Glyphosate, the active chemical ingredient in Roundup, has been used by agribusinesses and individuals to kill weeds for many years. However, in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, reported that glyphosate is linked to cancer in humans. Roundup has been linked to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leading many people who have been exposed and have subsequently developed cancer to consider filing a Roundup lawsuit. Are you planning to pursue a Roundup lawsuit? The attorneys at the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook are currently accepting claims for evaluation.
Roundup Lawsuit Based on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in the functioning of the body’s immune system. Cancerous tumors can develop anywhere in the lymphatic system. Since lymph nodes are located in the pelvis, chest, abdomen, lymphatic vessels, and other places throughout the body, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can develop nearly anywhere.
Glyphosate-containing herbicides, including Roundup, are more widely used in the U.S. than all other herbicides. Monsanto began manufacturing Roundup in the 1970s. In spite of the findings by the IARC, Monsanto and Bayer have continued to insist that it is safe.
In 2019, a meta-analysis revealed that glyphosate-based herbicide exposure increases the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41 percent. Other blood cancers have also been linked to Roundup exposure, including T-cell lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, and several types of leukemia.
People who spray Roundup or ingest food that has been contaminated with glyphosate are at risk of developing cancer. Those most at risk include landscapers, farmworkers, and nursery employees. Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto and Bayer because of allegations the companies hid research from the public showing that glyphosate is a potential human carcinogen.
Current Roundup Lawsuit News
In 2020, the New York Times reported that Bayer, which purchased Monsanto in 2018, agreed to settle thousands of lawsuits for $10 billion. The settlement will allow the company to continue selling Roundup without a warning label about the cancer risks. The settlement did not take care of 30,000 to 40,000 lawsuits from people who did not participate in the class action. A portion of the money is set aside to settle future claims.
What Are the Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Some of the common symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain
- Pressure or pain in the chest
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Swollen abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Anemia
- Chronic fatigue
- Night sweats
- Rash
- Vomiting or nausea
- Headache
- Appetite loss
- Trouble with movement
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after being exposed to glyphosate-containing herbicides, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Who Is Eligible to File a Roundup Lawsuit?
If you have received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and have used Roundup in the past, you might be eligible to file a claim. Many workers who have used glyphosate as a part of their jobs have filed lawsuits. Individuals who have regularly used Roundup at home in their gardens and on their lawns have also filed lawsuits. The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma from Roundup use increases with more exposure. It is less likely that you will have a claim if you were only exposed to the substance once or twice. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook can review your claim and explain whether it has merits.
Statute of Limitations for Roundup Claims
Every state has established a statute of limitations to set deadlines for filing lawsuits. In Arkansas, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury or from the date you reasonably should have known about the injury under Ark. Code § 16-56-104. Under Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 12-95, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury or from when you reasonably should have known about it. In most cases, this means that in Arkansas, you will have three years to file a claim, and in Oklahoma, you will have two years to file a claim following the date you receive your cancer diagnosis.
Get Help from the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook
Have you been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another closely related blood cancer following exposure to Roundup? Pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook, please call 479-783-8000 (Fort Smith) or 918-912-2132 (Tulsa) or send us a message online.