Roundup is a popular weed killer, commonly used commercially and domestically by homeowners. It has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Multiple lawsuits, both individual and mass tort, have been filed in recent years contending that Roundup or glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is not only dangerous to human health, but lacked proper warnings and directions as to the dangers associated with its use.
If you or a loved one has been injured or a close family member has passed away from exposure to Roundup, you may be entitled to compensation for both your monetary losses and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. While Monsanto, the manufacturer or Roundup, claims their product does not harm people or pets, the company has already settled several cases with large amounts of compensation.
Bringing a lawsuit against a major corporation is complicated, but fortunately, there is help available when you retain a Roundup mass tort lawyer. The lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. in Babylon, NY will investigate your individual situation and examine the facts to determine an approach for recovering the compensation to which you may be entitled.
We offer a free case evaluation, so do not delay. Call our firm today at (631) 600-0000.
The Charges Against Monsanto
Monsanto introduced Roundup in 1974 as an herbicide and crop desiccant. The product has since become one of the most widely used agricultural products in the world, accounting for roughly 25% of the global herbicide market.
On March 20, 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization, issued a report evaluating several herbicides, including glyphosate, the functional ingredient in Roundup.
The report said that people exposed to glyphosate showed an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, and lymphocytic lymphoma. The IARC classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” People who worked at or lived near farms, such as agricultural workers, farmers, and greenhouse employees, were expected to be at the highest risk.
Lawsuits against Monsanto claim the company has known about the link between the use of Roundup and cancer for 30 years. Monsanto did not warn the public and is accused of creating fake data and attacking legitimate studies exposing the dangers. The company is also accused of embarking on a disinformation campaign to convince government agencies, farmers, and the general population that Roundup is safe and practically non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, and fish.
Potential Problems From Roundup
Roundup kills weeds by interfering with a metabolic sequence that synthesizes amino acids vital to plants. This causes an amino acid deficiency, which eventually causes plants to die by starvation.
While this does not happen to humans exposed to the herbicide, health risks still occur as glyphosate disrupts beneficial bacteria in the gut that regulate digestion and the immune system.
Despite health concerns, the use of Roundup has increased in recent years. Some environmental or health cases against Monsanto to this point have included:
- Death of human embryonic cells
- Breast cancer and other cancers
- Infertility
- Hormone disruption
- Birth defects
- Eye, skin, and respiratory irritation
- Spontaneous abortions in farm animals
The most common cases involve individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma following heavy exposure to Roundup. Those most at risk are farmworkers and others with workplace exposure to the herbicide, such as workers in garden centers or nurseries and landscapers. Individuals are most likely to be exposed to glyphosate from breathing it in while spraying it, mixing it into the soil, or through drinking water or eating food contaminated with it.
Filing Lawsuits Against Monsanto
Monsanto faces individual lawsuits throughout the country. These lawsuits seek restitution for personal injuries, largely non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma sustained as a result of exposure to Roundup. The plaintiffs in personal injury cases charge that Monsanto knew about the link between Roundup and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and failed to warn about it.
Many claim that they would not have purchased the weed killer if they been properly informed that the enzyme glyphosate targets actually do exist in humans and animals, contrary to Roundup’s marketing. In addition, plaintiffs allege that Monsanto influenced regulators and researchers to gain the approval of the herbicide.
There is conflicting information as to whether there is scientific proof that Roundup does cause cancer, but several large jury settlements have already been made. Jurors often demonstrate that even if the scientific proof is disputed, damages should be awarded because Monsanto showed bad corporate behavior and failed to perform epidemiological studies.
Get Help From Our Roundup Mass Tort Lawyers in Babylon, NY
If you or a loved one suffered harm from exposure to Roundup, you do not have to go through the legal hurdles of recovering damages alone. You can be part of a mass tort case—a civil action involving numerous plaintiffs—against Monsanto.
The Roundup mass tort lawyers in Babylon, NY at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. have the resources to fight for the settlement or judgment you deserve. We can:
- Gather evidence to support your case.
- Interview witnesses.
- Negotiate a fair settlement.
- Keep you updated at all stages of your case.
- File the necessary paperwork within relevant timelines.
- Handle communications with all parties, including insurance companies.
- Represent you in court, if necessary.
Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation at (631) 600-0000. You pay nothing unless and until our Roundup mass tort lawyers win for you.
