People who developed Parkinson's disease after exposure to paraquat are filing lawsuits claiming that manufacturers failed to warn about the long-term risks of the herbicide. As of February 2025, there are 5,838 pending paraquat cases.
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What to Know About Paraquat Lawsuits
Paraquat is a toxic herbicide that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as “restricted use,” allowing only licensed users to handle it.
Some of the earliest lawsuits claiming paraquat caused Parkinson’s disease were filed in 2017, according to Syngenta’s 2018 financial report.
This is an active lawsuit
Connect with an experienced Paraquat attorney from our network of legal experts.
In 2021, the paraquat cases were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which combines similar lawsuits against a common defendant into one federal court. A total of 7,278 paraquat cases have been filed in the Southern Illinois federal court. The great majority of them are still pending.
On June 1, 2021, Syngenta and another co-defendant settled an unspecified number of paraquat claims for $187.5 million, which was paid to a special fund to verify and distribute to the affected individuals.
The first bellwether trial in the MDL is scheduled for Oct. 14. Paraquat attorneys are still accepting cases from people who developed Parkinson’s disease after long-term exposure to paraquat. If you think you are eligible for a paraquat lawsuit, Drugwatch can connect you with an experienced lawyer.
Key Takeaways
Syngenta and Chevron face thousands of lawsuits claiming paraquat exposure caused Parkinson’s disease.
Most paraquat cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) and have yet to go to trial, but manufacturers settled some earlier cases for $187.5 million.
Drugwatch can connect you with top environmental attorneys, provide lawsuit updates and help you check your eligibility to file a paraquat claim.
Paraquat Litigation Updates
In addition to the cases in the Illinois MDL, another group of more than 1,000 paraquat lawsuits are proceeding in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The lawsuits are part of a mass tort case in state court, similar to an MDL in federal court.
Drugwatch’s updates focus mostly on MDL 3004 in the Southern District of Illinois. However, if key issues occur in Philadelphia, we will report on them as well.
Paraquat Lawsuit Timeline
January 2025
The EPA, which was initially expected to publish information this month in relation to its stance on paraquat, has now said that more information is necessary for it to evaluate the herbicide. The agency now plans to withdraw a previous interim decision on paraquat.
In the paraquat Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), bellwether trial dates have been set for Oct. 14 of this year and April 6, 2026. Bellwether trials help to inform the overall direction of the litigation and can play a big role in determining its outcome.
December 2024
The paraquat Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) saw a decline of 10 cases in December. This is the second time in the last three months that the number of MDL cases has decreased.
November 2024
At the start of the month, seven U.S. senators signed a letter urging the EPA to ban the paraquat, citing its toxicity as well as the potential risk of Parkinson’s disease.
October 2024
Despite the EPA’s insistence that it has not found a link between paraquat and Parkinson’s, 47 members of Congress signed a letter to the EPA advocating for a ban on paraquat, citing its serious toxicity and ties to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat is already banned in dozens of other countries.
This month, there was also a slight update to the 10 cases that were chosen in August as potential bellwethers, select cases within the MDL that represent the overarching litigation.
Two of those cases were voluntarily dismissed after being selected, and the court has now picked two new cases to take their place. Court documents say the possibility of dismissals had been anticipated, so this change likely won’t have a big impact on the direction or schedule of the litigation.
Bellwether trials let both sides see how their cases may play out. Depending on how they go, plaintiffs may drop their cases if their side loses the bellwethers or defendants may offer to settle all the lawsuits if they suffer the losses.
August 2024
MDL Judge Nancy Rosenstengel has selected 10 new potential bellwether cases to move into discovery. Discovery is the process by which both sides gather evidence to present at trial. Because the testimony of one of the plaintiff’s key experts was thrown out in April, the original four bellwether cases were dismissed.
