Bayer AG’s subsidiary Monsanto has proposed a landmark $7.25 billion class action settlement to resolve cancer claims from people across the United States who were exposed to its Roundup weed killer. Filed on February 17, 2026, the agreement would cover individuals already diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) as well as people who were exposed to Roundup and may be diagnosed with NHL in the future. Payments range from $6,000 to more than $165,000 depending on your diagnosis and exposure history.
The settlement is pending court preliminary approval. Once approved, claims will be administered through BrownGreer PLC, and affected individuals can register at WeedKillerClass.com.
Background: Why Roundup Is Being Sued
Roundup is the best-selling herbicide in the world, used by homeowners, farmers, landscapers, and groundskeepers for decades. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, was classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2015. Thousands of lawsuits followed, alleging that long-term exposure to Roundup caused Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma — a cancer of the lymphatic system — and that Monsanto knew about the risk and failed to warn users.
Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 and inherited the growing wave of litigation. After years of trials, appeals, and billions in earlier settlements, Bayer is now seeking to resolve all current and future Roundup cancer claims through this comprehensive class settlement.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement
The settlement covers U.S. persons exposed to Roundup before February 17, 2026 who applied the product, purchased it, or participated in or witnessed its application. There are two subclasses:
Subclass 1 — Already Diagnosed with NHL
If you have already been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and used or were exposed to Roundup, you are a Subclass 1 member. You will need to file a claim within 180 days of final court approval of the settlement.
Subclass 2 — Exposed But Not Yet Diagnosed
If you were exposed to Roundup before February 17, 2026, but have not yet been diagnosed with NHL, you are automatically a Subclass 2 member. You do not need to register now. If you receive an NHL diagnosis in the future, you can file a claim within six years of your diagnosis or before the 16th Annual Payment Date — whichever comes first. The settlement program runs for up to 21 years.
Derivative claimants — including spouses, parents, and children of an exposed person who suffered loss due to that person’s NHL diagnosis — may also be eligible to file.
Which NHL Subtypes Are Covered
The settlement covers all Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma subtypes, including but not limited to:
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) — the most common aggressive NHL
- Follicular Lymphoma — the most common indolent (slow-growing) NHL
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Burkitt Lymphoma
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Aggressive NK-Cell Leukemia
Most other leukemias and cancers are not covered unless they specifically involve lymphoma-related terminology. If you are unsure whether your diagnosis qualifies, consult with an attorney before the opt-out deadline.
How Much Will I Get?
Settlement awards are assigned by an independent Allocation Special Master based on four main factors: your NHL subtype, illness severity, age at diagnosis, and whether your Roundup exposure was occupational or residential. Individual awards are calculated at 80%–120% of the tier average, meaning your actual payment can vary above or below the ranges shown below.
| Claimant Type | Estimated Award Range |
|---|---|
| Occupational (farmer, landscaper, groundskeeper, etc.) | $60,000 – $165,000+ |
| Residential (home/garden use) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Age 78 or older at diagnosis | $10,000 flat |
| Quick-Pay option (residential or age 78+) | $6,000 – $14,500 |
Occupational claimants with documented exposure of 80 or more hours receive higher tier placement. The maximum individual award is approximately $198,000 (120% of the highest tier average).
Quick-Pay Option
Residential claimants and those who were age 78 or older at diagnosis can elect a Quick-Pay option for a faster, reduced payment of $6,000 to $14,500. This is a trade-off — you receive payment sooner but accept less than the standard tier award. If you have significant medical expenses or financial need, the Quick-Pay option may be worth considering.
How to File a Claim
The settlement is currently pending court preliminary approval. Claims have not yet officially opened. Here is what to do now and what to expect once the settlement is approved:
- Register at WeedKillerClass.com — This is the official settlement website managed by administrator BrownGreer PLC. Sign up for updates so you receive notification when claims open.
- Gather your medical documentation — You will need records confirming your NHL diagnosis, including pathology reports and treatment records from your oncologist or hematologist.
- Document your Roundup exposure — Collect any receipts, photos, or records showing your use of Roundup. For occupational exposure, employment records and work logs will help establish the number of hours exposed. Statements from coworkers or family members may also be submitted.
- Submit your claim package — Once claims open, submit all documentation to the settlement administrator. The Allocation Special Master will review your file and assign a tier and payment amount.
- Await your tier assignment — After the Special Master reviews claims, each claimant is notified of their tier and proposed award. You will have an opportunity to dispute the assignment if you believe it is incorrect.
Subclass 1 members (already diagnosed) must file within 180 days of final court approval. Watch for mailed notice or check WeedKillerClass.com for the official claims deadline once the court issues its ruling.
Should I Opt Out?
After the settlement receives preliminary court approval, there will be a 90-day opt-out period. If you opt out, you preserve your right to file an individual lawsuit against Bayer/Monsanto but give up your right to a settlement payment. If you do not opt out, you will be bound by the settlement and cannot sue individually later.
Opting out may be worth considering if:
- You have an aggressive NHL diagnosis with significant documented damages exceeding the settlement tier ranges
- You have strong evidence of heavy occupational exposure and believe individual litigation could yield a higher award
- You already have an attorney representing you in an individual Roundup lawsuit
For most claimants — especially residential users and those without active litigation — the settlement provides a certain, faster recovery without the risk and expense of a trial. Consult a personal injury attorney if you are unsure which path is right for you.
Settlement Payment Timeline
Bayer has structured the payments over 17 to 21 years, with approximately $1 billion front-loaded in the first year. Annual payments follow through the program’s duration. This means most claimants will not receive their full payment immediately — payments are distributed over time as the fund is drawn down.
The settlement must still receive preliminary court approval (setting the opt-out period and scheduling a final fairness hearing) followed by final court approval before any payments are made. Based on typical class action timelines, the earliest payments are likely in late 2026 or 2027 for Subclass 1 members, subject to the court’s schedule.
Key Dates and Next Steps
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Settlement proposed and filed | February 17, 2026 |
| Court preliminary approval hearing | TBD |
| Opt-out / objection deadline | 90 days after preliminary approval notice |
| Final fairness hearing | TBD |
| Subclass 1 claim filing deadline | 180 days after final court approval |
| Subclass 2 claim filing window | Within 6 years of NHL diagnosis (up to year 16 of program) |
Register at WeedKillerClass.com to receive updates on the court schedule and when claims officially open.
Get the latest Roundup cancer lawsuit settlement updates on OpenClassActions.com.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The settlement is pending court approval and terms may change. Written by Steve Levine for OpenClassActions.org.