The Roundup lawsuit changed dramatically in 2026. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7 to 2 that people can’t sue Roundup’s maker in state court for failing to put a cancer warning on the label, because federal regulators approved a label without one. At the same time, Bayer, which owns Monsanto, has proposed a $7.25 billion class settlement meant to resolve most current and future claims from people who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. As of early October 2026, a Missouri judge had held a final approval hearing but had not yet ruled.
If you or a family member used Roundup and developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, these developments affect your options. Here is a clear explanation of what happened and what it could mean for you.
Last updated: October 2026. This litigation is moving quickly, so check for the latest court decisions before making any choices.
Background: Why People Sued
Roundup is one of the most widely used weed killers in the world. Its main active ingredient is glyphosate. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency, IARC, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” pointing in particular to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
Lawsuits followed from farmers, landscapers, groundskeepers and home gardeners who said years of using Roundup caused their cancer, and that Monsanto hid the risk. Several early trials ended in large jury verdicts. Bayer bought Monsanto in 2018 and inherited the litigation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken a different view, concluding that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer when used as directed. That disagreement between regulators is at the heart of the legal fight. The EPA’s latest review of glyphosate was expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The Scale of the Litigation
Bayer has faced around 200,000 Roundup related claims over the years and previously set aside about $16 billion to resolve them, settling many cases along the way. Tens of thousands of claims remained outstanding in 2026, with recent reports putting the number at about 65,000.
The June 2026 Supreme Court Decision
On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court decided a case brought by John Durnell, a Missouri man who said Roundup caused his cancer. The Court ruled 7 to 2 in favor of Monsanto.
The core holding is that state law failure to warn claims are blocked, or preempted, because the federal law governing pesticides gives the EPA control over pesticide labels, and the EPA approved Roundup’s label without a cancer warning. In simple terms, a company can’t be punished under state law for failing to add a warning that federal regulators didn’t require.
What the ruling did not do
The ruling focused on warning claims. Lawyers for plaintiffs have argued that other types of claims, such as claims that the product was defectively designed or inadequately tested, may still go forward. A new trial began in St. Louis in late September 2026 in which plaintiffs pursued design defect and inadequate testing theories instead of warning claims. How courts treat these alternative claims will shape the future of the litigation.
The Proposed $7.25 Billion Class Settlement
In February 2026, Bayer announced a proposed nationwide class settlement of up to $7.25 billion to resolve most current and future Roundup cancer claims. A Missouri state court in St. Louis, with Judge Timothy Boyer presiding, granted preliminary approval in March 2026 and authorized notice to class members. A federal judge later ruled that the settlement would be heard in Missouri state court.
Key features, based on public reports
- Covers people exposed to Roundup who have developed, or may later develop, non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Payments reported to range from about $10,000 to $165,000 per person, depending on factors like age at diagnosis, severity of illness and whether exposure was at home or at work
- Payments spread over a period of years
- Aims to include future claimants, people who were exposed but haven’t been diagnosed yet
The final approval hearing
Judge Boyer held a final approval hearing on September 14, 2026. Supporters, including lawyers for many potential class members, called it the most reliable path to compensation, especially after the Supreme Court ruling. Objectors argued the payouts are too low and that the deal unfairly binds future claimants who might want to sue on their own. As of early October 2026, no ruling had been issued.
Understanding Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of cancers that start in white blood cells called lymphocytes. It includes many subtypes, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, fever and unexplained weight loss. Treatment ranges from monitoring to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplants.
The subtype and severity of your diagnosis matter for both your health and your claim. Settlement tiers commonly consider how aggressive the disease was, what treatment was needed and the outcome. Keep detailed records from your oncologist.
Why Bayer Wants a Class Settlement
For Bayer, a class settlement offers something individual settlements can’t: a way to resolve claims from people who haven’t been diagnosed yet. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can develop years after exposure, so without a class deal, the company could face new lawsuits for decades. That is also why objectors are concerned. Future claimants are being asked to accept terms today for an illness they may not have yet. Courts look closely at whether settlements like this treat future claimants fairly.
What This Means for You
Your options depend on your situation and on the court’s decision about the settlement.
| Your situation | What to consider |
|---|---|
| You have non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a pending lawsuit | Talk to your lawyer about whether to participate in or opt out of the class settlement, and how the Supreme Court ruling affects your case |
| You have non-Hodgkin lymphoma and haven’t filed | You may be a class member. Check whether opt out or claim deadlines apply, and get advice quickly |
| You used Roundup but haven’t been diagnosed | The settlement may cover future claimants. Read class notices carefully, since staying in may affect your rights later |
| A family member died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup | Estates and families may be able to participate. Ask a lawyer about your state’s rules |
Opting In vs Opting Out
In a class settlement, class members usually have a choice. If you stay in, you can receive payment under the settlement’s terms, but you give up the right to bring your own lawsuit for the covered claims. If you opt out by the deadline, you keep your right to sue separately, but you get nothing from the settlement and must win your own case.
After the Supreme Court ruling, opting out carries more risk, because warning claims, historically the strongest argument in many cases, are now blocked. On the other hand, people with especially strong design defect claims or very severe damages may feel the settlement undervalues them. This is a decision to make with a lawyer who knows your facts.
Who May Qualify for Compensation
Based on the litigation and settlement framework, people who may qualify generally:
- Were exposed to Roundup or glyphosate based weed killers, either at home or on the job
- Were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including its subtypes
- Can describe or document their exposure, such as how often and for how many years they used it
- Have medical records confirming the diagnosis
Farmers, farmworkers, landscapers, nursery workers, groundskeepers and people who used Roundup regularly at home are the most common claimants.
Documents to Gather
- Medical records showing your non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, subtype and treatment
- A written history of your Roundup use: where, how often, for how many years and what kind of product
- Any receipts, farm purchase records or employer records showing use
- Statements from coworkers or family members who saw you use it
- Any settlement notice you received in the mail or by email
State Liability Shield Laws
Bayer has also lobbied state legislatures for laws that shield pesticide makers from failure to warn claims when the EPA approved label is used. Reports indicate that a few states have passed such laws. Combined with the Supreme Court decision, these laws make traditional warning claims much harder to bring.
Is the Science Settled?
No. Scientific and regulatory opinions still differ. Some studies have found an association between heavy glyphosate exposure and increased non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk, while others have not, and regulators in different countries have reached different conclusions. The legal outcome doesn’t depend on settling the science for good, but expert evidence remains central to any claim that goes to trial.
A Quick Example
Gary worked for a landscaping company for 20 years and sprayed Roundup several days a week during the growing season. At 61, he was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He never filed a lawsuit. After receiving a settlement notice, he speaks with a lawyer about whether to stay in the class. Given the Supreme Court ruling and his occupational exposure, the lawyer explains how the settlement’s tiers would likely treat him and what risks he would face pursuing a separate case. Gary decides based on that advice before the relevant deadline.
If You Already Settled a Roundup Claim
Many people resolved their Roundup claims in earlier settlement programs. If you signed a release as part of a previous settlement, you generally can’t bring the same claim again. The new class settlement is aimed mainly at people who haven’t resolved their claims and at future claimants. If you aren’t sure whether an earlier agreement covers you, ask the lawyer who handled it.
Watch for Notices and Deadlines
Class settlements come with strict deadlines to file claims, object or opt out. Settlement notices are typically sent by mail and email and published online. If you think you are covered, find the official settlement website listed in court notices, and be cautious of unofficial sites. Missing a deadline can affect your rights.
What to Do Next
If you used Roundup and have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, gather your medical records and write down your exposure history now. Look for any class settlement notices you may have received. Then speak with a lawyer about the settlement, the Supreme Court ruling and your deadlines. Because the court’s approval decision was still pending in October 2026, check for updates before taking action.
Sources
- Supreme Court of the United States: Opinions
- AP via Dakota News Now: Supreme Court ruling blocks thousands of Roundup lawsuits (June 2026)
- Claims Journal: Bayer faces test of Roundup settlement (September 2026)
- Bayer: Roundup Litigation Statements
- U.S. EPA: Glyphosate
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different, so speak with a licensed attorney in your state about your own situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Roundup settlement cover people not yet diagnosed?
The proposed settlement is designed to include future claimants who were exposed but haven’t developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma yet, which is one of its most debated features.
What did the Supreme Court decide about Roundup?
In June 2026, the Court ruled 7 to 2 that state law failure to warn claims are preempted because the EPA approved Roundup’s label without a cancer warning.
Can I still sue over Roundup?
Warning claims are now blocked, but some plaintiffs are pursuing design defect and inadequate testing claims. Whether those succeed is still being tested in court.
How much does the Roundup settlement pay?
Public reports describe payments of roughly $10,000 to $165,000 per person depending on age, severity and type of exposure. The settlement still needed final court approval as of October 2026.
Is the Roundup settlement approved?
A final approval hearing was held on September 14, 2026. As of early October 2026, the judge had not yet ruled.
Do I qualify if I used Roundup at home?
Home users with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may qualify. The settlement reportedly considers whether exposure was at home or at work when setting payment amounts.
What happens if I opt out?
You keep your right to sue on your own but receive nothing from the settlement. After the Supreme Court ruling, this carries added risk.
