Most of us have encountered news coverage about the connection between the weedkiller known as Roundup and cancer. Not only have hundreds of thousands of individual victims filed claims in court, but states have begun to do the same. In June 2023, Bayer AG faced new charges brought by the New York Attorney General’s Office. I’ll tell you more about the settlement below, as well as how a New York Roundup lawsuit attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help if you have been harmed by this dangerous product.
Bayer Falsely Claimed Roundup was Safe
The June settlement resulted from claims that Bayer (more specifically its Monsanto division) did not substantiate claims that Roundup was only able to harm weeds, but in no way threatened animal wildlife. Despite the fact that a plethora of researchers have found that Roundup causes cancer, the company went so far as to claim that their product was safer than soap.
The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, argued that the company’s claims of safety violated New York state laws because they amounted to false and misleading advertising letting consumers believe the product was safe. The active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, has been linked to cancer for decades.
In the $6.9 million settlement, Bayer was required to put a stop to false and misleading claims in advertising about Roundup’s safety and ordered to be forthcoming with consumers about the risks associated with the product. The state of New York will use the multi-million dollar payment to decrease the serious harm that pesticides cause to animal wildlife.
Despite the verdict, Bayer continues to deny that there was any wrongdoing or deception on their part, arguing that studies have not concluded that Roundup is dangerous.
The Safety of Glyphosate
Glyphosate is an incredibly common herbicide that you may be familiar with. If you’re like many of us, you may have even used it to kill weeds in your lawn or flower beds. In 2015, the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) labeled glyphosate a “probable human carcinogen.” A 2021 study also determined that exposure to the substance increases the risk of being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Other agencies have been unable to determine whether glyphosate is dangerous to humans. However, it is important to note that studies involving occupational exposure to Roundup (for example by farmers) have consistently concluded that the product is dangerous to those exposed to high levels of the product.
You can read on our blog about several recent Roundup cases and how courts have ruled.
Is it too Late to File a Roundup Cancer Lawsuit?
Roundup cancer lawsuits continue to accumulate, and there is still time to file. Buttafuoco & Associates has been actively involved in multidistrict litigation, also known as mass torts, fighting for the rights of victims of Monsanto’s negligent and deceitful behavior.
In this type of settlement, known as a mass tort, many cases are heard together in a single court of law. The result is often a faster resolution, and a higher likelihood of success in court, as attorneys are able to combine evidence from many victims harmed by the product to support their arguments. Depending on the severity of your injuries or disease, you will be placed in a settlement “tier.” Those who have been more severely affected will be in a tier that receives a higher settlement.
Because these cases have been in court for some time, it may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit sooner rather than later.
How a Lawyer Can Help
At Buttafuoco & Associates, our Roundup lawsuit attorneys serving New York are available to help you determine whether or not you have a case and advise you on the best course of action. We frequently represent victims in their fight against huge corporations, as we believe these victims deserve justice and proper compensation for the unfair impact these powerful companies have had on their lives.
During a free consultation, we can apprise you of your rights and help you understand your options going forward.
Get in touch today at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