June 2024
On June 5, Judge Rosenstengel extended the deadline for bellwether case selection by 30 days. In the meantime, new cases continue to be filed in the MDL, but not as many as before. However, lawyers say there has been an uptick in newly filed cases in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas following the cancellation of the previous bellwether trials in the MDL.
May 2024
The judge allowed plaintiffs an extension until June 10 to select 16 new potential bellwether cases for limited discovery, according to our review of court documents. "Limited discovery" restricts the amount of information parties can request from each other, streamlining the process and reducing burdens. After the shake-up last month with bellwether trials and key expert testimony being barred, it is good news that the litigation continues to move forward.
April 2024
MDL Judge Nancy Rosenstengel dismissed four bellwether test trial lawsuits after throwing out the testimony of the plaintiffs’ key expert on general causation. General causation involves determining if a product — paraquat in this case — can cause injury in specific situations. In our experience with mass tort cases, expert witnesses are vital for linking a product to the harm it causes. For example, in the case of paraquat, they help establish its connection to Parkinson's disease. If their testimony is weakened, it can hurt the case. But plaintiffs’ attorneys continue to take cases and are finding a way forward. The judge has allowed a new batch of bellwether cases to be selected.
January 2024
The MDL Court issued a case management order requiring depositions in 25 cases to be completed over the next two months. The order stated that the defendants had identified these cases as using unlikely theories of liability that linked the plaintiffs' illnesses with exposure to paraquat. Theories of liability describe how a product harms a plaintiff. They typically involve negligence, breach of warranty and strict liability. In its order, the court found the plaintiffs’ theories were unlikely to have caused their injuries.
November 2023
According to ABC News, Syngenta and Chevron were aware of concerns since the 1980s, as shown by internal documents obtained by Carey Gillam, managing editor for The New Lede — a news website supported by the Environmental Working Group.
June 2023
Hearing on summary judgment and Daubert motions held. A summary judgment is a court judgment for one side and against the other party without a full trial. A Daubert motion seeks to exclude an expert's testimony to a jury. Chevron and Syngenta asked the court to dismiss claims linking their herbicide paraquat to Parkinson’s disease, arguing that there's no solid scientific evidence to support this connection. If successful, it could dismiss 3,700 claims from the lawsuit.
April 2023
The court modified the schedule for filing and responding to key motions in paraquat MDL. Its order set deadlines for motions, responses, and replies related to expert testimony (Daubert motions) and summary judgments. It also outlined page limits, optional "roadmap" briefs, and a hearing starting August 21, 2023.
March 2023
A judge signed an order allowing cases in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to proceed with a short-form complaint. A short-form complaint is a simplified legal document that allows people to become part of a lawsuit by using key parts of a main complaint. They can add their own specific details about their case, such as injuries and losses they've suffered — usually by simply checking boxes. This approach makes it easier to process and handle many claims at once.
December 2022
The paraquat MDL reported a total of 2,352 pending cases, an increase of 1,870 new cases in the past year.
February 2022
The court agreed to dismiss some of the complaints against Chevron and Syngenta. Specifically, they threw out public nuisance claims against Chevron and the consumer protection claims under Minnesota law against Syngenta. However, other parts of the case will still move forward and be heard in court.
December 2021
The paraquat MDL grew to 482 cases in its first year.
November 2021
The court ordered that Chevron U.S.A. Inc. is the only Chevron-related entity to be responsible for liabilities related to paraquat. Cases involving related companies and subsidiaries with exposure after 1990 were dismissed.
July 2021
The court appointed Randi Ellis as Special Master in the paraquat MDL. Special masters are appointed to help resolve disagreements in legal investigations, tackle technical facts, provide detailed reports, oversee group settlements and ensure that agreed-upon changes are implemented and monitored.
June 2021
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created MDL 3004 with 14 paraquat lawsuits from six different federal court districts. It was consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Southern Illinois with Judge Nancy Rosenstengel presiding.
Lawyers are investigating paraquat claims in all 50 states.
Am I Eligible to Sue Over Paraquat Exposure?
