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
- Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease: Multiple studies, including work from the Agricultural Health Study and academic researchers, have found that pesticide exposure, especially to paraquat, is associated with increased Parkinson’s risk.
- Banned internationally, still used in the U.S.: While many countries have banned paraquat, U.S. regulators still allow agricultural use under restricted conditions.
- Manufacturers under fire: Syngenta and Chevron (among others) are key defendants in the paraquat MDL and related state-court actions, accused of failing to warn about neurological risks.
- Thousands of cases filed: As of 2025, more than 5,800+ federal MDL cases and additional coordinated state cases have been filed by individuals who developed Parkinson’s after paraquat exposure.
- Paraquat lawsuit settlement updates: In April 2025, plaintiffs and defendants announced a settlement framework to resolve many of the pending cases, with settlement negotiations still ongoing and details (including average paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts) not yet publicly disclosed.
These developments make it an important time for potentially affected individuals to understand their legal options and how the paraquat litigation is evolving.
What Health Conditions Is Paraquat Exposure Linked To?
The paraquat lawsuit is primarily focused on its potential role in triggering Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and quality of life.
Researchers believe paraquat may contribute to Parkinson’s through several biological mechanisms:
- 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.
While Parkinson’s disease is the main condition highlighted in paraquat lawsuits, the chemical’s toxicity extends beyond the nervous system. Acute or chronic exposure has been associated with:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Central nervous system (CNS) problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Organ damage (including kidneys and liver)
- Respiratory complications
- Skin problems
In the context of litigation, most claims focus on individuals who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after sustained exposure to paraquat, and who can document both their medical diagnosis and exposure history.
Symptoms That May Support a Paraquat Parkinson’s Claim
To qualify for many paraquat lawsuits, a formal Parkinson’s diagnosis is typically required. However, the symptoms leading up to that diagnosis can also be important context for your case.
Common Parkinson’s-related symptoms include:
- 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.
Why Paraquat Remains So Controversial
Despite the growing scientific literature and advocacy efforts from organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, paraquat remains approved for agricultural use in the U.S.
Key points fueling the controversy:
- Severe acute toxicity: Ingesting just a small amount of paraquat can be fatal, which has led to thousands of deaths worldwide from both accidental and intentional poisonings.
- Environmental persistence: Paraquat can linger in soil and water, impacting beneficial microorganisms, aquatic life, birds, and non-target vegetation.
- Regulatory split: While many countries have banned paraquat entirely, U.S. regulators have continued to allow its use, even as they re-evaluate its risk profile and face criticism for downplaying Parkinson’s-related evidence.
For many advocates, the paraquat lawsuit is not just about individual compensation, it’s also about pushing regulators and manufacturers to fully confront the chemical’s long-term health and environmental costs.
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 Lawsuit Updates & Settlement Landscape
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 paraquat lawsuit settlement updates 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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