Help for Roundup Cancer Victims & Monsanto Whistleblower Insiders
It's Not Too Late to File a Roundup Claim
[Updated August 2020] The number of late night TV commercials seeking cancer victims who used Roundup weedkiller are finally starting to diminish. And there is news circulating that Bayer Monsanto settled the Roundup cases for $10,000,000,000.00. That has caused quite a bit of confusion.
Is it too late to file a claim? Who is eligible for compensation? I filled out a questionnaire over a year ago, where is my check? We will answer all of these questions and more below. First, let's discuss the story with the lawsuits against Monsanto.
Monsanto and Cancer
There have debates about whether glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, causes cancer for years. Things really took off, however, after Bayer Monsanto lost several high profile trials. That spawned the late night informercial industry / TV lawyer ads.
School Groundskeeper Awarded $289 Million in Roundup Cancer Lawsuit
The case that kicked things off happened in the summer of 2018. A California jury socked Monsanto with a $289 million verdict after finding the company’s Roundup and Ranger Pro herbicides contributed to or caused a groundskeeper to develop cancer. The company has denied the link between its popular weed killers and cancer for years. [Ed Note: See our two shocking new videos at the end of this post.]
Shortly after that record verdict, many more lawsuits were filed. Law360 reported that Monsanto faces 8,000 lawsuits over its glyphosate based weed killers. By August 2019, that number was now believed to be 18,400. A year later and it is 122,000 .
The case involving groundskeeper DeWayne “Lee” Johnson is bittersweet. Although he won the lawsuit, he is likely to die before he ever sees a penny of the money. His family, however, will be well cared for. Why? Because Monsanto refused to pay the verdict and instead appealed. Normally that wouldn't be all that bad but by the time of Lee's trial, his cancer was already stage 4.
Overnight, DeWayne’s victory created a cottage industry of products liability lead generation firms hoping to sign up as many clients as possible through late night TV ads. (We will get back to DeWayne’s brave fight against giant Bayer Monsanto in a moment.) Some firms have accepted (meaning purchased) thousands of cases.
If you are able to freeze the picture and read the fine print on these TV ads, many of those advertising are lead generators that simply sell leads to the highest bidder. Others rely on "non-attorney spokepersons."
All of these tactics scare us and should scare you too. Clients shouldn't be considered a commodity. Unless the firm has an unusually robust staff, clients run the risk of becoming just a number.
Like many of the better products liability law firms, we are also seeking Monsanto Roundup cancer victims. We don't advertise, however, nor do we purchase leads.
Our search is not limited to Roundup. Exposure to any glyphosate based product qualifies you to make a claim Keep reading for more information on how to get financial compensation. At Katers & Granitz, we are actively pursuing Monsanto Roundup cancer claims against Monsanto across the country. If you or a loved one developed non-Hodgkins lymphoma after using Roundup, our attorneys are here to help you and your family get the compensation you deserve
We began this section with DeWayne "Lee" Johnson's case, but his wasn't the only case that went to trial. In a second case, a federal jury awarded Edward Hardeman $80 million after finding his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was likely caused by his exposure to Roundup weedkiller. Unlike DeWayne Johnson who used the product daily as a professional groundskeeper, Hardeman was a homeowner who simply used the product around his yard.
In a third case, a California jury awarded over $2 billion. Of the three test cases to go forward, Monsanto lost all three.
There are thousands of other cases awaiting trial but Bayer thus far has refused to budge (although after the $2 billion loss, the company began discussing a global settlement). Unfortunately, absent a settlement many of the victims suffering from cancer will likely die without ever seeing a penny.
The $2 billion jury award to husband and wife Alva and Alberta Pilliod is probably the case that pushed Monsanto into settlement. Like the other cases, the jury found responsible for the non-Hodgkins lymphoma that each suffers from. $55 million was awarded in actual damages and an additional $2 billion in punitive damages, more than twice what the victims sought.
