Paraquat is a dangerous herbicide (weed killer) that has been linked to Parkinson's disease. Thousands of farm workers, adjacent property owners, rural schoolchildren, and others may have been exposed over the last several decades. Paraquat lawsuits allege that Paraquat manufacturers and distributors like Syngenta and Chevron knew about the potentially harmful effects of paraquat and failed to warn consumers. Our firm is actively investigating these claims.
More Paraquat lawsuits are being filed every week, and many are being consolidated into Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL). This process ensures that each Paraquat lawsuit remains separate in terms of its own merits and facts, while sharing the process and costs of discovery and streamlining initial "bellwether" trials. The first bellwether Paraquat lawsuit trial has been tentatively scheduled for November 15, 2022, reflecting presiding Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel's desire to set an "aggressive" timeline for the litigation.
"Our attorneys are actively investigating claims that Paraquat weed killer causes Parkinson's disease."
-Gene Riddle, Paraquat lawsuit attorney
Filing a Paraquat lawsuit may be right for you or a loved one if you've received a Parkinson's diagnosis after exposure to this toxic chemical. We invite you to review this information to learn more and see if you or a loved one may qualify for a Paraquat Parkinson's lawsuit.
Do You Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Have you been exposed to Paraquat and been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? If so, you may be entitled to compensation — and you deserve justice. An experienced Paraquat lawsuit lawyer at Riddle & Brantley may be able to help and determine if you qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit.
Paraquat Lawsuit Eligibility
Our product liability lawyers are often asked, “Can I file a Paraquat lawsuit?”
You may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- You handled Paraquat as a mixer, loader, or applicator or were otherwise exposed to Paraquat (and were properly licensed); OR
- You were exposed to Paraquat by Paraquat drift, agricultural overspray, or groundwater contamination
- AND you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
Criteria for Paraquat lawsuit is especially stringent, and these cases can be extremely difficult to prove. Therefore, it is important that you contact an experienced Paraquat lawyer at Riddle & Brantley today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation and case review.
Many different Paraquat herbicide manufacturers may be liable in these cases and we are determined to hold companies accountable for any proven negligence or wrongdoing.
Who May Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit
Many people may have been exposed to Paraquat and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease, potentially as a result of their exposure.
Some may have been exposed due to occupational hazard, as farmers, herbicide / pesticide applicators, or other agricultural workers. Others may have been exposed due to proximity to farms where Paraquat is or was used.
Those possibly exposed to Paraquat and affected by toxicity include:
- Farm workers
- Herbicide and pesticide applicators
- Applicators using handheld or backpack sprayers
- Applicators operating tractors equipped to spray herbicide / pesticide
- Agricultural pilots (“crop dusters”)
- School children attending rural schools in close proximity to farms spraying Paraquat
- Property owners living near farms spraying Paraquat
Paraquat use was widespread throughout the United States throughout the second half of the 20th century, and is still in use today, though on a more limited basis. However, the use of Paraquat has increased recently in part due to other health concerns related to Roundup weed killer, an herbicide that has been linked to cancer.
Proving Paraquat Exposure
It can be extremely difficult to prove Paraquat exposure, which is why it's important to call an experienced Paraquat lawsuit attorney as soon as possible to get started with a free claim investigation. Our Paraquat lawyers and investigators can work with you to track down agricultural records, receipts, potential witnesses, and other evidence.
For a FREE consultation regarding your eligibility for a Paraquat lawsuit, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.
There is never any obligation, and we don’t get paid unless you get paid. If we don’t recover compensation for you in your Paraquat lawsuit, you won’t pay any attorney fees.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free, no-obligation case review with a Paraquat lawsuit lawyer at Riddle & Brantley. We will review your eligibility and if you qualify, help advise you on how to file a Paraquat lawsuit.
