Paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States, sold under brand names like Gramoxone, Firestorm and Parazone. Due to its extreme toxicity, the product is banned in 32 countries including all of Europe and China. Paraquat continues to be used in the United States despite overwhelming scientific data that the toxic weed-killing herbicide significantly increases the risk of Parkinson’s Disease, a debilitating and irreversible neurological disorder.

Paraquat was first widely used in agricultural production in the United States in the 1960s. The herbicide is used by farmers and agricultural workers to prevent the growth of weeds and grasses in a wide variety crops and plants. Due to the regulation of its sale and use, the individuals most often exposed to Paraquat include agricultural workers who mix, load and apply the herbicide to crops and plants. Toxic exposure to Paraquat can occur when it gets on the skin during application, when workers come into contact with weeds or grasses sprayed with Paraquat, and when it is inhaled or ingested.

Numerous epidemiological, animal and cellular toxicity studies show an association between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s Disease. This is due to the herbicide’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier after absorption or inhalation where it can kill healthy brain cells via oxidative stress.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can include:

• Tremors (shaking of fingers, hands or limbs)
• Slowed movement
• Muscle rigidity
• Loss of automatic movement
• Impaired balance
• Speech changes

Parkinson’s Disease often results in additional complications, including cognitive problems (dementia), depression and other emotional changes, swallowing difficulty, problems chewing and eating, sleep disorders and bladder issues.

Hundreds of Paraquat lawsuits have been filed against the company’s involved in manufacturing and distributing the herbicide, including Syngenta and Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. Injured plaintiffs allege that their exposure to Paraquat has caused them to suffer Parkinson’s Disease, and that the companies involved in its manufacture and sale failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of Parkinson’s Disease. The lawsuits also contend the companies knew or should have known that a growing body of scientific evidence over many decades shows Paraquat causes Parkinson’s Disease. These lawsuits seek significant compensation for injured plaintiffs including medical expenses, lost wages or earning capacity, pain and suffering and disability and permanent injury.

In June 2021, federal Paraquat lawsuits were centralized in a multi-district litigation (MDL) before U.S. District Court Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (MDL No. 3004).

Contact Lewis Saul & Associates, P.C. To Discuss Your Rights

If you or someone you know has been exposed to Paraquat and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. This includes reimbursement of your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability and permanent injury, punitive damages and wrongful death. For a free and confidential case evaluation, please call our office toll-free at (888) 747-5342.