The Roundup cases have been consolidated into what is a called a Multi District Litigation or "MDL." That allows one judge to take control of the tens of thousands of cases pending. To resolve those cases, the MDL judge selects several to be test cases, sometimes called bellwether cases.
After the third defeat in a row, the judge overseeing the thousands of Roundup cancer cases quietly entered an order putting the next bellwether trial on hold. That trial was scheduled for May 20th 2019. We believe that Monsanto realized that if they lost four in a row it would be game over. In postponing the next trial, the court noted the parties had agreed to engage in "confidential settlement" discussions.
Months later, Monsanto and its corporate parent Bayer announced that they had settled the cases for a bulk amount of $10 billion. Remember, however, that you can't get a piece of the pie if you haven't made a claim.
IF YOU HAVE CANCER AND BELIEVE IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO ROUNDUP OR GLYPHOSATE YOU SHOULD ACT IMMEDIATELY.
This page is continuously updated. We also have a Roundup Resources page which is a handy repository of all our Roundup case news.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and RangerPro weed killers, is the most widely used herbicide on the planet. Many cancer patients and consumers don’t know, however, that it is found in many of the foods we eat and the water we drink. It’s even in our beer. And that’s not good because the State of California and the World Health Organization say it probably causes cancer in humans.
Many leading cancer specialists believe there is a link between glyphosate and certain deadly cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with one of these cancers – or if a loved one recently passed away because of one of these cancers – and they regularly used or were exposed to glyphosate products, keep reading.
[Whistleblower, insider or cancer patient, you can always call our Monsanto Roundup cancer lawyers at 800.669.7782. We can help you determine if you have a case. All inquiries are confidential.]
Exposure to Glyphosate and Roundup
Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in products such as Roundup, RangerPro, Rodeo Aquatic Herbicide, and Eraser. Originally developed by Monsanto, it is today manufactured by a number of companies.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum weed killer that targets broadleaf weeds, grasses, and woody plants. It is absorbed through green plant tissue such as leaves and stems. Many experts believe it is also absorbed through human skin, although Monsanto and its parent company Bayer, claim it is safe when used as directed.
For humans, Roundup and other Glyphosate Based Herbicides (GBH), can be ingested in a number of ways:
- Through the skin (common for groundskeepers, farmers, gardeners and landscapers who use the product)
- Drinking from a contaminated water supply
- Breathing the air near recently sprayed areas
- Eating food or consuming crops that were sprayed with the product
The US EPA officially says that glyphosate is safe if used as directed although emails obtained in discovery suggest that not everyone in EPA agrees that Roundup is safe.
Recently U.S. Right to Know published an internal 2018 document from a policy advisor to Monsanto. It said, "A domestic policy adviser at the White House said, for instance: ‘We have Monsanto’s back on pesticides regulation. We are prepared to go toe-to-toe on any disputes they may have... Monsanto need not fear any additional regulation from this administration.”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization (“WHO”), disagrees with Monsanto however, as do many European and South American countries.
A 1994 WHO monograph found that glyphosate was probably safe for humans when used as directed.
Later in 2015, however, WHO said,
“Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide. Several epidemiological studies on cancer outcomes following occupational exposure to glyphosate were available. The evaluation of these studies focused on the occurrence of NHL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma]. Overall, there is some evidence of a positive association between glyphosate exposure and risk of NHL from the case–control studies and the overall meta-analysis.”
Monsanto Roundup Cancer Claims Information
How Roundup Cancer Victims Can Get Compensation
If you believe you have suffered serious health effects from using a pesticide or herbicide, contact us immediately. We believe many of these products are far more dangerous than people think or that Monsanto would have you believe. We believe that products containing glyphosate can kill you even if you follow application instructions.
Despite Monsanto’s claims to the contrary, many experts believe that the glyphosate used in Round Up and other popular weed killers is carcinogenic. There is a suspected link between the chemical and myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. Unfortunately, we are only able to take NHL (non-Hodgkins lymphoma ) cases at this time. As new scientific information emerges, we will up date this post.
