diagnosis.
Some states apply a statute of repose, which is an absolute outer limit regardless of when you discovered the harm. These are less common in personal injury cases but exist in some states for product liability.
Key points:
- Diagnosis date usually starts the clock, not the date of last exposure
- Wrongful death claims may have shorter deadlines in some states (often 1 to 2 years from date of death)
- Minors may have extended deadlines until they reach legal age
- Military members deployed overseas may have tolling provisions
If you were diagnosed years ago and only recently learned about the Roundup-cancer connection, some states allow a "delayed discovery" argument. This isn't guaranteed, but an attorney can evaluate whether it applies to your situation.
The safest approach is to assume your deadline is closer than you think. Filing early gives your legal team more time to build the strongest possible case.
Is It Too Late to File a Roundup Lawsuit
It is not too late to file a Roundup lawsuit in 2026 for many people, but your window depends entirely on when you were diagnosed and where you live.
If you were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2024 or later, you likely still have time in most states. If your diagnosis came in 2022 or earlier, your deadline may have already passed in states with two-year statutes.
Scenarios where you can still file in 2026:
- Diagnosed with NHL in 2024 or 2025 in a state with a 2-year statute
- Diagnosed in 2023 or later in a state with a 3-year statute
- Diagnosed in 2021 or later in a state with a 5-year statute (like Missouri)
- Diagnosed at any point within the last 6 years in Maine
Scenarios where it may be too late:
- Diagnosed before 2024 in a state with a 2-year statute
- Diagnosed before 2023 in a state with a 3-year statute
- Wrongful death with the death occurring more than 2 years ago in most states
| Diagnosis Year | 2-Year State | 3-Year State | 5-Year State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Expired | Expired | Expired |
| 2021 | Expired | Expired | Still open |
| 2022 | Expired | Expired | Still open |
| 2023 | Expired | Still open | Still open |
| 2024 | Still open | Still open | Still open |
| 2025 | Still open | Still open | Still open |
Even if you think your deadline has passed, contact an attorney. Exceptions exist. Delayed discovery rules, tolling agreements, and other legal doctrines can sometimes extend deadlines.
The worst that can happen is you get a free consultation and find out where you stand.
Key Takeaway: Many people can still file a Roundup lawsuit in 2026, but your deadline depends on your diagnosis date and your state's statute of limitations, so check immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I get from a Roundup lawsuit in 2026?
Most Roundup settlements range from $5,000 to over $1 million depending on your case.
Factors include exposure duration, cancer severity, and strength of evidence.
After attorney fees (typically 33% to 40%), your net payout will be lower than the gross settlement amount.
What is the deadline to file a Roundup lawsuit?
The deadline depends on your state's statute of limitations, which ranges from 1 to 6 years from your cancer diagnosis date.
In most states, you have 2 years from when you were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Check your state's specific rules and file as early as possible.
Does the Roundup lawsuit require proof of cancer?
Yes, you must have a confirmed medical diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma or a related blood cancer.
Without a cancer diagnosis, you do not currently have a viable Roundup claim.
Medical records, pathology reports, and oncology treatment records serve as primary evidence.
Is Roundup still being sold in the United States?
Bayer stopped selling glyphosate-based Roundup to residential consumers in 2023.
Commercial and agricultural versions of glyphosate products remain available for professional use.
The reformulated residential product uses different active ingredients.
How long does a Roundup lawsuit take to settle?
Most Roundup cases take 1 to 3 years from filing to settlement.
Cases with strong evidence and clear medical documentation tend to resolve faster.
If your case goes to trial instead of settling, the timeline can extend to 3 years or more.
The Roundup lawsuit is still accepting new claims in 2026. Billions of dollars remain available for people who qualify.
If you used Roundup and were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the most important step is checking your state's filing deadline. That deadline is not flexible.
Gather your medical records. Document your Roundup use. Contact a qualified attorney before your window closes.