You may qualify to file a paraquat lawsuit if you were exposed to the herbicide and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease.
Exposure can occur through direct contact, inhalation, accidental ingestion or proximity to areas where the chemical is used.
Those most likely to be impacted by paraquat include:
Agricultural workers, farmers, licensed paraquat applicators, growers, pickers and landscapers.
People who live near farmland sprayed with paraquat.
Those who work around commercial weed killers and pesticides containing paraquat, including Firestorm, Gramoxone, Helmquat and Parazone.
Plaintiffs argue that paraquat manufacturers and companies were negligent.
Failed to warn of the risks of Parkinson’s from paraquat
No directions were given on how to avoid exposure
Defendants concealed the defective condition of their products
Some users have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after prolonged paraquat exposure.
Paraquat could cause Parkinson’s by killing dopamine-producing neurons.
A 2019 study found people exposed to paraquat have a 1.3 to 3.6 times increased risk of Parkinson’s.
The scientific community has known about the toxicity of paraquat since the 1960s.
Agricultural workers are most at risk, but people who live near industrial farms may also be exposed to paraquat. If you live near a farm where parquat is used, you could be exposed to spray drift or contaminated water. You may be able to seek legal action to hold manufacturers accountable for health damages caused by this toxic herbicide.
“The individuals who are harmed by this are those that are the applicators. They are literally spraying the paraquat. It’s been on the market for so many years that people could have used it 20 years ago and developed Parkinson’s.”
Contacting a paraquat lawyer is the best way to be sure you qualify for a lawsuit. An experienced paraquat attorney can answer your questions on how long you have to file a case and what types of paraquat exposure may be eligible.
Drugwatch partners with trusted law firms to help you take legal action. After submitting the form, one of Drugwatch's partners will contact you for a free case review.
Why People Are Filing Paraquat Lawsuits
Plaintiffs who filed lawsuits against Syngenta, Chevron and other companies are seeking compensation to hold corporations accountable for negligence and failure to warn of the risks of Parkinson’s disease.
Compensation for Injuries: There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease and people with the condition will have to undergo treatment for the rest of their lives.
Hold Companies Accountable: People who filed paraquat lawsuits claim manufacturers knew the weed killer was toxic for years and that it could cause Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, they continued to sell it and concealed this information from plaintiffs and others.
Spread Awareness: Paraquat has been used in commercial farming and agriculture in the United States since the 1960s, but many people are unaware of its risks. Some people use it on the job, while others live near farms that use the toxic weed killer without knowing the potential dangers.
Parkinson’s disease can be debilitating. Filing a paraquat lawsuit may help secure compensation to pay for costly medical bills, lost wages and other expenses for past and future care. You may also seek compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering as well as loss of quality of life.
Iowa farmer Doug Holliday filed a class-action lawsuit against Syngenta and Chevron USA on behalf of himself and others for putting people at increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and failing to warn them. Holliday had sprayed paraquat on thousands of acres of crop ground since the 1990s, and last used paraquat a few years ago. He alleges that had he known of the increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, he would have used an alternative product.
Adams v. Syngenta et al.
Missouri resident Robin Adams and her husband routinely used paraquat products. She developed Parkinson’s disease after more than 15 years of paraquat exposure by pesticide drift, direct exposure and drinking water contamination. Adams had no way of knowing about the serious risk of illness from exposure until approximately 2021.
Ratcliffe v. Syngenta et al.
Louisiana resident Thelma Ratcliffe filed a paraquat lawsuit on behalf of her deceased husband, Harvey, who died from complications of Parkinson’s disease after years of paraquat exposure. Harvey had been exposed to paraquat extensively between 2001 to 2016 and did not know that even if properly handled according to the instructions, paraquat was harmful and could cause serious injury or illness.
