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Fidelma Fitzpatrick appointed to leadership for Paraquat weed killer mass tort in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Judge Abbe Fletman appointed two Motley Rice attorneys to lead dozens of cases filed for farmers, railroad workers and others who allege toxic weed killer Paraquat caused them to develop Parkinson’s Disease. 

Motley Rice attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick is co-lead counsel and a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the mass tort, which is filed in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas. 

Paraquat weed killer is banned in more than 30 countries due to its toxicity. It is, however, still used in the U.S. on a restricted basis that requires a license to use the product.
 
First released in the U.S. in 1964, Paraquat is commonly used to control weeds and invasive grasses for more than 100 crops, including corn, soybeans, cotton and vineyard grapes. The herbicide is sold under several trade names, including Gramoxone, Ortho-Paraquat, Para-SHOT, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm, and Helmquat. 
Plaintiffs allege Paraquat’s manufacturer, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, and U.S. distributors Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and FMC Corporation, all failed to warn them about irreversible neurological complications that may be linked to exposure to the weed killer, including Parkinson’s Disease.

  • Hand tremors
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of balance and/ or difficulty moving and walking
  • Trouble speaking
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions

“Despite its toxicity, Paraquat is still one of the most popular herbicides on the market from a global standpoint. Unfortunately, that means there are countless individuals who could be affected, many of whom may not realize the weed killer they used today or even 50 years ago may be the reason why they developed Parkinson’s Disease,” said Motley Rice attorney for the plaintiffs, Fidelma Fitzpatrick. 

“Farmers and other workers who developed complications from Paraquat exposure will live with the effects for the rest of their lives,” said Motley Rice attorney Sarah Hansel. “They deserve answers and we look forward to their day in Court.” 

The case is In Re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, May Term 2022, No. 559 (Pa. C.P. Phila. County).

Our toxic exposure litigation experience

Motley Rice attorneys have extensive experience litigating toxic exposure cases for individuals, families, communities and states. In addition to Paraquat, our attorneys represent people who developed Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after being exposed to glyphosate and the other chemicals found in Roundup weed killer. Our attorneys are also reviewing claims involving cancers and other severe health effects that are allegedly linked to toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina. Read more on our toxic exposure experience.

For more information or to discuss a potential claim, contact Fidelma Fitzpatrick by email or call 1.800.768.4026.