Companies like Monsanto can he held liable for injuries and damages attributable to bad or unsafe products. That includes being responsible for products with improper warning labels or instructions.
Damages in a Monsanto Roundup Cancer Case
If we prove your case against Monsanto, you can collect damages. Damages include:
- Medical bills
- Future anticipated medical bills
- Prescription drug expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Medical Monitoring
- Lost wages including future lost wages
- And in some cases, punitive damages
To learn more contact us online, by email [hidden email] or by phone at 414-704-6731 (direct). Our Monsanto Roundup cancer lawyers will give you a no obligation, complimentary evaluation of your case.
Monsanto RoundUp and Glyphosate – The Rest of the Story
DeWayne “Lee” Johnson, the victim slated to receive $289 million, suffers from lymphoma (cancer). At trial he testified that as a groundskeeper, he sprayed 150 gallons of Ranger Pro per day on several school campuses 20 to 30 days per year. At times he was covered in it, something that can easily happen on a breezy day.
Johnson also testified that when he attended an optional safety course, he was told that Ranger Pro was safe enough to drink.
A number of competing experts testified in the trial. One of DeWayne Johnson’s expert was a National Institutes for Health scientist. In the end, jurors believed Johnson’s experts over those hired by Monsanto.
As predicted, Monsanto is not going down without more of a fight. Companies losing large jury verdicts typically try to attack both the finding on liability and the award. The company wasted no time in filing an appeal. As of this update the company continues to claim its products are safe.
Sadly, this means DeWayne Johnson may not see a penny of the recovery. Although we think he will win the appeals, the cancer may have killed him before the case is over. And the bills from his cancer treatment could leave him and his family penniless.
DeWayne is 44.
News media was quick to report on DeWayne Johnson’s epic win against Monsanto but few journalists went digging through the weeds (poor pun intended) to ferret out some of the fascinating highlights of DeWayne Johnson’s case and the history of glyphosate.
This story is based on court records. Although Monsanto denied many of the allegations in the case, the jury sided with Johnson. [Visit our Monsanto Roundup resources page for more in depth behind the scenes coverage of other cases against Monsanto. That page also has important information about the possible settlement by Bayer Monsanto.]
We have only shared Lee's story. He is was the first to go to trial. As noted above, since then, juries in two other trials have awarded cancer patients $80 million and a record $2 billion.
Monsanto is the leading producer of glyphosate in the world. That may be why the company is so interested in fighting claims about the product.
Glyphosate is especially popular because Monsanto used genetic engineering to produce crop seeds resist the deadly chemical. That means farmers can spray the chemical directly on their crops. The weeds will die but the crops remain safe.
The combination of Roundup and roundup resistant crop seeds has helped Monsanto grow into a multi-billion dollar business.
By 2010, 70% of the corn crops and 90% of soy crops in the United States were Roundup Ready.
Brief History of Roundup
Glyphosate was developed by a Monsanto scientist named John Franz in 1970. Within a few years it was being sold as safe and super effective against weeds.
By 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency was considering classifying glyphosate as carcinogenic. Monsanto balked and instead pressured the agency and flooded them with contrary studies suggesting the product was safe. The EPA backed down. To this day they don’t label glyphosate as carcinogenic. In fact, today the EPA is siding with the company and against the State of California (the state believes the product should carry strong warning labels.)
Despite Bayer Monsanto's safety claims, the company has a troubled track record, especially with the labs that tabulated their product safety data. Two of those labs that did the early work for Monsanto were later accused of fraud? It's true. Accused of criminal fraud.
So just how dangerous is Roundup and what does Monsanto know?
EPA Sides with Monsanto, Other Countries Ban or Restrict Glyphosate
We and the World Health Organization say that glyphosate is cancerous. When the EPA wouldn’t act, however, some states began to question the safety of glyphosate.
In 1996, New York State sued Monsanto over its Roundup marketing claims. Specifically, the state was concerned about Monsanto’s claims that Roundup was as “safe as table salt.”
The company also claimed glyphosate’s safety margin is far greater than required. They say it has over a 1,000 fold safety margin when applied to food crops. Another ad said, “Roundup can be used where kids and pets will play.”
Without admitting any wrongdoing, the company agreed to stop make such claims about its glyphosate products but only in New York state.
In 2009, a French court ruled that Monsanto made misleading statements about Roundup in France.
Roundup is Monsanto’s most profitable product. We expect the company will fight at any cost to keep selling its products in the United States. Like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, Monsanto keeps telling US consumers that the product is safe even while other countries such as the Netherlands, France, Columbia, Sri Lanka, Bermuda and Brazil are trying to ban or have banned its use in those countries. The rest of the world is seeing the light while Monsanto and the EPA seemingly ignore the growing tide of evidence.
There is plenty of evidence that Monsanto’s Roundup is not safe and causes cancer. (Some doctors also believe it causes a whole host of other medical problems too.) But despite over 100,000 lawsuits and three solid trial wins, we are aware of no smoking gun… Yet.
By smoking gun, we mean an internal test report or lab report in Monsanto’s possession acknowledging the dangers of Roundup. Do we think that any Bayer Monsanto executive would spread glyphosate on their food like table salt and feed it to their kids? Of course not!
Assuming there is a smoking gun, it will most likely be a scientist working for Monsanto or someone who worked at one of the two outside labs used by Monsanto that were accused of fraud, Industrial Bio-Test Industries and Craven Laboratories.
[Remember, in addition to cancer patients we are always looking for actual studies showing the dangers of glyphosate and proof that Monsanto possessed those studies or information. And that is the perfect segue to Monsanto whistleblowers.
Monsanto / Roundup Whistleblower
Obviously we are seeking to represent NHL cancer victims but we are also seeking a Monsanto whistleblower, someone who worked or once worked inside the company and has knowledge of efforts by the company to manipulate studies, tamper with lab results or simply hide scientific information about the safety of glyphosate and Roundup.
Let's talk quickly about Monsanto whistleblowers and then return in the next section to cancer patients. (Cancer patients may find the whistleblower section interesting too, there is evidence that the company is hiding the truth. This section also shows what makes us different from other law firms handling Monsanto Roundup cancer cases.)
Why are we seeking a Monsanto whistleblower? Because companies lie. Whether you call it a lie, corporate doublespeak, an omission or spinning the truth, we think that many big companies lie.
Monsanto says the safety of Roundup is backed by “hundreds of studies.” In a recent investor call, Bayer AG CEO Werner Baumann said, “We will be arguing that the evidence and the law do not support the liability finding nor the damage awards.”
And that brings us to the need for a whistleblower.
First, let’s discuss why we are looking for a Monsanto whistleblower.
Unlike many law firms that rely on discovery and detective work to prove their cases, we go far beyond. We also seek company whistleblowers. As a whistleblower law firm, we have become quite adept at finding insiders.
Most companies are filled with honest, hardworking people who want to do the right thing. That isn’t always easy. Some companies deter whistleblowers by demoting or even firing them. And a few really bad apples actually sue whistleblowers on trumped up charges of trade secret theft or violating company privacy policies.
Really what these companies are doing are trying to deter other would be whistleblowers. They want to make an example out of whistleblowers so that everyone in the company becomes too afraid to step forward.
Sooner or later, truth has a way of coming out. Our hope is to find the truth before any more families have to suffer the loss of a loved one or the pain and anguish that comes with battling cancer.
Some of the biggest prosecutions in US history started because of a brave whistleblower. Our $16.67 billion recovery against Bank of America? That case started because of three brave whistleblowers… A former executive of Fannie Mae, a Bank of America senior vice president and a front line real estate appraiser. None of the three knew one another but they all knew something was very wrong with the way their employer was behaving, all had a tremendous sense of right and wrong and all came to the table with a piece of the puzzle.
