An Overview of Roundup Lawsuits
In 2015, a group of environmental workers won the landmark Supreme Court case Rattalino v. Bayer CropScience concerning exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. They were able to prove that glyphosate causes cancer, mainly for those who are exposed to the chemical on the job. Since then, more and more workers and citizens alike have begun to file claims against Monsanto Company (now owned by Bayer AG) to be compensated for damages caused by exposure to the herbicide.
Roundup lawsuits typically deal with the situation in which a person develops a certain type of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and has records proving that he or she was exposed to glyphosate on the job or at home . These lawsuits frequently involve factory workers, farm workers, landscapers, gardeners, and other professionals who handle the spray for an extended period of time, causing the chemical to enter the body through the skin or breathing it in.
In addition to those who are exposed to the chemical on the job, a large number of these lawsuits involve the wives of people who work with Roundup, who unknowingly inhale or absorb the chemical from their husbands’ clothing when laundering it. This latter category is frequently referred to as a paraquat case.
Reports show that more than 13,000 people have filed lawsuits over Roundup cancer with the state of California. At this point, Roundup litigation encompasses claims from individual, class action, and multi-district actions, among others.
Top Qualities of Leading Law Firms
When selecting the right law firm to handle your case, there are a few key qualities to consider. First and foremost, it is crucial to choose a firm that has a strong track record of experience with these types of lawsuits. Not all law firms have extensive experience with cases involving hazardous materials, and without proven history, it can be difficult to know if the firm is familiar with the challenges that can arise. Another quality to look for is expertise in environmental law. A law firm that specializes in this area is likely to have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to Roundup exposure and will know how to navigate this complex process. Additionally, firms that have experience handling other toxic substance cases will be more prepared for this type of lawsuit. Finally, the law firm should have a proven track record of success in settling cases and a commitment to seeking appropriate compensation for their clients. Important factors to look for include a willingness to proceed to trial if necessary, a history of securing substantial settlements for their clients, and a reputation for not cutting corners when it comes to protecting a client’s rights.
Locating Potential Law Firms
Finding the right law firm for your Roundup lawsuit isn’t necessarily a Herculean task like finding Waldo, but it does take a little bit of research. The following are some tips on how you can effectively search for potential law firms.
The internet is obviously the easiest place to start your search. If you already have an idea of who you are looking for, then search for that person’s name. You should also search "Roundup attorney" or "Roundup lawsuit."
The next step is to browse the relevant search results. You want to look for a firm that specifically handles Roundup lawsuits, not one that just does general personal injury work. You are already narrowing your search by looking for a firm that handles one specific type of case, don’t take another chance on a firm that could waste your time.
Before calling any of these firms make sure to check their website for any major red flags, such as typos or unprofessional photo. These issues could indicate an overall lack of attention to detail.
Take a closer look at the attorney bios as well. Obviously, you want your attorney to have all the necessary credentials, but experience is a major factor as well. If a firm has handled a few Roundup cases in the past it may be worth your time to call.
You should also read client reviews not only on the firm’s website, but also on other consumer review websites. Be sure to take these reviews with a grain of salt. A handful of bad reviews on a Redfin website should not disqualify a firm for your Roundup lawsuit. On the flip side, be sure that the reviews are honest. If you take a look at a firm’s Yelp page (or similar site), and they have 1 star but other review sites rave about them, you are likely not looking at an accurate review.
Consultation Questions to Pose
Questions to Consider During Consultations
During your initial consultation with a law firm, it’s important to address all of your questions so you can be sure you are making the right choice. Be careful not to overlook the following:
1. What is the law firm’s strategy to win the case?
It’s difficult for law firms to predict the outcome of litigation, especially at such an early stage in the lawsuit. This is when your lawyer should lay out a litigation plan that describes how they will investigate your case and work toward the goal of making you whole.
2. How long will my case take?
The law firm should give you a timeline for the lawsuit. While an attorney can’t predict most court dates until they know how the case is progressing, your lawyer should still be able to advise you of a rough estimate as to how long the process may take . Are there large stretches of time in the schedule when nothing is happening? Is everything in good faith? Does it look like the defendant wants to resolve the case quickly, or are they looking to drag it out? All of this should be discussed upfront.
3. How do you structure your legal fees?
There’s no point in having an attorney if you can’t afford them. In some instances, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their clients pay them nothing up front and they only receive compensation if the case is successful. If that’s not the case for you, however, you’ll want to make sure the law firm you consider covers their hourly rates and how exactly those fees are structured.
4. What can I do to help?
Your attorney should run through the expectations they have of you, including what happens if you decide not to work with them. If at any point in the process you get the impression that your attorney is in this just for money, you’ll want to think twice.
Success Rates and Settlements
You should not hire a firm which has not had great results in significant major settlements of Roundup cases over the last couple of years. So how do you find out about the success rates of a law firm you are interested in?
The first thing you will want to know is how much Bayer and Monsanto have paid for Roundup thus far. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer declared Roundup as a "probable human carcinogen" in 2015. Thus far, two very large mass torts have been established since then, with St. Louis jury awarding $US 4 billion in 2018 and $US 2 million in 2019. St. Louis is where the initial mass tort was instituted, where the Monsanto headquarters was located (now part of Bayer), and where a large number of the plaintiffs who were diagnosed with NHL lived. Thus far, Bayer and Monsanto have paid $US 10 billion in settlements and verdicts, and estimates are that this figure will double as these cases continue to move through the discovery phase and eventually trials. All law firms do not get the same results or handle similar numbers of cases. Some law firms get bad results and give up, some get bail outs which they consider good results. To evaluate results, request from the law firm the following: The bottom line is that Bayer and Monsanto are going to pay for their actions until there are no more viable plaintiffs left standing. Literally, the big mistake by Bayer and Monsanto was the negative label which they earned from the World Health Organization.
Your Final Selection
All of the information you have gathered should allow you to make a fully informed decision on which law firm you should hire to handle your Roundup lawsuit. It comes down to the law firm that best matches the priorities you have in a law firm, as well as their experience with this particular type of case. If you are still stuck on who to hire , you may want to find a neutral lawyer or legal consultant to help provide you guidance on who might be the best fit for your case. If after all your research you feel you still cannot make a decision, we suggest you go with your gut. No matter how logical your thought process has been, or what your list says, you should pick whichever option feels right.
