Arizona Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney

If you or a loved one developed Parkinson’s disease following paraquat exposure, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to paraquat herbicide exposure. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Paraquat Lawsuit Overview

Paraquat lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to warn users about the herbicide’s link to Parkinson’s disease.

Over 2,500 lawsuits have been filed nationwide by agricultural workers and others exposed to the toxic chemical.

The EPA has imposed restrictions on paraquat use due to its extreme toxicity, while scientific studies continue to strengthen the connection between paraquat exposure and developing Parkinson’s disease [1].

Latest Paraquat Lawsuit Updates

• March 2025 – The MDL judge in Illinois federal court has scheduled additional bellwether trials for summer 2025, with specific Arizona paraquat lawsuit cases being prioritized for the next round of trials.
• January 2025 – Syngenta and Chevron have agreed to settle approximately 200 paraquat lawsuits for an undisclosed amount. These settlements include several Arizona cases where agricultural workers developed Parkinson’s disease after prolonged exposure.
• November 2024 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented stricter regulations on paraquat use, requiring enhanced warning labels and additional certification for applicators, citing growing evidence of neurological risks.
• September 2024 – A jury awarded $20 million to a plaintiff in the first successful paraquat trial, finding that manufacturers failed to warn about the Parkinson’s disease risk despite knowing about the danger for decades.

Paraquat Market and Exposure Statistics

The global paraquat market was valued at approximately $908 million in 2023, with the United States accounting for about 15% of worldwide use.

Arizona ranks among the top 15 states for paraquat usage, with an estimated 120,000 pounds applied annually to cotton, citrus, and vegetable crops.

According to the Agricultural Health Study, agricultural workers exposed to paraquat have a 200-350% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to the general population. In Arizona, approximately 15,000 agricultural workers face potential paraquat exposure annually.

Healthcare costs associated with Parkinson’s disease average $26,400 per patient per year, with lifetime care costs exceeding $1.2 million per individual. The economic burden of paraquat-related Parkinson’s cases in Arizona alone is estimated at $85 million annually.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database, there have been 3,750 adverse event reports related to paraquat exposure nationwide, including:

• 1,845 reports of neurological symptoms
• 890 cases specifically mentioning Parkinson’s-like symptoms
• 425 severe respiratory complications
• 315 cases of organ failure

The EPA has classified paraquat as “restricted use,” meaning only certified applicators may purchase and use it. Despite these restrictions, Arizona paraquat lawsuit filings continue to increase as more exposed individuals develop symptoms.

Paraquat Injuries & Side Effects

Paraquat exposure has been linked to numerous severe health conditions, with Parkinson’s disease being the primary focus of current litigation [2].

• Neurological Damage: Progressive loss of motor function, tremors, stiffness, and cognitive decline [3]
• Respiratory Issues: Lung scarring, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure
• Kidney Damage: Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
• Liver Damage: Hepatotoxicity and liver failure
• Esophageal Damage: Burns, scarring, and long-term swallowing difficulties

Do You Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit in Arizona?

You may qualify for an Arizona paraquat lawsuit if:

• You worked with or were exposed to paraquat between 1964 and the present
• You have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or experiencing symptoms consistent with Parkinson’s
• You can establish a connection between your paraquat exposure and your health condition
• Your exposure occurred in agricultural settings, as a licensed applicator, or through proximity to sprayed areas
• You are within the statute of limitations for filing a claim in Arizona

Farm workers, grounds crews, and community members who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat exposure are eligible for a paraquat lawsuit in Arizona.

Evidence Required for a Paraquat Lawsuit

To strengthen your Arizona paraquat lawsuit case, you’ll need to provide:

• Medical records confirming your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
• Employment records showing work in agriculture or other industries where paraquat was used
• Documentation of paraquat use in your work area or residence
• Expert testimony establishing the link between your exposure and disease
• Timeline of exposure and subsequent development of symptoms

Damages You Can Recover

Successful paraquat lawsuits may provide compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses related to Parkinson’s treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
• Cost of assistive devices and home modifications
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages against manufacturers (in cases of proven negligence)

Paraquat Recall Information

While paraquat has not been fully recalled in the United States, it has been banned in more than 32 countries worldwide, including the European Union, China, and Brazil, due to its toxicity and association with Parkinson’s disease [4].

In the U.S., the EPA has implemented strict regulations including:

• Required certified applicator training
• Closed-system packaging to prevent transfer to unauthorized containers
• Enhanced warning labels and safety protocols
• Restricted use designation limiting who can purchase and apply the herbicide

Statute of Limitations for Paraquat Lawsuits in Arizona

The statute of limitations for paraquat lawsuits in Arizona is two years from the date of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis or when you reasonably should have known that paraquat exposure may have caused your condition.

If you’re considering filing a paraquat lawsuit in Arizona, consulting with an Arizona paraquat lawsuit attorney is advisable. They can help clarify the time limit and make sure your case is filed within the stipulated timeframe.

FAQs

1. What steps should I take if I suspect Paraquat exposure at my workplace?

If you suspect paraquat exposure at your workplace, seek medical evaluation, document any symptoms, report the situation to your employer, and consult with an attorney to understand your legal options. Preserving evidence of exposure conditions and obtaining medical documentation is crucial for building a potential case.

2. What is the role of expert witnesses in a Paraquat lawsuit?

Expert witnesses, including toxicologists and medical professionals, provide testimony linking paraquat exposure to health conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Their expertise is crucial for proving causation in your case, establishing the connection between your exposure and your neurological symptoms.

3. Can I receive compensation for future medical expenses related to Paraquat exposure?

Yes, you can seek compensation for future medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and therapy, related to paraquat exposure. An attorney can help estimate these costs and include them in your claim, ensuring your settlement accounts for long-term care needs.

4. How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in paraquat exposure cases?

Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed through neurological examinations, medical history review, and tests that rule out other conditions. For paraquat cases, documenting the timeline of exposure relative to symptom onset strengthens the causation argument in legal proceedings.

5. What evidence links paraquat to Parkinson’s disease?

Multiple scientific studies, including the Agricultural Health Study and research from the National Institutes of Health, have found that individuals exposed to paraquat have a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This evidence forms the foundation of paraquat litigation.

6. How much compensation can I expect from an Arizona paraquat lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on exposure duration, severity of Parkinson’s symptoms, age at diagnosis, and impact on quality of life. While some cases have settled for $100,000-$250,000, others with severe impairments have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts.

7. Can family members file a paraquat lawsuit on behalf of a deceased relative?

Yes, family members can file wrongful death claims if a relative died from complications related to paraquat-induced Parkinson’s disease. These claims must be filed within Arizona’s statute of limitations for wrongful death, typically two years from the date of death.

8. Is paraquat still being used in Arizona agriculture?

Yes, paraquat is still used in Arizona agriculture, though with increased restrictions. Agricultural workers continue to face exposure risks, particularly in cotton, citrus, and vegetable farming regions throughout the state.

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for paraquat exposure. Arizona law only allows two years from the date of diagnosis to file your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.

Our services include:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Comprehensive case evaluation by experienced paraquat attorneys

The number of paraquat Parkinson’s disease lawsuits continues to grow, with affected individuals increasingly seeking legal advice and exploring their compensation options. As scientific evidence strengthens the connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, manufacturers face mounting liability.

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Reference:

1. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/stages
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/cdd2009217
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview
4. https://thaipan.org/sites/default/files/fileinter/monograph_paraquat_0.pdf