The lawsuit involving Roundup states that Monsanto failed to warn users of the increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other forms of cancer.
Plaintiff attorneys claim Monsanto has known for more than 30 years there is a link between the use of Roundup and cancer. However, the company allegedly made the decision not to warn the public, and marketed the product to be as safe as table salt and practically non-toxic to humans, pets, birds and fish.
Litigation documents show that Monsanto created data and attacked studies exposing the dangers of glyphosate, as well as allegedly having created a campaign of misinformation to convince government agencies, farmers, and the general population that its herbicide was safe.
WHAT IS ROUNDUP?
Roundup is an herbicide utilized to kill weeds and grasses that are unattractive or damage crops. Its active ingredient is glyphosate. Monsanto discovered the potential use of glyphosate as an herbicide in 1970, and began marketing it in 1974.
Each year approximately 250 million pounds of glyphosate are sprayed on crops, commercial nurseries, lawns, driveways, sidewalks, parks and golf courses. Much of this increase in use has been caused by the expansion of genetically modified (GMO) crops (such as corn and soy), which crops are designed to resist the killing power of glyphosate products.
Monsanto is the largest producer in the world of GMO seeds designed to be resistant to glyphosate products. The company earned $4.8 billion in revenue in 2015 from its sales of Roundup.
Glyphosate is an organophosphorus phosphonate that destroys weeds by attacking the enzyme 5-enolpyruvoylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (“EPSPS”), which causes a reduction in aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. These amino acids are essential to the growth of plants. Glyphosate is the most widely-used herbicide in the world.
Monsanto is part of a group of corporations that are generally referred to as the “Big 6”, which together dominate the agricultural input market through their ownership of the world’s seed, pesticide and biotechnology industries. The remaining Big 6 corporations include BASF, Bayer, Dupont, Dow Chemical Company, and Syngenta.
WHAT ARE THE INJURIES AND SIDE EFFECTS EXPERIENCED AFTER USING ROUNDUP?
The most serious side effect from exposure to glyphosate (Roundup’s main ingredient) is the development of cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
The individuals most at risk for developing cancer are farm workers and other individuals with workplace exposure to the herbicide, such as employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. Individuals are exposed to glyphosate from breathing it while spraying, mixing or cleanup, or through drinking water or eating food contaminated with it.
FILING A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES WITH ROUNDUP LAWYERS
If you have been affected by side effects of Roundup, you may need to enlist the help of Roundup attorneys. You will first need to establish that you have a viable claim. Your attorney can provide guidance to start your case against Monsanto or other liable parties.
You must be able to prove that your injury or illness exists by providing documentation such as medical records to support your claim. You must also be able to link your condition back to the effects of Roundup.
Further, you must establish liability of the manufacturer, Monsanto. Gacovino, Lake & Associates specializes in cases like this.
We can help you review the facts of your claim and develop a plan of action. Our focus is on ensuring victims of negligent pharmaceutical manufacturing or sales practices, or others harmed by toxic environmental substances, obtain reimbursement for their losses and damages. Call us today at (800) 550-0000 to set up a free case review. You can also complete the short and confidential form on our contact page to request a call back from our firm’s Roundup lawyers.
