What is the Status of the Paraquat Parkinson’s Lawsuits?

As of May 2022, there are over 1,000 paraquat Parkinson’s Disease lawsuits filed in the consolidated litigation against makers of paraquat-based herbicides. These lawsuits from around the country have been grouped together before one federal judge in Illinois. In February 2022, the judge presiding over the litigation ruled to advance the cases in a “critical milestone” for plaintiffs. Four bellwether trials are scheduled to begin starting in November 2022, stretching into September 2023.  The outcomes of these early trials could influence future rulings and potential settlements.

What is Paraquat, and What is the Problem With It?

Paraquat is a toxic chemical herbicide that was created in the 1960s. It is used worldwide to control weed and grass growth. Companies such as Chevron Chemical Company, Syngenta, Growmark and others have sold paraquat-based herbicides including commonly-purchased Gramoxone (manufactured by Syngenta).  However, it is extremely potent and has been banned in many countries. According to the EPA, one small sip of the chemical can be fatal.

Exposure to paraquat has been linked to Parkinson’s Disease, spawning lawsuits across the country. Studies going back to at least 2009 have made this connection with the chemical and the central nervous system disorder. Those most at risk for this potential side-effect include farmers, agricultural workers, gardeners and groundskeeper, chemical mixers and sprayers/applicator workers. Many plaintiffs also claim that they were not warned of the alleged dangerous health risks associated with the herbicide.

Plaintiffs’ claims have been centralized and consolidated into what is known as a multi-district litigation, or MDL. These cases will proceed together for purposes of discovery and pre-trial proceedings, but remain individual cases.

Want to Know if You are Eligible to File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one handled or used an herbicide or pesticide containing paraquat and were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may be legally entitled to compensation. It’s not too late to investigate your claim.