Our Paraquat Parkinson's disease attorneys have more than 220+ years of combined legal experience, and we've recovered over $600 million in compensation for our clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below). You don't have to do this alone. Call 1-800-525-7111 and let's review your Paraquat lawsuit eligibility today.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a toxic weed killer (herbicide), commonly used in agriculture and groundskeeping. Paraquat is contaminated with MPTP, a heroin contaminant, which may cause those exposed to Paraquat to suffer from symptoms similar to those associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Those exposed to Paraquat include agricultural workers and groundskeepers, as well as property owners who live near farms where Paraquat is in use through a process known as pesticide drift. Herbicide applicators, chemical mixers, and tank fillers may also be affected. Paraquat exposure may also occur as a result of Paraquat overspray, in which operator error results in application of the toxic chemical on unintended areas.
In recent years, Paraquat has been used as a substitute for the popular herbicide, Roundup, which weeds have become increasingly resistant to (our firm is also handling cases alleging that Roundup causes non-Hodgkins lymphoma and other cancer).
Paraquat is manufactured under many brand names, including:
- Paraquat
- Blanco
- Bonfire Herbicide
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Gramaxone (manufactured by Syngenta)
- Helmquat
- Para-SHOT
- Parazone
- Quik-Quat
For a full list of Paraquat trade names, please check out our supplemental page. You may have been exposed to a paraquat-containing weed killer without even realizing it. Paraquat is often recognized by its strong and especially pungent odor, that some have described as "unforgettable." Most paraquat-containing products are also dyed, often bright blue, in order to avoid mistakes in which the herbicide is confused for another liquid.
A "Restricted Use" Herbicide
Paraquat is a strongly regulated (but still allowed) chemical in the United States, and farmers, agricultural workers, and groundskeepers using the herbicide are required to complete an EPA-approved training program. The EPA considers Paraquat a “Restricted Use Pesticide” given its dangers. Despite the concern that Paraquat causes Parkinson's disease, however, Paraquat is still allowed in the United States. The EPA's decision to continue to allow the use of Paraquat has provoked enormous controversy, with organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation actively calling for a ban in the United States based on the chemical's connection to Parkinson's.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued reports indicating that Paraquat is more toxic than other herbicides. The ingestion of even a few drops of paraquat may be fatal.
Paraquat toxicity may occur through:
- Absorption through the skin
- Ingestion
- Inhalation
Paraquat Parkinson's Disease Claims and Product Bans
Due to its toxicity and potential for causing Parkinson’s disease among other health problems, Paraquat has been banned (or is in the process of being banned) in the European Union, China, and Brazil.
Riddle & Brantley is actively investigating claims that Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease, and we would love to help you if we can. For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Paraquat lawsuit lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111.
There are no upfront costs and you won’t pay a dime in attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation in your Paraquat lawsuit.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free consultation with a Paraquat lawyer handling these claims.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Alarming research has linked Paraquat with increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2009 revealed that exposure to Paraquat within 1,600 feet of a residence increased the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 75 percent. These findings are especially alarming for those who have lived in close proximity to a farm using Paraquat, and underscore the fact that you or a loved one may have been exposed to Paraquat without even realizing it.
Paraquat exposure was similarly linked to increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in a 2011 study that considered pesticide use and Parkinson’s. The report claimed that “PD [Parkinson’s disease] was positively associated with two groups of pesticides,” including Paraquat.
Another study in 2012 found that “PD risk from Paraquat exposure might be particularly high” in individuals with certain genetic dispositions.
“Parkinson’s disease was strongly associated with [Paraquat].”
-2011 study, published in the scientific journal, Environmental Health Perspectives
Does Paraquat Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
The link between Paraquat herbicide exposure and Parkinson’s disease is increasingly clear. According to research, Paraquat chemicals damage cells by causing oxidative stress. These cells are involved in the production of dopamine, the limited production of which may contribute to Parkinson’s disease.
The potential that Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease is so apparent that in 2017 the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny the re-registration of Paraquat as an allowable herbicide. As mentioned previously, the EPA's approval of paraquat as a "Restricted Use" herbicide is extremely controversial and many are advocating for a ban on the chemical in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has also initiated a systematic review of the effects of Paraquat exposure on the development of Parkinson’s disease. The review is being conducted under the authority of the National Toxicology Program.
