Paraquat Settlement

A paraquat settlement is a financial agreement between a plaintiff and a defendant. The plaintiffs are individuals who believe they were harmed by the herbicide. The defendants are the paraquat manufacturers and distributors. A settlement compensates the plaintiffs for costs like lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. 

Paraquat is a toxic chemical that may cause serious health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat dichloride is a synthetic chemical compound and an active ingredient in herbicides. In agriculture, these herbicides are widely used to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses and dry plants before or after harvest. Paraquat is applied through sprayers, crop dusters, and pressurized tanks.

Exposure to paraquat, even in low doses, may cause neurological issues. The body can absorb paraquat through the skin, mouth, or nose. Once in the brain, paraquat may damage dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine plays an important role in the body, including movement. Researchers have linked low levels of dopamine to Parkinson’s disease.

Several individuals have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers and distributors of this toxic chemical. These lawsuits can be resolved through verdicts or settlements. A verdict is a decision made by a judge or jury. A settlement is an agreement reached by all parties to resolve a case. 

Current state of paraquat litigation

Thousands of U.S. citizens have filed paraquat injury claims against manufacturer Syngenta and distributors Chevron and FMC Corporation. They allege these companies misrepresented the chemical’s impact on human health And that these companies were aware that herbicides with paraquat as the active ingredient could harm users. 

Most paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits are in the early stages. Yet, a significant number of lawsuits are pending against the manufacturer and distributors of paraquat. As of July 1, 2024, there are 5,770 actions pending in the Southern District of Illinois Court System. These federal lawsuits represent thousands of paraquat victims. They are part of one multidistrict litigation (MDL) docket. An MDL docket allows a court to decide lawsuits with similar details.

The next set of bellwether trials likely will not begin until 2025. Bellwether trials are lawsuits that can help demonstrate what future outcomes might look like for plaintiffs and defendants in the many cases. 

Separately, several hundred state-level cases are pending in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois, Washington and California. These cases argue there is compelling evidence that paraquat impacts the part of the brain that may lead to Parkinson’s.

These state-level cases argue that Syngenta, Chevron and FMC Corporation hid the risks of low-dose paraquat exposure. They did so despite mounting evidence that the chemical is toxic to humans and can cause Parkinson’s disease, plaintiffs argue. Many of these paraquat lawsuits have been filed in Pennsylvania state court, including in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

The plaintiffs in these cases include farmers and agricultural workers who used the chemical. These workers have suffered neurological injuries, including Parkinson’s disease. They also endure permanent physical injuries, pain, mental anguish and disability. As a result, they will incur significant expenses for medical care and treatment.

Studies have shown a strong association between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Yet, Syngenta has continued to deny these findings and has put thousands at risk of devastating neurological injuries.

Many paraquat lawsuits are still in the early stages. However, Syngenta’s financial records show that the company has settled some lawsuits. 

The company’s 2023 end-of-year financial report shows the extent of the legal challenges it faces:

“Since September 2017, approximately 7,300 lawsuits … have been filed against Syngenta in state and federal courts in the United States by plaintiffs seeking damages from Syngenta arising from their use of or exposure to Syngenta’s paraquat products.”

In 2021, Syngenta and the plaintiffs in a group of 16 lawsuits filed in California state court reached a settlement. The financial amounts awarded to the plaintiffs were not disclosed.

It’s difficult to predict future paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts, and settlements aren’t guaranteed. Thousands of cases remain in the early stages of litigation. These cases are awaiting the results from bellwether trials that areexpected to begin sometime in  2025. 

If paraquat has harmed you or a loved one, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Results froma paraquat lawsuit can help cover long-term medical expenses, provide financial security and hold Syngenta and Chevron responsible for their negligent actions.

When dealing with the complexities of paraquat exposure and its legal implications, it’s natural to have questions. We have answered frequently asked questions about paraquat settlements to help you understand your rights and options.

What are the potential implications of a paraquat settlement?

A paraquat settlement can provide financial relief to people who have suffered neurological injuries like Parkinson’s disease. A paraquat settlement can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.

When will the paraquat lawsuit be settled?

The first trials in the paraquat MDL are not expected to begin until 2025. There are also hundreds of individual paraquat lawsuits at the state level, including in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The court has issued an order that sets the first trial for April 2025. 

What determines paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts?

If a lawsuit results in a paraquat settlement, the amount awarded depends on several factors:

• Medical expenses you have incurred
• Severity of your injuries (severe cases have a higher likelihood of being awarded more compensation.)
• Your age when exposed
• Your level of exposure to paraquat
• Your overall health

Who is eligible for a paraquat lawsuit payout?

If you were exposed to paraquat, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. Individuals at risk include agricultural and landscaping workers, families who live near farms where paraquat is sprayed and employees of paraquat manufacturing facilities.

Paraquat has been linked to neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, plaintiffs argue. A paraquat settlement could help cover medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating toxic exposure cases for individuals, families, communities and states. We seek justice for those unknowingly exposed to dangerous chemicals. We believe they deserve compensation for their pain and suffering. 

Some of our recent cases have included representing those who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after exposure to Roundup weed killer. Our firm also has a strong history of representing veterans exposed to toxic chemicals in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Read more on our toxic exposure litigation experience.