Florida Roundup Attorneys
Roundup Linked to Cancer
Roundup is a widely used herbicide (weed killer) that is now one of the most commonly used agricultural chemicals in the world. Unfortunately, there may be severe repercussions for people who are exposed to Roundup.
Science has drawn a causal relation a link between the popular weed killer and cancer. The most common Cancer believed to be caused by Roundup is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. As many as 70,000 people are diagnosed with this form of Cancer every year in the United States.
Those who claim to have suffered from unexpected side effects after being exposed to Roundup are pursuing lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer (the company that acquired Roundup from Monsanto).
How Roundup Works
Roundup kills both weeds and regular crops. Therefore, Roundup should normally be applied directly on its intended target. However, there are also genetically engineered crops which are immune to Glyphosate (the primary active ingredient in Roundup) known as Roundup Ready seeds. This allows for greater amounts of Roundup to be sprayed on a more indiscriminate basis because it can be applied to the crops as well as the weeds.
What Is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is an herbicide that targets a particular enzyme that is responsible for plant growth. As discussed before, genetically modified seeds are resistant to its effects, causing only the weeds to die in its wake. Monsanto and Bayer maintain that the chemical is safe because this enzyme is only found in plants—not in humans nor animals. We believe that not to be the case.
Worldwide, glyphosate use is increasing. Seventy-five percent of all glyphosate sprayed since the 1970s occurred in the last 10 years alone. Though some countries are starting to restrict its use, these statistics suggest that glyphosate’s effects on environmental and human health will be present for years to come.
Monsanto Has A History of Producing Dangerous Products
Even before Roundup, Monsanto had a reputation of producing products that can cause injury or death. They manufactured Agent Orange during the Vietnam war and the harmful insulation chemical PCB until the 1980s.
Monsanto started selling products containing glyphosate in the 1970s. Over the course of time, they adapted their products to ensure success with genetically modified crops. The harmful ingredient, Glyphosate, remained a critical part of all generations of products.
Glyphosate use is so Pervasive That Most People Have it in Their Bodies
Even in people who do not use Roundup, the risk of exposure is high. Traces of glyphosate have been found in oatmeal, honey, wine, and even baby food.
What’s more, even those who try to minimize their exposure by purchasing organic products are still at risk. Many organic products have be found to contain Glyphosate. Runoff from Roundup crops feed glyphosate into neighboring streams and rivers; animals, too, have been discovered to carry traces of glyphosate, making it a difficult chemical to contain.
In one particular study, over 90% of the participants had traces of glyphosate in their bodies.
W.H.O. Declares Glyphosate A “Probable Carcinogen”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), says that the chemical is “probably carcinogenic.” This report led to California listing glyphosate as a carcinogen under its Prop 65 law three years ago.
Monsanto even tried to utilize the E.P.A. to support their position that the chemical is safe to humans. However, recent lawsuits allege that this could be because E.P.A. officials were colluding with Monsanto. Internal correspondence from E.P.A. toxicologist Marion Copley accused E.P.A. scientist Jess Rowland of playing “political conniving games with the science.”
Complaints Monsanto Knew About The Dangers
Complaints accuse the company of more than just manufacturing and selling a harmful product. Lawyers argue that discovery through the litigation confirms that Monsanto intentionally mislead the public and the government about the safety of Roundup.
Juries Agree
In August of 2018, a San Francisco jury issued the first Roundup verdict. They awarded 46 year old Dewayne Johnson, a former groundskeeper diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, $289 million in damages.
In March of 2019, another San Francisco jury ruled that Roundup was responsible for 70 year old Edwin Hardeman’s cancer and awarded $ 80 million in damages. Then in May of 2019, an Oakland, California jury awarded $ 2 billion in punitive damages to Alva and Alberta Pilliod after concluding that Roundup was responsible for both of the couple’s cancer.
Bloomberg Reports $8 Billion Settlement Proposal
On August 9, 2019, Bloomberg reported that “Bayer Proposes Paying $8 Billion to Settle Roundup Cancer Claims.” If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, this may be related to your Roundup exposure. Your time to file a claim may be limited.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm as the result of using a medical device, pharmaceutical drug, or other product, we have the experience to handle your claim. The attorneys at Freedland Harwin Valori, PL, can help you navigate the confusing process and make sure your case gets the attention that it deserves. For more information, or to schedule a free case evaluation with our firm, please call us or contact us online.
