Pennsylvania Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney

Pennsylvania Paraquat Lawsuit Overview

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

Over 4,200 cases have been filed nationwide by agricultural workers and those exposed to Paraquat who subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease.

The EPA has issued restrictions on Paraquat use, classifying it as “restricted use” due to its high toxicity, but plaintiffs argue these warnings were insufficient to prevent neurological damage in those exposed to Paraquat.

Latest Paraquat Lawsuit Updates

• February 2025 – The judge overseeing the Paraquat MDL has scheduled additional bellwether trials following settlement negotiations that stalled in late 2024. The court has expanded discovery requirements for defendants Syngenta and Chevron.
• December 2024 – Syngenta offered a $1.5 billion settlement proposal to resolve approximately 3,000 Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits in the MDL. Plaintiffs’ attorneys are reviewing the terms while continuing to prepare for upcoming trials.
• October 2024 – The third bellwether trial in the Paraquat MDL resulted in a $15 million verdict for a plaintiff who developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat for over two decades as a commercial applicator.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The EPA and FDA have documented over 200 deaths related to Paraquat exposure in the United States since 2000. According to the FDA’s adverse event reporting system:

• 4,217 adverse events linked to Paraquat exposure have been reported
• 1,689 cases specifically note neurological complications
• 2,832 incidents involved agricultural workers directly applying the herbicide
• 385 cases involved residential exposure through drift or contamination

The EPA has strengthened warning requirements and restricted usage, but has not completely banned the product despite numerous petitions from public health organizations.

Paraquat Injuries & Side Effects

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

• Neurological Damage: Progressive loss of motor function, tremors, and cognitive impairment consistent with Parkinson’s disease
• Respiratory Issues: Lung scarring, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure from inhalation
• Kidney Damage: Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
• Liver Toxicity: Hepatic necrosis and liver failure
• Gastrointestinal Complications: Esophageal strictures, intestinal fibrosis, and oral ulceration

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 introduced in the US) and the present
• You worked as a farmer, agricultural worker, herbicide applicator, or lived near areas where Paraquat was sprayed
• You have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or experiencing symptoms consistent with Parkinsonism
• You can document both your exposure and your medical condition
• Your diagnosis came within the statute of limitations for your state

Those who were exposed to Paraquat through commercial agriculture or living near farms are especially encouraged to seek legal counsel if diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Evidence Required for a Paraquat Lawsuit

Strong documentation is crucial to establishing the link between your Paraquat exposure and subsequent health issues:

• Medical records confirming Parkinson’s diagnosis from a neurologist
• Employment records showing work in agriculture or with herbicides
• Proof of residence near areas where Paraquat was regularly applied
• Documentation of Paraquat purchase or application if you were a direct user
• Expert testimony establishing the connection between exposure and your illness

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Paraquat lawsuits may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses for past and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to Parkinson’s disease
• Loss of quality of life
• Cost of care and assistance needed due to disability
• Punitive damages against manufacturers in cases of gross negligence

Paraquat Recall Information

Unlike some defective products, there has not been a comprehensive recall of Paraquat in the United States. Instead, the EPA has:

• Classified Paraquat as “restricted use” (only certified applicators can purchase/use)
• Required additional training for certified applicators as of 2019
• Mandated new packaging with safety features
• Required stronger warning labels regarding the risk of Parkinson’s disease

Several countries including China, Brazil, and the European Union have banned Paraquat entirely, but it remains in use in the US under restrictions.

Statute of Limitations for Paraquat Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for Paraquat lawsuits varies by state, typically ranging from 2-6 years from the date of Parkinson’s diagnosis or when you reasonably should have known about the connection between Paraquat and your illness.

• Pennsylvania: 2 years from diagnosis or discovery of connection
• California: 2 years from diagnosis
• Illinois: 2 years from diagnosis
• Iowa: 2 years from diagnosis
• Texas: 2 years from diagnosis
• Florida: 4 years from diagnosis

Working with a knowledgeable Paraquat attorney is essential to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your state.

FAQs

1. How Can I Prove I Was Exposed to Paraquat?

Employment records, pesticide application logs, purchase receipts, and testimony from co-workers can help establish exposure. Agricultural experts can also provide testimony about common usage patterns in your region during the relevant timeframe. In the Paraquat MDL, courts have accepted various forms of circumstantial evidence of exposure.

2. What Is the Average Settlement Amount for Paraquat Lawsuits?

While early settlements have varied, most Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits are expected to settle in the range of $100,000 to $500,000 depending on exposure duration, severity of Parkinson’s symptoms, age at diagnosis, and economic damages. Recent bellwether trials have resulted in verdicts ranging from $15 million to $20 million for plaintiffs.

3. How Long Will My Paraquat Lawsuit Take?

Most Paraquat lawsuits take between 1-3 years to resolve. Cases consolidated in the Paraquat MDL may move more efficiently than individual state court cases. Settlement negotiations are ongoing, which could accelerate resolution for many plaintiffs without requiring individual trials.

4. Does Paraquat Definitely Cause Parkinson’s Disease?

Multiple scientific studies have established a strong association between Paraquat exposure and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease [2]. Research indicates that individuals exposed to Paraquat have a 2.5 times greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to the general population. This connection is the basis for the ongoing litigation against Syngenta and Chevron.

5. What If I Used Paraquat But Don’t Have Symptoms Yet?

If you were exposed to Paraquat but don’t currently have symptoms, you should monitor your health closely and consult with a neurologist familiar with Parkinson’s disease and environmental toxins. You cannot file a lawsuit without a current diagnosis, but you should document your exposure for future reference.

6. Can Family Members File a Paraquat Lawsuit on Behalf of a Deceased Relative?

Yes, the estate of someone who died from Parkinson’s disease after Paraquat exposure can pursue a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations typically begins from the date of death or discovery of the connection between Paraquat and the illness. Family members should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

7. How Is the Paraquat MDL Different from a Class Action?

In the Paraquat MDL (Multidistrict Litigation), each case remains individual with its own settlement amount based on specific circumstances, unlike class actions where all plaintiffs receive similar compensation. The MDL consolidates pretrial proceedings for efficiency while preserving the individual nature of each claim.

8. Are There Alternative Herbicides That Don’t Carry the Same Risks?

Several alternatives to Paraquat exist with lower toxicity profiles, including glyphosate (though it has its own controversy), glufosinate-ammonium, and organic options. An agricultural expert can advise on safer alternatives based on your specific needs and growing conditions.

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Get A Free Pennsylvania Paraquat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Paraquat-related injuries. Most states only allow 2 years from your Parkinson’s diagnosis or discovery of the connection to Paraquat exposure to file a claim. Those who have been exposed to Paraquat should not hesitate to explore their legal options.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Extensive experience with cases in the Paraquat MDL

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice. Our team of experienced Paraquat lawsuit attorneys is ready to help you navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding these claims.

Reference:

1. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/paraquat-dichloride#:~:text=Following%20EPA’s%202019%20literature%20review,paraquat%20exposure%20and%20Parkinson’s%20Disease.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114841/