Paraquat dichloride is a chemical compound present in many herbicides since the 1950s. It is recognized as one of the most toxic pesticides and has been banned in 32 countries. American applicators must be trained and certified in its correct use—but paraquat is not banned in the United States, where people continue to be harmed by this dangerous substance.
Studies indicate the paraquat herbicide has been linked to a high incidence of Parkinson’s disease in those exposed to the chemical. Despite proper care and training in the use of this chemical compound, many people who have worked with it have suffered negative health effects. If you were exposed to paraquat in the past and developed Parkinson’s, you might be able to seek compensation by joining the paraquat lawsuit.
Fast Facts About Paraquat & The Lawsuit
- Prolonged paraquat exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease and other serious health conditions. Short-term (acute) exposure can also cause damage and even death.
- Syngenta and Chevron are the two main companies that sell products containing paraquat and are the defendants in most active paraquat class action lawsuits.
- The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew about the risks of paraquat but failed to warn users. They also accuse the corporations of negligence.
- The number of cases pending in the paraquat lawsuit exceeds 6,000, reflecting the great number of people who have developed health problems after exposure to the herbicide.
- While the manufacturers contend that exposure to the product cannot be linked to health problems, many studies show a direct correlation between Parkinson’s and paraquat.
What Health Conditions Is Paraquat Exposure Linked to?
Parkinson’s disease is the most well-known condition linked to paraquat exposure. The compound is thought to cause this devastating disease in a variety of ways, including:
- Oxidative stress: Paraquat generates free radicals that damage cells, including brain cells that create dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control movement).
- Mitochondrial dysfunction: The chemical harms the cell component mitochondria, resulting in the damage and death of cells (including neurons).
- Protein clump creation: Paraquat may contribute to the clumping of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These clumps are a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease and disrupt brain cell function.
- Increased inflammation: Exposure can lead to increased inflammation in the brain, further contributing to neuronal damage and cell death.
Parkinson’s disease may be the most common health problem presented in the lawsuit, but it isn’t the only one that may be considered related to paraquat poisoning.
Others include:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Central nervous system (CNS) problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Organ damage (including kidneys and liver)
- Respiratory complications
- Skin problems
The following may also make you eligible to join the lawsuit. It’s important to note that you typically must have received a formal Parkinson’s diagnosis in order to qualify for these additional health conditions/symptoms:
- Tremors (hand or other)
- Prolonged or Extreme Stiffness
- Difficulty With Body Movements
- Loss of Balance
- Difficulty Walking (slow gait, shuffling)
- Difficulty or Soft Speaking
- Reduced Facial Expressions (blank stare)
- Drooling
- Small Handwriting
- Trembling
- Whole Body Fatigue or Dizziness
- Amnesia or Confusion in Evenings
- Early Awakenings or Sleep Disturbances
- Anxiety or Apathy
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
If you believe you qualify for the paraquat lawsuit, we encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique. By participating in the litigation, you’re doing your part to ensure that these powerful corporations take responsibility for the hazardous chemicals they sell—and the risks associated with their use.
Paraquat’s Controversy
Prolonged exposure to paraquat dichloride carries a heightened risk of Parkinson’s disease, but the compound is also extremely acutely toxic. This means that a single or short-term exposure can cause devastating health effects—and even death.
In fact, paraquat is known as the world’s most acutely toxic herbicide; ingesting as little as a teaspoon can be fatal. Thousands of people around the world have died as a result of paraquat ingestion—both intentional and unintentional—contributing to widespread bans across dozens of countries. This is part of the reason that US paraquat applicators are required to be trained, licensed, and certified to use the chemical.
Paraquat is also extremely dangerous for the environment, where it persists in the soil for prolonged periods. This allows it to impact natural microbiomes, harming beneficial fungi and bacteria. The chemical is also toxic to fish, aquatic life, birds, and non-target plants.
The Paraquat Lawsuit: Providing Hope for Plaintiffs
As far back as the 1950s, countless innocent people have been harmed by the use of paraquat. Though many were warned about the toxicity of the product and trained on how to handle it, they were not made aware of the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease when exposed to the chemical.
Plaintiffs and their lawyers argue that any products that risk skin contact or inhalation should be thoroughly tested to ensure they can be used safely under normal conditions—and come labeled with clear and adequate warnings. The paraquat class action lawsuit will help limit the potential for harm caused by products like paraquat, which are often applied using a sprayer.
Since 2022, legal experts working on the paraquat lawsuit have continuously informed the public about the risks of this chemical and the injuries associated with it. As of July 2025, the paraquat litigation is nearing a potential settlement, which could help compensate impacted individuals for their pain and suffering. It’s possible that a few more years of work will need to be done on these cases before any potential payouts are distributed. Compensation may help reimburse plaintiffs for costs related to medical bills, lost wages, emotional damages, and more.
Paraquat Class Action Lawsuit Highlights
Thousands of paraquat cases have already been filed, and plaintiffs continue to come forward with claims that their Parkinson’s disease and other diagnoses were caused by the chemical. Complaints have been lodged in state courts and federal courts as part of the paraquat MDL (multidistrict litigation).
Recent highlights include:
- June 25, 2025: A woman from Kentucky filed a new paraquat lawsuit in a Delaware state court, asserting that her Parkinson’s disease was caused by exposure to paraquat. She seeks to hold Syngenta and Chevron accountable for their alleged negligence.
- June 3, 2025: 123 new cases are added to the federal paraquat MDL. This demonstrates that, while the class action lawsuit is likely nearing a settlement, it’s still an ideal time for plaintiffs to submit a claim.
- May 13, 2025: The MDL judge granted a 30-day stay on discovery deadlines to finalize the settlement. Parties were ordered to update the court by June 11. However, as of early July, no final decision has been announced.
- April 15, 2025: A settlement framework was signed by plaintiffs and defendants in the federal paraquat MDL. This brings the litigation closer to a settlement, a huge win for plaintiffs.
How Can I Seek Compensation?
Class action lawsuits serve as protection for consumers when big corporations refuse to take accountability for the risks associated with the products they sell. If you worked with paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our team can connect you with a qualified lawyer in our network who can help you take action.
Your participation in the paraquat class action lawsuit not only helps you pursue compensation—it also helps to compel powerful companies to discontinue the use of this chemical in their products. You can help others who have been harmed by paraquat poisoning by standing up for what’s right and joining the class action case. Get in touch with us now and find out how you can begin the process of seeking justice for your case.
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