The link between Parkinson’s and Paraquat herbicide is so strong that researchers actually use Paraquat to cause Parkinson’s disease in laboratory animals.
In addition to Parkinson’s disease, Paraquat exposure is considered a potential risk factor in birth defects and cancer.
Roughly one million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson's is a terrible disease with life-changing consequences for those diagnosed and their loved ones. At Riddle & Brantley, our hearts go out to those affected by Parkinson's disease. We would love to help ease the burden on potential victims of Paraquat exposure that may have caused Parkinson's, and we invite you to call 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a compassionate Paraquat lawsuit attorney.
Who is at Risk for Parkinson's from Paraquat?
Those who have handled Paraquat (including herbicide mixers, loaders, and handlers / applicators) may be at increased risk of potentially developing Parkinson's due to Paraquat exposure. This group includes groundskeepers as well as those involved in agricultural operations. Others may have been inadvertently exposed to Paraquat due to Paraquat drift and overspray, including farm workers, nearby property owners, and schoolchildren attending rural schools. Those whose drinking water may have been contaminated by paraquat runoff are also at high risk. Individuals in each of these groups may qualify for a Paraquat Parkinson's lawsuit.
In previous decades, paraquat weed killer was also widely used on golf courses. Golf course groundskeepers may be at especially high risk.
Paraquat is a commonly used weed killer and is still allowed in the United States, despite being banned in more than 30 other countries for its known health risks.
Paraquat is most commonly used in agricultural operations involving the following crops:
- Alfalfa
- Wheat
- Clover and legumes
- Corn
- Cotton
- Soybeans
States where Paraquat is most commonly used include:
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
"I'm not sure if I was exposed to Paraquat. How can I tell?"
Determining exposure to Paraquat can be difficult based on the timeline and broad range of herbicide products on the market. Please visit our supplemental page for a list of Paraquat brands, and keep in mind the following:
- Most Paraquat-containing herbicides are dyed blue or another similar color
- Paraquat has a very distinctive and unpleasant smell that has been described as "pungent" and hard to forget
- Paraquat is a "restricted use" herbicide and most applicators will have had to complete EPA-approved training and earned a license
We've also recently published a list of places where you may have been exposed to paraquat. We encourage you to review the list and pass it along to anyone you know who may be affected. Paraquat is a serious health hazard and may potentially cause Parkinson's disease. Potential victims deserve justice and we are committed to helping however we can.
Our product liability lawyers can investigate your claim and help determine if you were exposed to a brand of Paraquat-containing herbicide that is eligible for a lawsuit. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation today. Due to the length of time that may have passed since exposure, difficulty tracking down records, receipts, and other documents, delays in obtaining medical records from providers, and other factors, Paraquat lawsuit claims can be exceptionally difficult to investigate. The faster you call Riddle & Brantley, the more time we'll have to thoroughly investigate your claim and potentially help you build the strongest case possible.
Paraquat Parkinson's Lawsuits
In 2017, a lawsuit was filed against Paraquat manufacturers Syngenta and Growmark, alleging that exposure to Paraquat caused Parkinson’s disease among several farmers and agricultural workers. Chevron Chemical, another manufacturer, was later added as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Recent lawsuits allege that Syngenta and Chevron knew that Paraquat was dangerous and failed to warn the public and regulators. Today, many paraquat lawsuits are focused specifically on allegations against Syngenta and/or Chevron. Both companies have strongly denied any liability, negligence, or wrongdoing. Despite its denials, Syngenta did disclose that it settled a number of Paraquat lawsuits in June of 2021 for $187.5 million. Legal analysts anticipate that paraquat litigation could represent "the next Roundup," alluding to the high-profile lawsuits that have cost Roundup weed killer manufacturer Bayer more than $10 billion to date.
However, no global settlement has been made in paraquat lawsuits and we anticipate that these cases may take several months or even years to fully resolve. There are no guarantees and the outcome of every paraquat lawsuit will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of the case. It is also certain that Syngenta, Chevron, and other defendants will be represented by high-powered law firms and defense attorneys. The outcome is uncertain, but we are committed to holding potentially negligent companies accountable however we can.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to Paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may qualify for a Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit and be entitled to Paraquat compensation. Call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with a product liability lawsuit lawyer today.
