Historic $7.25 Billion Settlement Reached in Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit

Landmark Settlement in Monsanto Roundup Case

In a significant legal breakthrough, the law firm Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has joined forces with a coalition of plaintiffs' attorneys to secure a monumental $7.25 billion settlement agreement with Monsanto. This class-action settlement, announced on February 17, 2026, aims to address the past and future claims of individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) due to exposure to Monsanto's widely used herbicide, Roundup.

Legal Context

The legal battles surrounding Roundup have been contentious, with various jury verdicts linking the glyphosate-based herbicide to the development of NHL—a type of cancer affecting the body’s white blood cells. While some cases ended with victories for Monsanto, numerous lawsuits remain unresolved in both state and federal courts. The recent settlement is seen as a strategic response to the slow-moving litigation process and a way to create a resolution for plaintiffs without the risks associated with further trials.

Peter Kraus, a partner at Waters Kraus, highlighted the firm’s extensive experience in Roundup litigation, which played a pivotal role in establishing their leadership in these negotiations. According to Kraus, “This settlement provides a structure to address present and future claims so that all our Roundup clients will have the opportunity for compensation.” This agreement is presented as a fair approach to compensate the tens of thousands of pending Roundup lawsuits, while also creating a sustainable framework for future claims, moving beyond the unpredictable nature of individual litigation.

Settlement Details

The settlement's infrastructure allows class members—those affected by Roundup—to opt out and pursue their claims through traditional court channels if they prefer. This flexibility aims to respect the legal options available to each claimant. Kraus stressed that unlike previous attempts to settle, this agreement emphasizes fairness and predictability, thereby providing essential clarity in an otherwise uncertain legal environment.

Monsanto, the agrochemical giant, has faced significant scrutiny. The company has actively lobbied to change both federal and state regulations to limit its liability regarding Roundup. Notably, in January 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Monsanto's case questioning whether states can enforce stricter labeling laws than those mandated by federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

This upcoming Supreme Court decision could have substantial implications for the future of product liability as it pertains to Monsanto and other manufacturers in similar situations.

Implications for Future Claims

The newly established settlement aims to facilitate a more standardized approach to managing thousands of Roundup cancer claims. By categorizing and addressing current and future claims comprehensively, it seeks to alleviate the burden on courts and provide timely compensation for affected individuals. It represents a vital step toward justice for many who have experienced distress due to health issues linked to exposure to the herbicide.

The settlement may also mark a shift in how large corporations handle future litigations regarding product safety and liability. As public awareness and concern over chemical products grow, this settlement could set a precedent for corporate accountability in the agricultural sector.

For those seeking more information on the settlement and its repercussions, Peter Kraus is available for inquiries at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel. This case—Randall King et al. v. Monsanto Company, No. 2622-CC00325—is filed in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis, Missouri.

About Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is renowned for advocating on behalf of families affected by severe health complications, including those caused by exposure to Roundup, asbestos, and other hazardous substances. With offices in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Moline, Illinois, the firm represents clients nationally and internationally, striving for fairness and justice across multiple legal contexts, including personal injury and wrongful death cases.

This landmark settlement not only embodies a significant financial commitment from Monsanto but could also represent a hopeful new chapter for those fighting for justice in the wake of their health hardships.