Roundup Settlement: Lawyers Penalized for Opt-Outs

A preliminary approval has been granted to a $7.25 billion class action settlement intended to resolve numerous claims alleging Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. This agreement, proposed by Monsanto, a unit of Bayer, includes specific clauses designed to incentivize class members to accept the settlement rather than pursue individual litigation.

Key provisions aim to penalize plaintiffs' lawyers. If a lawyer represents more than 25 clients who opt out, they risk forfeiting their legal fees. Additionally, Bayer may reduce its total payout by up to $400 million if more than 650 plaintiffs reject the deal.

Class members have until June 4 to submit opt-out paperwork. Bayer has maintained that studies show Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate, are safe for human use, despite facing around 65,000 claims alleging exposure caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The company has previously won some trials but has also faced significant jury awards.

Individual payout amounts within the settlement vary based on factors like age and diagnosis aggressiveness. The settlement also anticipates a U.S. Supreme Court review in April that could potentially limit future litigation, adding another layer of consideration for claimants deciding whether to opt out.