Thousands of people are now suing the makers of Paraquat, a popular weed killer, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other health problems. These lawsuits claim that long-term exposure to Paraquat can be extremely dangerous.
If you or a loved one worked around Paraquat and developed health issues, here’s what’s happening with the lawsuits and how you might be able to get compensation.
Recent Updates in the Paraquat Lawsuits
1. New Lawsuits Filed
- On July 25, 2024, three new lawsuits were filed, including one from a Pennsylvania farmer who used Paraquat for 20 years and later developed Parkinson’s disease.
- On October 19, a man in New York sued Syngenta and Chevron, saying his exposure from 1980 to 1984 led to Parkinson’s.
- On October 8, a couple from Nevada also sued, claiming the husband got Parkinson’s from using Paraquat on his farm in Indiana.
2. Case Numbers Are Rising
- The Paraquat MDL (a special court handling similar federal cases) has seen steady growth, reaching almost 6,000 cases by September 2024.
- A 45% jump in cases was also seen in Philadelphia, where many lawsuits are being filed directly in state court.
3. Missed Paperwork Leading to Dismissals
Some lawsuits are being thrown out because plaintiffs didn’t complete their Plaintiff Assessment Questionnaires (PAQs) on time. This shows how important it is to stay on top of legal paperwork.
Possible Settlements Coming Soon
As of October 22, 2024, many lawyers believe a global settlement may be reached in the next six months. If this happens, thousands of victims could get compensation.
However, settling is often easier early on, so it’s important to speak to a lawyer soon if you believe you’ve been harmed by Paraquat.
Court Wins for Plaintiffs
On September 10, a court in Pennsylvania ruled that companies registered in the state, like Syngenta, can be sued there—even if the person filing the lawsuit lives in another state. This is a big win for victims, and it helps move cases forward.
Push for a Paraquat Ban
On October 11, 47 U.S. Congress members asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban Paraquat due to its links to Parkinson’s disease and other health risks.
Understanding Paraquat and Its Dangers
Paraquat is a strong herbicide used mostly by farmers. It’s known for being highly toxic, even in small amounts.
Health Risks Include:
- Parkinson’s disease (brain disorder affecting movement)
- Lung damage
- Organ failure
- Death, in severe exposure cases
A study by the National Institutes of Health in 2011 found that people who used Paraquat had a 2.5 times higher risk of getting Parkinson’s disease than those who didn’t.
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know used Paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s or other serious health issues, you may be able to:
- File a lawsuit
- Get compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
Take Action Now
👉 Don’t wait. Legal deadlines apply, and early action improves your chances of a successful claim.
