One of the most popular weed killers in the world, Roundup, contains harmful chemicals that can cause lymphatic cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after long-term exposure to the pesticide, you may have grounds to file a Jackson Roundup weed killer lawsuit. Doing so could put you on the path to receiving the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and move comfortably into the future.
The History of Roundup Weed Killer
Roundup was introduced commercially in 1974 by Monsanto. Today, it’s used in more than 160 countries. In the United States, nearly all corn, soy, and cotton are treated with the chemical. It’s popular because it’s known for its effectiveness with minimal damage. Farmers, landscapers, nursery workers, and home gardeners regularly use the chemical to improve the state of their plants.
In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), published a study noting the potential cancer-causing effects of Roundup. That fall, several thousand lawsuits were filed against Monsanto by plaintiffs with cancer like Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Over the next few years, a number of cases have settled in favor of the plaintiffs as a result of Monsanto’s negligence. For example, Dewayne Johnson was awarded $289 million in 2018, after exposure to Roundup as a groundskeeper resulted in a cancer diagnosis.
The Dangers of Glyphosate
Glyphosate is an herbicide and the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer. Because it’s non-selective, it kills most plants. It does this by stopping the shikimic acid pathway, which is necessary for plants and some microorganisms to grow. Currently, there are over 750 products on the market in the United States that contain glyphosate.
When the chemical enters the body, is generally passes through relatively quickly. It’s not easily absorbed through the skin, so exposure is often the result of inhalation. Symptoms related to brief exposure include irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. If the product is ingested, it can result if digestive upset, internal burns, and death. With long-term exposure, the risk of developing a related cancer increases significantly.
As the most widely used herbicide, nearly 1.8 million tons of glyphosate has been applied by Americans since 1974. Worldwide, more than 9 million tons of the chemical has been sprayed on fields. Because of its prevalence, it’s no surprise that thousands of individuals have filed lawsuits against Monsanto for related injuries.
Roundup and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
As opposed to some cancers that are genetic or inherited, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is acquired. It can result from exposure to radiation, infections, and cancer-causing chemicals like glyphosate. The chemical causes DNA changes that morph normal lymphocytes into lymphoma cells.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is typically found in older adults. It’s a cluster of blood cancers that begins in the white blood cells. As a result, the lymph system, which fights infection and disease and allows fluid to move throughout the body, is affected. The cancer can originate anywhere lymph tissue is found. Common places include the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, thymus, digestive tract, tonsils, and adenoids.
The treatments a patient undergoes for this type of cancer is dependent upon a number of factors, including the type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the stage, and the systems. The most common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, stem cell transplant, and surgery.
Signs and Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
While many of the symptoms associated with lymphoma are found with other, less serious conditions, it’s important to visit your doctor if you begin to notice a combination of the following symptoms. This is especially true if you’ve been exposed to Roundup.
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain/swelling
- Chest pain/pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty with movement
- Loss of appetite
The symptoms above are not always indicative of cancer, but it’s always better to be examined to ensure you’re healthy. If you are diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after prolonged exposure to weed killer, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your losses.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Monsanto
Anyone diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Monsanto. It’s important to note that the litigation process takes time, which is why it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as you believe you have a case.
To successfully pursue compensation, our attorneys will take your medical records, purchase receipts, and evidence of product use into consideration. We’ll be able to create a timeline that shows when and how often you were exposed to glyphosate in relation to your cancer diagnosis.
Seek Compensation Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to Roundup, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to ensure you have the means to pay for your medical bills and support your family. When you file a Jackson Roundup weed killer lawsuit through Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we’ll handle the investigation, discovery process, and negotiations for you. You’ll be able to focus on your recovery, and we’ll keep you up-to-date on all matters of litigation.
To learn more about the benefits of filing a lawsuit against Monsanto, get in touch with our lawyers today. We’ll begin with a free case consultation, where we’ll review the merits of your claim and give you an idea of what you can expect. Our attorneys will fight for you every step of the way to ensure the negligent party is held accountable for your injuries and you have the compensation you need to cover your losses.
