Cancer Victims Fight Bayer's Landmark Roundup Deal

A significant legal challenge has emerged against Bayer's proposed $7.25 billion class action settlement addressing claims from users of its glyphosate-based weed-killing products who have developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A coalition of 14 law firms, representing nearly 20,000 plaintiffs, has filed motions to intervene and extend the preliminary approval timeline in St. Louis.

These firms argue that the settlement, negotiated by a different group of plaintiffs' lawyers, grants Bayer and its parent company, Bayer AG, a broad release of liability while potentially offering inadequate compensation to many class members. They highlight concerns that the deal heavily favors occupational users over residential users, with proposed payments varying significantly based on diagnosis age and user type.

Bayer, which maintains its products are not carcinogenic, faces over 100,000 lawsuits and has already paid billions in settlements. The opposing legal teams are requesting a 60-day extension to the initial 15-day period for preliminary court approval, emphasizing the settlement's magnitude and demanding greater public scrutiny and participation in its review.

Bayer has expressed confidence in the settlement's fairness and financing, anticipating a thorough debate. However, the intervenors also object to a proposed stay of thousands of pending lawsuits. The situation is further complicated by a looming U.S. Supreme Court review on whether federal law preempts failure-to-warn claims, a decision that could significantly impact future litigation.