Sometimes we can help our whistleblowers obtain a cash award for their information. That is probably not the case with Monsanto, however. Unfortunately, although many federal laws have anti-retaliation provisions, most do not pay whistleblower rewards unless there is a financial loss to the government. That means we can help protect whistleblowers from retaliation although there may not be a law that allows the whistleblower to also earn a separate cash reward. (If there is an available award, we will find it.)
So, if there may not be any awards, why come forward? The answer is simple. We represent both corporate whistleblowers and victims of corporate greed. Even if we can’t obtain an award, your information may be valuable to dozens or hundreds or thousands of victims.
Most law firms take depositions and subpoena documents hoping to find the smoking gun email. Often that is like finding a needle on a haystack. Unfortunately, many big companies do everything to make sure those smoking guns are deeply buried or destroyed. Someone, however, somewhere usually has a copy of a tell all memo or a story to tell.
We do things differently by always building our cases on the inside whenever possible.
If we can’t get you an award, we may still be able to still use your information – confidentially – to help others in need.
DeWayne Johnson is one of 100,000 people claiming their lives were ruined by glyphosate. Did Monsanto know this chemical was carcinogenic? Did they suspect it?
Someone knows the answer and we think the answer is yes!
In the third trial that recently ended in a $2 billion loss for Monsanto, an expert witness testified that in 1985, the Environmental Protection Agency classified glyphosate as a “Class C” possible human carcinogen. This came after an EPA study that found kidney tumors in male mice exposed to glyphosate. The witness testified that the classification as a Class C possible carcinogen would essentially block the EPA from expanding glyphosate tolerances and “had a direct effect on market potential for future Roundup sales.”
What did Monsanto do? According to the testimony at the trial, they hired their own expert pathologist to review the kidney slides. That doctor apparently convinced the EPA of "false positives" and that the slides were not accurate. Instead of performing a new study, however, it appears the EPA simply invalidated the old study.
Bayer is sinking and they know it. The company earlier this year offered $10 billion in an effort to make all the pending claims disappear. Although we already know that confidential settlement negotiations are under way, a whistleblower's inside knowledge could still help the anticipated tens of thousands of people who later develop cancer tied to Roundup.
Coming forward and confidentially sharing information is not only the right thing to do, it could help insure that these future cancer victims are treated fairly. You will know that you made a difference to families suffering because a member of those families has Non Hodgkins lymphoma.
If you have information about glyphosate or any other dangerous products, call us. If you know of links with other diseases, call us. Confidentiality assured. All inquiries protected by the attorney – client privilege.
To learn more contact us online, by email [hidden email] or by phone at 414-704-6731 (direct). Never call from a work phone or email using is a work computer or email account.
The Latest on the $10 Billion Roundup Settlement
Is it too Late to Sue for Cancer Caused by Roundup?
Now that the $10 billion settlement has been announced. People who haven't filed or who haven't filed because they were just diagnosed with cancer are wondering if it is too late to sue. The answer is no.
When Bayer Monsanto announced the settlement, they hoped to pull a fast one on the court and potentially get out of future claims. Thankfully the MDL judge overseeing thousands of cases put on the brakes. Monsanto wanted to establish a fund and a mechanism whereby future cases could be decided by experts. We think they did believing that they had the EPA in their pocket.
Our Constitution gives all of the right to have our day in court. A person can of course waive that right but such a waiver has to be knowing and voluntary. Simply picking up and using a bottle of Roundup doesn't mean you waived any rights.
Months after Bayer agreed to the settlement in June, lawyers for the cancer victims are suddenly crying foul. Few if any of the cases have been settled. Bayer's lawyers call the problem a "slight hiccup" and a "speed bump." We don't buy it and hope the court doesn't let Bayer back out of the deal.
One of the lawyers who has approximately 2,200 Roundup cases told the court that Bayer had reneged. "I have clients who have cancer and they are dying and every time they die it fundamentally changes the nature of their case."
Keep visiting here for more details as they unfold.
Our take is that Bayer will make a final attempt to escape their settlement but ultimately have to cough up $10 billion. What happens to the future cases is more uncertain. Many law firms were precluded from taking more cases as part of the settlement. Not all firms made those agreements. For those that did, we wonder if those promises are even enforceable since Bayer has yet to pay on any of the settled claims.
Katers & Granitz - America's Monsanto Roundup Cancer Lawyers
If you or a loved one has cancer Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and have a history of exposure to Roundup at home or at work, you may be entitled to substantial damages. Our case review is free and without obligation. If we take your case, we never charge attorneys’ fees unless we win and you receive compensation.
All inquiries are protected by the attorney – client privilege and kept completely confidential.
For more information, contact us online, by email [hidden email] or by phone at 414-704-6731 (direct).
Ed. Note: We also have many other articles on Monsanto cancer lawsuits and glyphosate. Once again, please see our Roundup Resources Page
New Video for Monsanto Roundup Cancer Victims (graphic footage may be disturbing)
New Video for Potential Monsanto Whistleblowers:
Full transcripts of videos:
MONSANTO ROUNDUP CANCER VICTIM VIDEO
Roundup and Ranger Pro are the number one weed killers in the world. Annual sales are in the billions. Yet the World Health Organization claims they are carcinogenic and may cause serious cancers such as lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia. The company says they are safe.
Recently a California jury awarded a former school groundskeeper who suffers from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma $289 million. The jury believes he contracted cancer through exposure to Roundup.
New York sued the company in 1996 over ads that claimed the potent herbicide was safer than table salt and suggesting the product could be used where children play. Monsanto, maker of Roundup, pulled the ads in New York but continued to claim its product was safe.
The World Health Organization says otherwise and many other countries have banned or restricted its use.
If you were exposed to RoundUp and have myeloma, lymphoma or leukemia, you may have a claim against Monsanto and its distributors.
Companies like Monsanto can he held liable for injuries and damages attributable to bad or unsafe products. That includes being responsible for products with improper warning labels or instructions.
Damage claims can include: Medical bills, Future anticipated medical bills, Pain and suffering, Medical Monitoring, Lost wages including future lost wages. And in some cases, punitive damages.
If you are a cancer victim previously exposed to Roundup or a Monsanto insider, visit the web address below for important information or contact us directly. The number is on your screen.
ROUNDUP WHISTLEBLOWER VIDEO
This short video contains a special message for present or former Monsanto employees or people who worked at laboratories that did testing for Monsanto. Specifically, we are looking for insiders or whistleblowers with information about the safety of Monsanto’s Ranger Pro and Roundup herbicides.
A jury recently awarded a former school groundskeeper who suffers from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma $289 million in damages. The jury believed he contracted cancer through exposure to Ranger Pro.
Monsanto continues to claim Roundup and Ranger Pro are safe. In fact, they intend on appealing the verdict.
Media reports claim that two of the labs doing testing on roundup were implicated in serious fraud and we believe the company unfairly influenced – if not misled – the EPA.
Despite Monsanto’s claims that Roundup is safe, the World Health Organization says otherwise and many other countries have banned or restricted its use.
We are concerned about the thousands of people suffering from myeloma, lymphoma or leukemia. Those cancers are a death sentence for many people.
We are looking for information that shows the company knows that Roundup is unsafe. We are also looking for information that can establish when Monsanto knew or suspected that the product was unsafe or may be carcinogenic.
Although we would love to speak with you, any information is better than nothing. If you must, you may email us documents or information anonymously at the address on your screen. We do hope, however, that you call us. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
You can call the EPA, you can call Monsanto’s Alert Line or you can call us. I think you know that we will make sure your information is put to good use. With your approval, your information will also be shared with regulators.
Our information appears below.