Paraquat Lawsuit FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is paraquat?

Paraquat (brand name Gramoxone) is a highly toxic herbicide used to kill weeds and grasses before planting. It is one of the most widely used herbicides in US agriculture. It is classified as a restricted-use pesticide by the EPA, meaning only licensed applicators can purchase and apply it.

Why is paraquat banned in other countries but not the US?

Paraquat is banned in over 30 countries — including the entire European Union, China, Switzerland (where Syngenta is headquartered), and Brazil — due to its extreme toxicity and links to Parkinson's disease. The US EPA has reviewed paraquat multiple times but has not banned it, instead imposing restrictions on its use.

How does paraquat cause Parkinson's disease?

Research shows that paraquat can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue. Once there, it damages dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra — the same area of the brain affected in Parkinson's disease. It does this primarily through oxidative stress, generating free radicals that destroy brain cells.

I was exposed to paraquat decades ago. Can I still file?

Yes. Parkinson's disease has a long latency period. Symptoms can appear years or even decades after exposure. The statute of limitations typically begins when you are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, not when you were exposed. However, these deadlines vary by state, so it is important to act quickly.

I didn't apply paraquat directly. Can I still file?

Yes. You do not need to have been the person who sprayed paraquat. Common indirect exposure scenarios include:

• Living near farms that used paraquat
• Working in recently sprayed fields
• Handling clothing contaminated with paraquat
• Being present during or shortly after spraying

What do I need to prove?

To have a viable claim, you generally need to establish:

1. Exposure — Evidence that you were exposed to paraquat
2. Diagnosis — A medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
3. Causation — A plausible connection between your exposure and your disease

An experienced attorney can help you build this case using medical records, employment history, and geographic evidence.

How much does it cost to file a paraquat lawsuit?

Nothing upfront. Attorneys handling Paraquat cases work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or verdict. There are no hourly fees or retainers.

How long will the lawsuit take?

The Paraquat MDL is currently in the discovery and bellwether trial preparation phase. Bellwether trials are expected in 2026-2027. Full resolution for most claimants is likely 3-5 years from now, though this timeline could shift based on trial outcomes and settlement negotiations.

Will I have to go to court?

Most mass tort cases settle without individual plaintiffs needing to appear in court. If your case is selected as a bellwether, you may be asked to testify, but this affects a very small number of plaintiffs.

Can family members file for someone with Parkinson's?

Yes. If a loved one with Parkinson's is unable to manage a legal claim due to cognitive decline or physical limitations, a family member or legal guardian can file on their behalf. If the person has passed away, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim.

Who are the defendants?

The primary defendants in the Paraquat litigation are:

• Syngenta AG — Manufacturer of Gramoxone (paraquat brand)
• Chevron U.S.A., Inc. — Distributed paraquat products in the US

What is an MDL?

MDL stands for Multidistrict Litigation. It is a legal process that consolidates similar lawsuits from across the country before a single federal judge for pretrial proceedings. This makes the litigation more efficient without merging the individual cases. The Paraquat MDL is MDL 3004 in the Southern District of Illinois.