Explainer: Will Bayer's proposed $7.25 billion Roundup deal bring legal closure?

Group 1 - Bayer's Monsanto unit proposed a $7.25 billion nationwide class settlement to resolve current and future lawsuits alleging that Roundup caused cancer, aiming to end years of litigation [1] - The settlement would provide payments over up to 21 years, funding a claims program for individuals alleging Roundup exposure caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with individual payments varying based on age, exposure, and severity of cancer [1] - The settlement is designed to cover the majority of the existing 65,000 claims Bayer faces and also compensate future claimants diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma [1] Group 2 - Bayer can terminate the settlement if insufficient plaintiffs support it, but the number of required opt-ins has not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty about court approval [1] - Some law firms representing Roundup plaintiffs support the settlement, but others are still reviewing it, with at least one firm signaling opposition [1] - The lengthy claims program aims to address future cancer claims, with the company required to provide annual notices to alert potential future claimants [1] Group 3 - Bayer has a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could impact the litigation landscape, as the court will decide if Bayer can be sued under state law for failing to warn about cancer risks associated with Roundup [1] - A favorable ruling for Bayer could eliminate thousands of claims, but plaintiffs may still pursue other liability theories, making the settlement necessary [1] - The proposed deal does not guarantee closure, as it could fall apart without sufficient support or court approval, and claimants can opt out to pursue their claims independently [1]