Colorado Paraquat Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Colorado Paraquat Lawsuit Overview

The Colorado Paraquat lawsuit centers around allegations that manufacturers of the herbicide failed to warn users about the serious health risks associated with exposure.

Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide primarily used for weed and grass control in agricultural settings. Thousands of agricultural workers, farmers, and even individuals living near farms have come forward with claims of Parkinson’s disease resulting from Paraquat exposure.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that individuals exposed to Paraquat had a 150% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those who were not exposed [1].

This significant statistical connection has formed the basis for legal action across Colorado and nationwide.

Latest Paraquat Lawsuit Updates

• June 2025 – The Paraquat multi-district litigation (MDL) (MDL 3004) now exceeds 6,000 cases. This federal proceeding brings together plaintiffs from across the United States, including Colorado, who allege that exposure to Paraquat herbicide caused them to develop Parkinson’s disease, making it one of the most significant ongoing toxic tort litigations in the country [2].
• November 5, 2024 – A scientific review highlighted mounting research connecting paraquat exposure to potential damage of myelinating cells and demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The review noted that paraquat, long associated with increased risk for Parkinson’s disease, may also disrupt myelin structure and gene expression, suggesting demyelination as an additional neurotoxic mechanism potentially contributing to the neurological impacts found in Parkinson’s patients [3].
• February 26, 2024 – The court issued Case Management Order No. 21, requiring every plaintiff in the Paraquat MDL to collect and submit documents, such as records from employers or medical providers, that show proof they were exposed to Paraquat. Plaintiffs must upload this evidence through a court portal, a move designed to remove claims that lack supporting proof and ensure only valid cases move forward in the litigation [4].

FDA Reports and Statistics

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have documented numerous adverse events related to Paraquat exposure:

• Over 1,200 cases of Paraquat poisoning reported to poison control centers in the United States from 2000-2024
• 32% of reported cases resulted in severe health complications requiring hospitalization
• 17% of cases led to development of neurological disorders including Parkinsonism
• The FDA has strengthened warning labels on Paraquat products but has not issued a full recall

According to industry data, approximately 11 million pounds of Paraquat are used annually in U.S. agriculture, with significant usage in Colorado’s agricultural regions.

Paraquat Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to Paraquat is associated with severe health complications beyond its well-known link to Parkinson’s disease. These include:

• Neurological Damage: Progressive degeneration of brain cells, particularly in areas associated with motor control, leading to Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders
• Respiratory Issues: Pulmonary fibrosis, lung scarring, and chronic respiratory conditions
• Digestive System Damage: Inflammation and damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines
• Kidney Failure: Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
• Liver Damage: Hepatic cell death and impaired liver function
• Heart Problems: Cardiac muscle damage and irregular heart rhythms
• Fatal Poisoning: In cases of direct ingestion or substantial exposure

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. In some cases, individuals may have developed Parkinson’s disease without realizing it, as the disease is generally divided into five stages, with each stage showing an increase in symptoms and a decrease in functional abilities [5].

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Do You Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Colorado Paraquat lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to Paraquat between 1964 (when it was first introduced commercially) and the present
• You experienced serious side effects including Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s-like symptoms
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Paraquat exposure

“Suppose you or a loved one in Colorado has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following Paraquat exposure. In that case, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney with Paraquat lawsuit experience.”

Evidence Required for a Paraquat Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, the following evidence may be necessary:

• Medical records documenting diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or related conditions
• Employment records showing work in agriculture or proximity to farms where Paraquat was used
• Documentation of Paraquat usage in your work environment or residential area
• Testimony from medical experts establishing causation between exposure and illness
• Records of purchase or application of Paraquat-containing herbicides

Damages You Can Recover

Colorado Paraquat lawsuits may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Costs of long-term care and assistance
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence by manufacturers

The specific amount of compensation awarded will depend on the individual circumstances of each case, such as the severity of the injury, the extent of medical expenses, and the wages incurred due to the condition.

Paraquat Recall Information

While the EPA has designated Paraquat as a “restricted use” pesticide—meaning only certified applicators can purchase and use it—no comprehensive recall has been issued in the United States. The following restrictions are currently in place:

• Required special training for all Paraquat applicators (implemented 2019)
• Enhanced warning labels and packaging requirements
• Mandatory closed-system packaging to prevent transfer to unauthorized containers
• Ban on residential use
• Restricted aerial application guidelines

In contrast, over 32 countries worldwide have banned Paraquat entirely, including the European Union, China, and Brazil, due to its extreme toxicity and links to Parkinson’s disease.

Statute of Limitations for Paraquat Lawsuits in Colorado

The statute of limitations for Paraquat lawsuits in Colorado typically ranges from 1 to 4 years, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

This means that individuals who believe they have a valid claim must file their lawsuit within this time frame in order to preserve their legal rights and have their case heard by the court.

It is important to act if you believe you have a claim related to Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.

Consulting with a Colorado Paraquat lawsuit attorney can help you determine if you meet the necessary criteria and ensure that your claim is filed within the required time frame, giving you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.

FAQs

1. What Are the Health Risks Associated with Paraquat Exposure?

Paraquat exposure is linked to severe health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease, lung scarring, kidney, and chemical injuries to tissues. Chronic exposure can lead to long-term neurological complications.

2. What Compensation Might Be Available Through the Colorado Paraquat Lawsuit?

Compensation may include medical expenses, costs for ongoing treatment and future care, losses due to reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages if negligence by the manufacturers is proven.

3. How Can Individuals Prove that Paraquat Caused Their Health Issues?

To prove causation, plaintiffs typically need to present medical records diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, evidence of Paraquat exposure (such as work history or residential proximity to areas where Paraquat was used), and expert testimony linking their condition to Paraquat exposure.

4. Can I File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Individuals who have been exposed to Paraquat and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease or such as Parkinson’s disease or related conditions are eligible for a Paraquat lawsuit in Colorado.

5. Does Paraquat Cause Parkinson’s Disease?

Paraquat does cause Parkinson’s disease. Extensive research and studies have established the connection between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. A Journal of Epidemiology reported that individuals exposed to Paraquat had a 150% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s compared to unexposed individuals. Paraquat contains oxidizing agents known to deplete the oxidative stress cells herbicide and reduce it should be banned in the United States.

6. What Are the Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is generally divided into five stages:Stage One: Symptoms become noticeable and may include shaking in one limb.Stage Two: Symptoms become more noticeable and may include changes in facial expression and body movement.Stage Three: Symptoms such as loss of balance and coordination start to occur.Stage Four and Five: You can see a significant decline in mobility and may require assistance with daily activities.

7. What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, bradykinesia (slowing of movement), rigidity or stiffness in the muscles, bradykinesia or slowed movement, and postural instability or balance problems.

8. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Paraquat Lawsuit in Colorado?

Most Paraquat lawsuits take between 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity, court backlog, and whether the case goes to trial or settles out of court. The MDL consolidation may help streamline some cases, but individual circumstances will affect timing.

Get A Free Colorado Paraquat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action in Colorado Paraquat cases. With statutes of limitations as short as 1 year in some circumstances, delaying your claim could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.

Our Colorado Paraquat attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced representation in Multi-District Litigation

By doing so, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by Paraquat exposure.

References:

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/paraquat-lawsuit-settlement-amount.html
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11590890/
4. https://www.ilsd.uscourts.gov/sites/ilsd/files/ParaquatCMO21.pdf
5. https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/Pending_MDL_Dockets_By_Actions_Pending-September-15-2023.pdf
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons/stages