paraquat lawsuit Updates
Status Conference Held in Hair Relaxer MDL
Chief Judge Rosenstengel held a status conference in the East St. Louis Courthouse, with attorneys attending in person and via video. The court received updates on state court cases and discussed the schedule for the first phase of trial preparation. Judge Rosenstengel also reminded plaintiff attorneys to maintain communication with their clients. The next status conference is set for April 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
Wisconsin Man Files Paraquat Parkinson’s Lawsuit
A Wisconsin man filed a lawsuit Friday in the Paraquat MDL, alleging prolonged exposure to Paraquat between 1980 and 1985 caused his Parkinson’s disease. The suit names Syngenta AG, Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. as defendants. The plaintiff claims Paraquat was defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous, accusing the companies of failing to warn users of its risks. The lawsuit asserts that Syngenta and Chevron concealed evidence linking Paraquat to oxidative stress and the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, both linked to Parkinson’s. This case joins a growing number of similar claims in the ongoing litigation
Paraquat MDL Judge Urges Better Communication with Plaintiffs
During a recent status conference regarding the timeline for the first bellwether trial in fall 2025, Paraquat MDL Judge Rosenstengel urged plaintiff lawyers to ensure their clients are kept informed about case progress. The judge reported that her chambers have been receiving numerous inquiries from Paraquat plaintiffs seeking updates on their cases. This common issue of communication lapses in mass tort litigation, where thousands of plaintiffs are involved, underscores the importance of regular updates. To address this, we provide frequent updates on major developments in the MDL through this page and other mass tort platforms.
Hope for Global Resolution in Paraquat Litigation as First Trial Approaches
As 2025 approaches, there is growing optimism for a global resolution in the Paraquat litigation. The first trial is set to begin in Philadelphia in March, with Chevron and Syngenta facing increasing pressure. It is expected that the companies will seek to avoid the unpredictability of a jury trial and aim for a pre-trial settlement. The key issue is whether they will settle just the case at hand or negotiate a global settlement. With RFK Jr. taking office, the risks of a massive verdict are higher, making a comprehensive settlement the most practical solution for all parties involved.
About Paraquat Lawsuits
Paraquat is a chemical herbicide used in many applications for weed reduction by farmers and companies all over the United States. While many countries have banned this dangerous herbicide, it is only restricted to licensed users in the United States. This means that it is still on the market and causing harm to those who come into contact with the substance. The CDC has stated that paraquat poisoning can cause serious health issues, including Parkinson's disease, even with infrequent contact.
Claimants insist that the paraquat herbicide manufacturers released the product and knew or should have known that it was dangerous to those who came into contact with it. They also allege that the manufacturers had a duty to warn the public that paraquat could cause Parkinson’s disease in users and failed to do so. Their failure to act and protect the public has caused many people to suffer, such as agricultural workers, farmers, and people who came into contact with the harmful substance without even knowing.
Paraquat Brands
Numerous paraquat brands exist today, with some previously sold in the United States but are now discontinued. Paraquat has been a common herbicide in the U.S. since the 1960s.
Some of the paraquat herbicide brands containing the active ingredient are companies like:
- Gramoxone
- Parazone
- Quik-Quat
- Para-SHOT 3.0
- Helmquat
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- Firestorm
- Crisquat
- Dexuron
- Para-Col
- Devour
- Bonedry
- Blanco
- Esgram
- Ortho Paraquat
- Tota-Col
- PP148
- Gramix
- Pillarxone
- AH501
- Bai Cao Ku
How to Pre-Qualify for the Paraquat Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to participate if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, if you have worked with or been exposed to the herbicide you may be eligible to seek potential damages against the manufacturers.
PLEASE NOTE: Claimants must prove their medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and that they have been exposed to paraquat to be eligible for compensation.
Farmers who have worked with paraquat likely know exactly which chemicals they use to treat their farms. However, there are people who live on or near farms that may not be aware they were exposed to this harmful substance. Anyone who has Parkinson’s and lives near a farm should speak to a class action lawyer to see if they pre-qualify in the paraquat lawsuit.
Who Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Anyone who has been exposed to paraquat and has Parkinson’s disease may pre-qualify to file a lawsuit. Here is a list of people who may be able to file a paraquat lawsuit:
- Those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease after using Paraquat.
- Those who used paraquat in their course of business.
- Those who lived near a farm that used a paraquat herbicide.
- Those who worked for a company that used the harmful chemical.
- Anyone who has been exposed to paraquat.
Does Paraquat Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
Studies referenced in each Parkinson's disease paraquat lawsuit suggest that the properties making paraquat harmful to plants and animals also contribute to Parkinson's disease in humans. This is believed to occur through the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Research indicates that paraquat induces oxidative stress, which destroys these neurons. According to the lawsuits, the scientific community has been aware of paraquat's oxidative properties since the 1960s.
Is Paraquat Banned?
No, paraquat is not banned in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits its use, but only by licensed applicators due to its toxicity. Despite efforts by lawmakers and activists, coupled with the fact that paraquat is banned in 32 other countries, including the European Union and China, there has been no successful legislation to ban it in the U.S.
The EPA's review of over 70 studies found insufficient evidence to link paraquat with health outcomes like Parkinson's disease when used according to product guidelines. However, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council points out that chronic exposure to the paraquat herbicide significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Paraquat is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the United States, with about 11 million pounds applied to crops annually.
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