Paraquat Lawsuit: Everything You Need To Know About This Chemical Product


There have been many studies about the harmful effects that Paraquat has on humans, the most notable one being its relationship with the development of Parkinson's disease. For this reason, lawsuits have been filed against this product’s manufacturers for years.

Many lawsuits and claims have been filed against companies such as Syngenta, Chevron, and others by people exposed to Paraquat, seeking compensation and alleging negligence.


But what is Paraquat? What makes it so dangerous? Can I file a lawsuit if I was affected by this product? In this blog, we explain all of this and give you solutions if you need support in filing a paraquat lawsuit.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a chemical compound used in the agricultural industry as an herbicide. This superoxidant interrupts the photosynthesis processes in plants, eliminating green tissue on contact.


It has been one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States since the 1950s. Its rapid effectiveness, rapid rain properties, and low interaction with soils popularized its use for years. It has been applied to control the growth of weeds and invasive grasses in many agricultural and non-agricultural crops.


It is used in more than 100 crops, including corn, cotton, and soybeans. There are currently no direct alternatives for this product. The Paraquat is not for domestic use, and no products are registered for residential areas.


The main company producing Paraquat is Syngenta, under its trade name Gramoxone. In 2017, Gramoxone was purchased by ChemChina, and Paraquat is currently produced in China and the United Kingdom. In these countries, its use, but not its export, is prohibited. In the United States, this product is highly regulated, but its use is not prohibited.

Why Is Paraquat Harmful To Humans?

Paraquat dichloride is highly toxic to mammals in general. A small sip can be lethal to humans, and there is no antidote. Ingestion between 9 and 18 mg/pound of Paraquat concentrate requires aggressive intestinal detoxification and hemoperfusion treatment. Also, its exposure to the skin and inhalation can harm humans.


Many studies link Paraquat with different pathologies in humans, including reduced female fertility, decreased kidney functions, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis.


However, the most severe latent danger that this product has is linked to Parkinson's disease.


Exposure to Paraquat can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 200 to 600%. Such exposure may be aerobic since recent studies found that inhalation of Paraquat “may provide a direct entry route to the brain.”


All of this scientific evidence leads to Paraquat claims and lawsuits being made in large waves by Paraquat users who developed Parkinson's disease.

Paraquat Lawsuit Updates.

Many Paraquat lawsuits have been filed since 2020. In June 2021, Paraquat lawsuits in federal courts were consolidated into a new class action MDL in the Southern District of Illinois, which was assigned to Judge Nancy Rosenstengel.


Since then, Paraquat lawsuits have become one of the most active mass tort lawsuits in the country, running around 2,352 active cases in the United States.


Said MDL was scheduled to have its bellwether test trial in 2022; however, it was postponed until October 2023 so that the experts could complete their statements.


No settlement has been reached for the Paraquat lawsuits, as they are still in an early phase. However, some expert attorneys estimate that settlements could be $100,000 to $150,000 per plaintiff, depending on the injury caused.

Reasons To Get A Paraquat Lawyer And File A Paraquat Lawsuit.

One of the main reasons for filing a Paraquat lawsuit is the fact that the manufacturer failed to notice the link between the herbicide and the development of Parkinson's disease.


Discovering that you have Parkinson's disease can be emotionally traumatic. Once you have assimilated your diagnosis, it is recommended that you see a lawyer if you were exposed to Paraquat to study your case.


Living with this disease can be extremely expensive. Between the costs of hospitalization, medications, consultations and therapies, you may be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars annually, not counting salary losses due to disability and the need to hire a specialized caregiver.


A Paraquat lawsuit can alleviate this burden for you and your family members, hold the companies responsible and accountable for their wrongs, and spread awareness of the possible results of using this herbicide.

We Can Help You

In the United States, if you have been exposed to Paraquat and have developed any type of illness, you would qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit.


It is worth mentioning that although the herbicide is for agricultural use only, you could be affected by different means such as water consumption, food residues, and even smoking marijuana. It is essential to have a Paraquat lawyer study your case.


You could receive fair compensation for the treatment of your illness, physical and emotional damage, and possible financial losses, as well as obtain justice from corporations that produce a dangerous chemical and do not warn the public of its potential harm.


Our team of mass tort lawyers can help you with your paraquat lawsuit. At People For Law, we have the best legal professionals in Florida who are willing to fight this battle alongside you.


If you or your loved one was exposed to Paraquat and developed Parkinson's disease, please do not hesitate to contact us to learn your legal options.

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