The consultation is free and there are no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s discuss your eligibility for a Paraquat lawsuit.
"It was nice to see Riddle & Brantley put me and my needs first."
-R. Colley, Riddle & Brantley client
"How Do I File a Paraquat Lawsuit?"
If you have developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to a paraquat product, you may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit. Contrary to popular belief, filing a lawsuit is not difficult with the assistance of an experienced injury lawyer.
If you’re wondering how to file a Paraquat lawsuit, our Paraquat lawyers can help with every step, making the entire process as easy, stress-free, and convenient for you as possible.
"Do I Need an Attorney?"
While you are not required to use an attorney to file a Paraquat lawsuit, there are numerous benefits to enlisting the help of an experienced lawyer to file your claim.
First, corporations like Syngenta (the most common manufacturer of Paraquat products) have highly skilled legal teams on their side to ensure that they aren’t held liable for the damage Paraquat products may cause.
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you’ve already fighting a terrible battle — you don’t need the added stress and frustration of fighting complex legal battles.
By hiring an experienced personal injury law team like Riddle & Brantley, you benefit from our attorneys’ 200+ years of combined legal experience fighting against negligent individuals and companies.
Additionally, research has shown that hiring an experienced personal injury attorney results in, on average, 3.5x higher settlements than for claimants who file alone.
"How Much Does a Paraquat Attorney Cost?"
If you’re wondering how to file a Paraquat lawsuit, you may be worried about the potential cost.
Many clients who have suffered an injury due to dangerous substance exposure have already carried the burden of significant medical bills, and are concerned about the costs associated with hiring an attorney.
However, when you hire an experienced Paraquat lawyer at Riddle & Brantley, you pay NO attorney’s fees unless you receive compensation.
Unlike many other areas of law where you must pay costly upfront “retainer” fees or high hourly billing invoices, Riddle & Brantley’s attorneys work on contingency fees.
This means our fees are based on your success. Since 2000 alone, we have recovered over $600 million in compensation for our clients (see disclaimer below) and we are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our deserving clients.
Call us today at (919) 778-9700 for your FREE consultation to see if you may qualify.
Experienced Paraquat Lawsuit Lawyers
Since 1985, Riddle & Brantley product liability lawyers have been holding potentially negligent manufacturers accountable for dangerous products. Our attorneys have more than 220+ years of combined legal experience handling injury claims, and we’ve recovered more than $600 million in compensation for clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
Led by experienced trial lawyer Gene Riddle, our firm’s attorneys have received recognition by such prestigious organizations (see disclaimer below) as:
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Super Lawyers
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Our attorneys have also been recognized with the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the top rating awarded by that organization to practicing attorneys, and Gene Riddle additionally was honored with the 2014 Litigator Award in recognition of his experience and results (see disclaimer below).
Our Paraquat lawsuit lawyers would love to help you if they can. We believe Justice Counts and are committed to holding potentially negligent manufacturers accountable for dangerous products like Paraquat.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Paraquat lawsuit lawyer at Riddle & Brantley, please call 1-800-525-7111.
We will review your case, advise you on your best available legal options, and if you decide to hire us, we will fight aggressively on your behalf for the compensation and justice you deserve. Remember, there are absolutely no upfront costs and we will investigate your claim for free. If we are able to help and you decide to hire us to represent you in your Paraquat Parkinson's lawsuit, we don't get paid unless you do — if we don't recover compensation for you, you won't pay a dime in attorney fees.
Don’t wait — the longer you wait to file a Paraquat Parkinson’s claim, the harder it may be to win your case and recover the compensation you need and deserve. These cases may be difficult to prove, and the sooner we can start a claim investigation, the sooner we may be able to help you get justice.
"This settlement changed me and my family's lives."
-Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client
Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your case. You may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit and our injury lawyers would love to help.
Justice Counts.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.
*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the Litigator Award, and other memberships, awards, and accolades, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.