Federal Judge Schedules Paraquat Weed Killer, Parkinson’s Disease Trial for Nov. 2022

Just as the Roundup weed killer litigation is reaching the later stages of settlement for most claims, new mass tort litigation involving another pesticide – paraquat – is on the rise. Paraquat, like Roundup, is a weed killer. However, unlike Roundup, a person must obtain a license to use paraquat given how toxic the substance is.

A recent discovery of scientific data and evidence that Syngenta AG, the manufacturer of paraquat weed killers, knew about the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease for decades, has led to an explosion of lawsuits. While some paraquat claims have settled, hundreds more are being filed throughout the United States, with many claims being filed in federal court.

Because of the large number of paraquat claims, multidistrict litigation (MDL) was created for the paraquat litigation. The Paraquat MDL sits in the Southern District of Illinois. The judge overseeing the litigation recently scheduled the first trial for November 2022. By the time the trial begins, hundreds (if not thousands) of additional paraquat claims will likely be filed in the MDL.

Paraquat’s Link to Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a debilitating neurological disorder that is incurable. Although symptoms may be alleviated by medication, the disease typically gets progressively worse over time. Studies show that individuals who use paraquat or rotenone (another pesticide) are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s.

A large study conducted in the United States (called the Agricultural Health Study (AHS)) evaluated farmers throughout the country to determine what type of pesticides they used and whether they suffered from any health conditions, such as Parkinson’s, following exposure to those pesticides. The study concluded that exposure to pesticides like paraquat may increase the chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease.

Who Qualifies to Pursue a Paraquat Claim? Paraquat Lawyer Explains

Any person who has been exposed to paraquat and subsequently developed Parkinson’s Disease may have a potential legal claim. However, proving a person was exposed to paraquat can be difficult unless the person is a licensed user of the product. Examples of common plaintiffs who are pursuing paraquat claims include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Licensed users (typically farmers);
• Farmworkers;
• Individuals who live on farms (such as family members); and
• Neighbors to farms in which paraquat is used on crops.

Because of the many ways a person can be exposed to paraquat, speaking with a paraquat lawyer is the best way to find out whether a potential legal claim exists.

Contact the Paraquat Lawyers of Searcy Denney Today

If you are a licensed user of paraquat or were otherwise exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s Disease, you may have a potential legal claim to recover for your pain and suffering.

The paraquat lawyers of Searcy Denney thoroughly evaluate all potential legal claims, providing potential clients with honest, straightforward, and well-rounded legal advice. Our team of lawyers fight to protect the rights of every single client and have successfully helped clients receive compensation for personal injuries.

To schedule your free case evaluation to determine if you have a potential paraquat claim, contact Searcy Denney today by calling (800) 780-8607 or by completing a case inquiry form on our website.