As one of the first weed-killing compounds on the market, Roundup has been used for decades by large-scale farmers and private homeowners to rid their crops and yards of unwanted plant life. Unfortunately, this product’s efficacy came at a cost. In addition to killing weeds, a growing amount of evidence suggests Roundup is linked to various forms of cancer in human beings.
If you or a family member suffered from any form of cancer, especially non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and believe that exposure to Roundup played a role in that diagnosis, it may be in your best interests to talk to a product liability attorney about your legal options. A Western PA Roundup lawyer could help you pursue monetary compensation for the physical and financial losses caused by this product.
First released to the public in 1974 by Monsanto, Roundup is an herbicide that uses a mixture of synthetic chemicals—including glyphosate, which Monsanto first developed in 1970—that keeps plants from being able to form amino acids and continue growing. Since the biological process that Roundup directly blocks only occurs in plants and not animals, it was believed for a long time that using this product could not have any negative impacts on humans.
However, recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer—a division of the World Health Organization—determined that glyphosate and glyphosate-based products are probable carcinogens, meaning that their use is correlated with an increased risk of cancer. In particular, studies have connected Roundup use with the development of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, all of which are cancers of the blood and bone marrow.
Both scientists and legal experts suspect that Monsanto knew of the dangers associated with Roundup for years but kept them hidden in order to maximize profits. Given the devastating amount of harm this decision has caused, many cancer patients may be eligible to sue Monsanto for compensation with help from a Western PA Roundup attorney.
Under Pennsylvania law, any product manufacturer or seller that knowingly allows a dangerous or defective product to be sold may be held civilly liable for any damages that product causes to a consumer. Practically speaking, though, it can be difficult for a single plaintiff to successfully recover compensation from a defendant as large and resourceful as Monsanto, due to the expensive nature of products liability claims.
Fortunately, those suffering from Roundup-related illnesses do not have to pursue civil claims alone. By combining their cases into a single mass tort action, it may be possible for numerous civil plaintiffs who suffered harm in similar ways to work together to hold a single defendant liable. Anyone who would like to pursue legal action related to Roundup usage should speak with a lawyer in Western PA about joining a case in progress, or potentially starting one of their own.
While Roundup was known as an effective weed-killer for years, it has now also become infamous for its association with various forms of cancer. If you were diagnosed with cancer and suspect that exposure to Roundup is to blame, you may have the right to pursue compensation from this product’s negligent manufacturer.
Working with an experienced Western PA Roundup lawyer could be crucial to effectively pursuing compensation and achieving justice for the harm that Monsanto has caused you. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Marcus & Mack today.
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