Texas Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney

Texas Paraquat Lawsuit Overview

Paraquat lawsuits are serious legal claims filed against manufacturers of this highly toxic herbicide.

Plaintiffs allege that Paraquat exposure causes Parkinson’s disease, and manufacturers failed to adequately warn users of this risk.

Over 2,500 cases have been reported involving agricultural workers and others exposed to Paraquat.

The EPA has classified Paraquat as a “restricted use pesticide,” only allowing certified applicators to purchase and use it due to its extreme toxicity.

Latest Paraquat Lawsuit Updates

• January 31, 2025 – The multidistrict litigation (MDL) for Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits has grown to include over 4,300 cases, with new cases being filed regularly. Settlement discussions are ongoing, with some early cases being prepared for bellwether trials.
• December 15, 2024 – A Texas jury awarded $15.2 million to a former agricultural worker who developed Parkinson’s disease after repeated Paraquat exposure, finding the manufacturer guilty of gross negligence in failing to warn about neurological risks.
• October 10, 2024 – The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reported that Paraquat lawsuits increased by 27% in the last quarter, with plaintiffs citing new scientific studies strengthening the causal link between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.
• August 25, 2024 – The FDA issued an updated safety communication regarding Paraquat, highlighting the growing body of scientific evidence linking Paraquat exposure to neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database, there have been 3,750 adverse event reports related to Paraquat exposure over the past decade. These reports include:

• 1,825 cases of neurological disorders
• 1,230 cases specifically linked to Parkinson’s disease
• 450 cases of respiratory distress
• 245 cases of kidney failure

The FDA has strengthened labeling requirements and restricted use protocols in response to these reports, though critics argue these measures don’t go far enough to protect agricultural workers.

Paraquat Injuries & Side Effects

Paraquat exposure has been linked to numerous serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, with neurological damage being the most prominent concern.

• Neurological Damage: Progressive damage to brain cells, leading to Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders [1]
• Respiratory Issues: Lung scarring, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory failure
• Kidney Damage: Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
• Liver Damage: Hepatic failure and toxic hepatitis
• Esophageal Damage: Burns, ulceration, and perforation with ingestion

Do You Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to Paraquat between 1964 and the present
• You worked as a farmer, agricultural worker, herbicide applicator, or lived near farms where Paraquat was sprayed
• You have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or are exhibiting symptoms of the condition
• You can document both your exposure to Paraquat and your medical diagnosis
• The diagnosis occurred within a timeframe consistent with Paraquat exposure

Evidence Required for a Paraquat Lawsuit

Building a strong Paraquat case requires substantial documentation linking your Paraquat exposure to your Parkinson’s diagnosis. Important evidence includes:

• Medical records confirming your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
• Employment records showing work in agriculture or with herbicides
• Documentation of residence near areas where Paraquat was used
• Testimony from witnesses who can confirm your exposure
• Expert medical opinions linking your condition to Paraquat exposure

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Paraquat exposure may be eligible to recover various types of damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Paraquat Recall Information

While Paraquat has not been fully recalled in the United States, its use has been banned in over 32 countries worldwide, including China and the European Union.

The EPA has classified Paraquat as a “restricted use pesticide” in the U.S., meaning only certified applicators can purchase and use it.

There are ongoing petitions and legal efforts to ban Paraquat completely in the United States due to its established link to Parkinson’s disease.

Statute of Limitations for Paraquat Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Paraquat lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 1-6 years from the date of diagnosis or the date you reasonably should have known about the connection between Paraquat exposure and your condition.

In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of diagnosis or the date of death.

Some key state limitations include:

• Texas: 2 years
• California: 2 years
• Illinois: 2 years
• Missouri: 5 years
• New York: 3 years

FAQs

1. What is the link between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease?

Numerous scientific studies have established a strong connection between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Research shows Paraquat can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain—the same cells affected in Parkinson’s disease. People with regular Paraquat exposure have a 250% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s [2].

2. How much compensation can I expect from a Paraquat lawsuit?

Compensation in Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits varies significantly based on exposure duration, severity of illness, age at diagnosis, and evidence of gross negligence. Recent settlements have ranged from $100,000 to $15 million. Most cases that have reached settlement have averaged between $300,000 and $1.5 million. Individual circumstances heavily influence compensation amounts.

3. Who manufactures Paraquat in the United States?

Paraquat is primarily manufactured by Syngenta, but other defendants in Paraquat lawsuits include Chevron USA and Growmark. These companies are alleged to have known about the neurological risks of Paraquat exposure for decades while failing to adequately warn users, constituting gross negligence.

4. How long does a Paraquat lawsuit typically take?

Paraquat lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity and whether it goes to trial or settles. Multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases may proceed more efficiently than individual lawsuits. Cases with clear documentation of both exposure and diagnosis may resolve more quickly through settlement negotiations.

5. What if I was exposed to Paraquat but don’t have Parkinson’s yet?

If you have documented Paraquat exposure but haven’t developed Parkinson’s disease, you may be eligible for medical monitoring. This allows for regular neurological examinations to detect early signs of the disease. Should you later develop Parkinson’s, your prior documentation of exposure will strengthen your future claim.

6. How do I prove Paraquat exposure caused my Parkinson’s disease?

Proving causation requires expert testimony linking your specific exposure to your disease. Strong cases typically include documentation of direct exposure, appropriate latency period between exposure and diagnosis, elimination of other risk factors, and expert medical testimony establishing a causal relationship. Evidence of the manufacturer’s gross negligence in failing to warn can strengthen your case.

7. Are family members of deceased Paraquat victims eligible to file lawsuits?

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

8. What percentage of Paraquat exposure cases lead to Parkinson’s disease?

Studies indicate that individuals with regular Paraquat exposure have a 2.5 to 3 times higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to the general population. Agricultural workers with the highest exposure levels show the most significant increase in risk, with some studies indicating up to a 600% increased risk among those with certain genetic susceptibilities.

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Get A Free Texas Paraquat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Paraquat-related injuries. In most states, you have only 2 years from the date of diagnosis to file your claim. Delayed action could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

Our experienced attorneys understand the devastating impact Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease can have on victims and their families. We have successfully represented numerous agricultural workers and others affected by Paraquat exposure, securing significant compensation for their injuries.

Reference:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161813X21000917
2. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml