Paraquat is a highly toxic ingredient found in popular commercial weed killers that may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Thousands of families have filed lawsuits against Syngenta, Chevron, and other manufacturers for reportedly failing to warn about the potential link between paraquat exposure and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.
By joining the paraquat litigation, victims may be able to hold these companies accountable and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Attorney Brendan Smith, a partner in the firm’s Complex Litigation Department, is actively supporting families affected by paraquat exposure and helping them seek justice after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Find out more about the latest paraquat litigation updates, who may be able to take legal action, and what to expect if a paraquat settlement is reached.
What is the paraquat litigation all about?
Paraquat dichloride is a potent chemical used in industrial weed killers, usually around crops or on farms. Exposure to this chemical, however, may significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, something the product doesn’t warn workers or nearby residents about.
As a result, paraquat litigation has been filed to hold manufacturers accountable for failing to warn users about the link between this herbicide and Parkinson’s disease. Many workers were never made aware that prolonged exposure to paraquat may increase the risk of Parkinson’s.
It’s also about securing compensation for those who have been affected. Parkinson’s is a life-altering disease. It can mean steep medical bills, lost income, and a major shift in someone’s day-to-day life. Our goal is to get justice for these families and help ease some of that burden.
Can you explain what the paraquat MDL is?
The paraquat MDL is a type of multidistrict litigation that consolidates similar lawsuits in one federal court. MDLs can help move the legal process forward more efficiently when there are a number of claims filed about the same products and legal issues.
All of the paraquat victims and their attorneys can share resources like evidence and expert witnesses. Rulings issued by the court also apply to all of the cases. Currently, thousands of paraquat claims have already been filed by Parkinson’s disease victims across the country, which have been centralized in the Southern District of Illinois.
Who can paraquat attorneys help?
We’re primarily working with people who were exposed to paraquat at their jobs, like farmers, landscapers, and other agricultural workers.
However, we’ve also seen some cases involving exposure from pesticide drift, when those living near an area treated with paraquat are exposed. There was actually a study recently that showed this happening with paraquat around golf courses as well.
If someone has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and had any regular contact with paraquat, either directly or through environmental exposure, it’s worth consulting a paraquat lawsuit attorney to find out if you have a case.
How do I know if paraquat played a role in my Parkinson’s diagnosis?
Many of our clients have expressed uncertainty about whether or not their loved one’s diagnosis could be related to their job as a landscaper or farmer. Parkinson’s is often seen as an age-related condition, so there’s often a lot of confusion around its connection to paraquat.
What we do is look at a person’s work history, where they lived, and any potential contact they may have had with paraquat over time. We also work with medical experts who can help us evaluate whether that exposure could have played a role in the disease.
If someone in your family has Parkinson’s disease and worked with an herbicide that contained paraquat or lived near farmland, we’re here to help you figure out if the two may be connected.
What’s the latest paraquat litigation update?
Thousands of claims are pending in the paraquat MDL. Currently, both plaintiffs and defendants are engaged in paraquat settlement discussions, attempting to find a way to resolve these claims.
The fact that settlement discussions are underway is a positive sign. We’re closely monitoring the situation and pushing for an outcome that holds these companies accountable.
When will a paraquat settlement be reached?
Syngenta recently signed a letter of agreement that outlines the basic terms of a potential paraquat settlement, which is an important step forward. That doesn’t mean everything’s finalized yet, but it shows that both sides are serious about resolving these cases favorably.
How much could families expect from paraquat settlements?
Paraquat settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the facts of each individual case, including the level of exposure, severity of illness, cost of medical treatment, and whether long-term care is required.
In other mass tort cases involving toxic chemical exposure, some plaintiffs have received settlements ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, with a limited number of cases exceeding $1 million. These figures are not guarantees but reflect the range of recoveries that have occurred in comparable litigation.
Any potential recovery in a paraquat case will depend on the strength of the evidence, the extent of the harm, and other legal and medical factors specific to each claim.
How long does a paraquat settlement take?
While no final settlement has been approved yet, discussions are ongoing. If a global settlement is reached and approved by the court, payments could begin within several months, based on the timeline typically seen in other multidistrict litigations.
We remain committed to helping families navigate the process efficiently and will continue advocating for a fair resolution as quickly as the legal process allows. Any financial recovery will ultimately depend on the outcome of the litigation and each individual’s circumstances.
Is it too late to join the paraquat MDL?
It’s not too late, but it’s important to take action soon if you think you could be affected. Statutes of limitations are legal deadlines on how long victims have to take legal action over their injury.
If you don’t act before the deadline passes, you could forfeit your right and any potential claim you may have to paraquat compensation over Parkinson’s.
Get Help Seeking a Paraquat Settlement for Parkinson’s Disease
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our attorneys can help patients across the country pursue a paraquat settlement following a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Find out why thousands of families put their trust in our firm:
- No upfront costs or hourly fees
- The ability to help victims in all 50 states
- Over $11.3 billion recovered for our clients
Our paraquat lawyers have the resources and skills needed to hold manufacturers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Call (855) 264-6270 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free legal consultation.
Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Every case is different, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.