Recent Settlements and Compensation for Paraquat Lawsuits
In June 2021, Syngenta and another defendant reached a settlement agreement with some paraquat claimants for $187.5 million, according to our review of Syngenta’s 2022 annual report. There haven’t been any other publicly announced settlements since then.
Some lawyers online have speculated that an average paraquat settlement amount could be between $100,000 and $150,000, depending on the severity of the injuries. These numbers are based on the average payments Bayer made to settle 100,000 Roundup lawsuits.
This is just an estimate, and we caution you against using these figures as fact. The first trial’s outcome will provide more information for potential case values.
The herbicide Roundup is sometimes confused with paraquat, but Roundup does not contain paraquat. Roundup’s active ingredient is glyphosate — a chemical linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Paraquat dichloride is the active ingredient in commercial herbicides like Gramoxone.
How Paraquat Exposure Is Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
The link between paraquat and Parkinson’s has been discussed since as early as 2011. A study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal that year found that participants with Parkinson’s disease were 2.5 times more likely to have been exposed to herbicides like paraquat than those without the disease.
“Paraquat is a very dangerous toxic chemical, and it has been known to be neurotoxic and cause nerve injury. Parkinson’s disease is a … major neurological condition, and large, major epidemiological studies are showing a very strong connection.”
The harmful effects of paraquat on nerves and the stress it causes in the body are thought to contribute to Parkinson’s disease, although scientists are still exploring how this happens.
An April 2024 study found that being around the herbicide paraquat, whether at work or in the environment, can raise your chances of developing Parkinson's disease. The highest risk was seen among people who worked directly with chemicals like paraquat.
A February 2024 study found that people exposed to paraquat in California's Central Valley were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those with no exposure. Researchers found that longer, more frequent exposure to paraquat raises the risk of Parkinson's.
A September 2024 study analyzed 13 previous projects and found a link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's disease. However, the researchers cautioned that many earlier studies relied on participants' memories of their exposures, which can lead to inaccuracies.
While these three studies suggest that Parkinson’s disease can be linked to paraquat exposure, not all research agrees.
A September 2024 European Society of Medicine review argued that there isn’t strong enough evidence to say that exposure to paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease. This conclusion also took into account data from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), which is designed and paid for by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Ellen Relkin, partner at Weitz & Luxenberg, explains the link between Paraquat and Parkinson's disease.
Is Paraquat Banned in the United States?
Paraquat is not banned in the United States, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has restricted its use to licensed applicators. But, because of its toxicity, some lawmakers and activists have fought to get it banned. So far, legislation to ban paraquat hasn’t been successful.
After reviewing more than 70 articles on paraquat exposure, the EPA concluded “there is insufficient evidence to link registered paraquat products to any of the health outcomes investigated, including Parkinson’s disease, when used according to the label.”
Paraquat Health Implications
Paraquat is highly lethal if ingested. Swallowing one to two teaspoons of the herbicide is enough to kill you. There is no antidote.
In addition, paraquat has been associated with a multitude of potential health risks and complications.
Side Effects and Health Risks From Paraquat Ingestion and Exposure
Gastrointestinal issues such as severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.
Brain, nervous system and muscle conditions, including weakness, seizures, respiratory failure, confusion and coma.
Organ damage, including respiratory failure, lung scarring, acute kidney failure, liver failure and pulmonary edema — a condition in which your lungs fill with fluid, cutting off your oxygen supply.
Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition that affects how people move. It happens when nerve cells in the brain weaken and die. This leads to lower levels of dopamine, a chemical that helps control smooth and coordinated movements when walking, writing or performing other daily activities.
In addition to affecting movement, this loss can disrupt some automatic body functions, such as regulating blood pressure.
The exact reasons why Parkinson’s occurs aren’t completely clear, but scientists often find Lewy bodies — abnormal clumps of protein — inside the brain cells of those affected by the disease.
The symptoms of PD typically begin on one side of the body. Over time, they become more pronounced.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Tremors: Rhythmic shaking, often starting in a hand.
