Arkansas Paraquat Lawsuit & Parkinson’s Disease Attorney

Arkansas Paraquat Lawsuit Overview

Paraquat lawsuits involve claims against manufacturers of the highly toxic herbicide Paraquat dichloride, primarily marketed as Gramoxone.

The litigation alleges manufacturers failed to warn users about the significant risk of developing Parkinson’s disease from exposure.

Over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed nationwide, with strong scientific evidence linking Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.

The EPA classifies Paraquat as “restricted use,” meaning only licensed applicators can purchase and use it.

Latest Paraquat Lawsuit Updates

• March 15, 2025 – The multidistrict litigation (MDL) court has scheduled the first bellwether trial for October 2025. This trial will test how juries respond to evidence linking Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease and may influence future settlement discussions.
• January 20, 2025 – Syngenta and Chevron, Inc., major defendants in the Paraquat litigation, have proposed a global settlement framework that could resolve thousands of cases. Details remain confidential as negotiations continue.
• November 5, 2024 – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois ordered all parties to participate in mediation efforts to explore potential settlement options before proceeding to trial.
• August 12, 2024 – A new scientific study published in the Journal of Toxicology strengthened the causal link between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, finding that agricultural workers with documented exposure had a 2.5 times higher risk of developing the neurodegenerative condition.
• June 3, 2024 – The MDL judge denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss, ruling that plaintiffs presented sufficient evidence concerning Gramoxone and other Paraquat products to proceed with their claims.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA’s MAUDE database has recorded over 1,200 adverse event reports related to Paraquat exposure, with neurological complications being the most commonly reported issue. According to these reports:

• 78% of cases involved agricultural workers
• 15% involved residents in agricultural communities
• 7% involved other scenarios including accidental exposure

The EPA has restricted Paraquat use since 1997 but strengthened warnings in 2020 after reviewing mounting evidence of health risks. Despite these warnings, an estimated 8 million pounds of Paraquat are still used annually in the United States.

Paraquat Injuries & Side Effects

Paraquat exposure has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, with Parkinson’s disease being the primary concern in current litigation [1].

• Neurological Damage: Progressive loss of motor function, tremors, and cognitive decline consistent with Parkinson’s disease [2]
• Respiratory Issues: Lung scarring, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure
• Kidney Damage: Acute kidney injury and potential long-term renal dysfunction
• Liver Damage: Hepatic impairment and failure
• Seizures and Coma: In cases of acute high-dose exposure
• Death: Fatal outcomes reported in cases of intentional ingestion or significant accidental exposure

Do You Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to Paraquat between 1964 (when it was first commercially introduced) and the present
• You have received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or exhibit symptoms consistent with the condition
• Your exposure occurred through agricultural work, living near sprayed areas, drinking contaminated water, or handling Gramoxone or other Paraquat products
• You can document both your exposure and medical condition
• The statute of limitations for filing a claim in your state has not expired

Evidence Required for a Paraquat Lawsuit

To strengthen your Paraquat lawsuit, you’ll need to gather:

• Medical records confirming your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
• Employment records showing work in agriculture or with herbicides
• Proof of residence near areas where Paraquat was regularly applied
• Documentation of Paraquat purchase or use (if applicable)
• Expert testimony linking your specific exposure to your health condition

Damages You Can Recover

A successful Paraquat lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses related to Parkinson’s treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional losses
• Reduced quality of life and inability to enjoy previous activities
• Cost of assistive devices and home modifications
• In-home care expenses
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Paraquat Recall Information

While the EPA has not issued a complete recall of Paraquat products, they have imposed increasingly stringent restrictions:

• 2020: Required new packaging, labeling, training for applicators
• 2019: Initiated registration review process
• 2016: Required certified applicator training
• 1997: Classified as “restricted use” pesticide

Currently, Paraquat is banned in 32 countries worldwide, including China and the European Union, but remains legal for restricted use in the United States.

Statute of Limitations for Paraquat Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Paraquat lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 2-6 years from the date of:

• Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, or
• The date you reasonably should have known Paraquat exposure caused your condition

In Arkansas specifically, the statute of limitations specifies a three-year window from the date of the Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Adherence to this time limit is imperative to prevent the forfeiture of your right to pursue compensation.

It’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney promptly to avoid missing critical deadlines.

FAQs

1. What is Paraquat and how is it related to Gramoxone?

Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic herbicide used to control weeds and grasses. Gramoxone is the primary brand name under which Paraquat is marketed by Syngenta. The terms are often used interchangeably in lawsuits, with Paraquat being the active chemical compound and Gramoxone being the commercial product containing it.

2. How does Paraquat cause Parkinson’s disease?

Scientific research indicates Paraquat can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. This damage mirrors the pathology seen in Parkinson’s disease, causing oxidative stress and neuron death that leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of the disease [3].

3. Who is most at risk for Paraquat exposure?

Those at highest risk include farmers, agricultural workers, herbicide applicators, crop dusters, and individuals living in rural communities where Paraquat is regularly used. Studies show even low-level, long-term exposure can significantly increase Parkinson’s disease risk by up to 250%.

4. What is the average settlement amount for Paraquat lawsuits?

While many cases are still pending, legal experts estimate settlement values ranging from $100,000 to $3 million per claim depending on severity of illness, age at diagnosis, extent of exposure, and strength of causation evidence. Some early settlements have reportedly reached the higher end of this range for cases with extensive documentation.

5. Can I file a lawsuit if I was exposed to Paraquat but don’t have Parkinson’s yet?

Generally, you must have a diagnosed injury to file a claim. However, if you have documented Paraquat exposure and are experiencing early symptoms of neurological damage, an attorney can advise on monitoring your condition and preserving your legal rights should you develop Parkinson’s disease in the future.

6. How long does a Paraquat lawsuit take?

Most Paraquat lawsuits take between 1-3 years to resolve, though this timeline varies based on case complexity, court backlogs, and whether a settlement is reached before trial. The MDL process currently underway may potentially expedite some cases through coordinated discovery and settlement discussions.

7. Are family members eligible to file if their loved one died from Parkinson’s after Paraquat exposure?

Yes, immediate family members can file wrongful death claims if their loved one died from Parkinson’s disease linked to Paraquat exposure. These claims must typically be filed within 1-3 years of the death, depending on state law, and can recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

8. What sets Paraquat lawsuits apart from other herbicide litigation?

Unlike other herbicide lawsuits that focus primarily on cancer risks, Paraquat litigation centers on its established neurological effects, particularly the development of Parkinson’s disease. The scientific evidence linking Paraquat and Parkinson’s is considered stronger than many other toxic exposure cases, with multiple peer-reviewed studies supporting the connection.

Get A Free Arkansas Paraquat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Paraquat exposure. With only 2-3 years from diagnosis in most states to file a claim, delaying consultation could jeopardize your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Dedicated support throughout the entire legal process

Our attorneys have extensive experience with Paraquat cases and understand the complex scientific evidence needed to prove these claims. We’ve helped numerous clients secure compensation for Paraquat-related injuries, including those suffering from Parkinson’s disease after Gramoxone exposure.

Reference:

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230011001978