Rigidity: Muscle stiffness, causing discomfort and difficulty moving.
Bradykinesia: Slowed movement, making daily tasks harder.
Postural instability: Balance issues, increasing fall risk.
Gait changes: Leaning forward, shuffling steps and difficulty starting or stopping movement.
Non-movement symptoms: Depression, memory problems, sleep disturbances and fatigue.
Parkinson’s Disease Resources
Parkinson’s disease can be overwhelming for patients and caregivers, but numerous resources are available to provide support, education and community. These organizations offer valuable tools, from medical information to emotional support, helping you navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s and improve your quality of life.
Parkinson’s Foundation: Provides comprehensive resources on living with Parkinson’s, finding specialists, support groups and ongoing advocacy efforts.
Michael J. Fox Foundation: This organization offers information on cutting-edge Parkinson’s research, funding opportunities and active clinical trials. It also has a clinical trial finder for those interested in participating in Parkinson’s disease research.
Parkinson’s Buddy Network: Part of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, this online support group is designed to connect people based on shared interests and topics. You can access free resources and engage in meaningful conversations.
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA): Provides localized support through chapters across the U.S., educational programs, and tools to help individuals and caregivers manage Parkinson’s effectively.
Brian Grant Foundation: This organization, founded by former NBA player Brian Grant after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, focuses on holistic care — mind, body and spirit. It offers evidence-based resources for overall wellness and a community of people affected by Parkinson’s.
How to File a Paraquat Lawsuit
There are seven steps to filing a paraquat lawsuit if you or a loved one were exposed to the herbicide and later developed Parkinson’s disease.
Determine eligibility: Make sure you qualify by having had long-term exposure to paraquat and a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Gather evidence: Collect important papers like medical records that confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, work history that shows jobs in farming or other fields where paraquat was used, and any evidence of exposure to paraquat.
Consult an attorney: Contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience with paraquat cases. They can help assess your situation and support you through the legal steps. Drugwatch can connect you with a trusted attorney to assess your case.
File the claim: Your lawyer will assist you in bringing your case to the right court and ensure everything is done according to the law.
Participate in the discovery phase: Both sides will look at the evidence and talk to witnesses. Your lawyer might also discuss a potential settlement agreement with the paraquat manufacturer involved.
Comply with court orders: Make sure to follow the court's instructions. This might include showing evidence of your exposure within specific timeframes and deadlines.
Prepare for trial or settlement: If you have a case, it may be included in the paraquat MDL. Be prepared to wait as bellwether trials determine if you may be part of a settlement. MDLs are long processes lasting for years after you file a lawsuit.
Remember that there are deadlines for filing a lawsuit. To protect your rights, it’s important to take action quickly and talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. This way, you can make sure your case is filed on time.
Questions To Ask a Paraquat Attorney
Hiring a lawyer is an important step. We recommend asking your potential attorney — or the attorney you’ve already hired — some basic questions about paraquat litigation. Be sure to ask the attorney about anything you need clarification on throughout the process.
Simply being exposed to paraquat and developing Parkinson’s disease may not be enough to qualify to file a paraquat lawsuit. Make sure to tell your paraquat lawsuit attorney all the details of how you were exposed to paraquat, when you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and any other impacts you’ve faced.
Proving paraquat exposure can be complicated. Many people were exposed over several years. Your paraquat lawsuit lawyer will tell you what documentation or evidence can help prove your case, and they can help you find it.
An experienced paraquat lawsuit attorney will also be familiar with similar cases. They may know the average settlement amount based on similar jury verdicts or other settlements.
Filing a paraquat lawsuit is a complicated process. Ask any potential attorney about what they can do to make the litigation process easier for you and your family and how much experience they have.
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.
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“The individuals who are harmed by this are those that are the applicators. They are literally spraying the paraquat. It’s been on the market for so many years that people could have used it 20 years ago and developed Parkinson’s.”
