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Paraquat Lawsuits

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If you’ve experienced exposure to Paraquat and received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, you might have the right to pursue legal action and seek financial compensation. Our team of Paraquat attorneys is currently assessing new cases related to Parkinson’s disease across all 50 states.

This page outlines the ongoing Paraquat class action litigation and provides guidance on participating. Our lawyers regularly update information regarding the Paraquat class action lawsuit.  These updates are for both victims and other Paraquat lawyers looking to follow the litigation.

Additionally, our lawyers provide insights into potential Paraquat settlement amounts, helping victims and their lawyers gain a clearer understanding of possible compensation.

The Latest Paraquat Lawsuit Update – June 2025

  • The Paraquat MDL is still growing. In fact, 123 new cases were filed in May, bringing the total number of active lawsuits to 6,159 as of June 1.
  • Although there is a tentative settlement in the works, it is not quite finalized, and it is only in the MDL. State court cases will continue (and lawyers will demand that those values will be higher than the MDL).
  • If you have not yet filed a claim and believe you may qualify, this is not the time to wait. The window could close quickly, and those who speak up now are more likely to have their voices heard when the final terms are decided.
  • The judge will meet with lawyers on the MDL settlement on June 11..
  •  In early June, the judge dismissed over 100 lawsuits for failure to submit required documentation.

About Paraquat

Paraquat, also known as paraquat dichloride, is an incredibly potent chemical utilized for eliminating unwanted vegetation, such as weeds and grass, through spraying. Despite being prohibited in numerous countries, it remains one of the most extensively used industrial herbicides worldwide.

While Paraquat is legally available in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes it as a “restricted use” substance. This designation confines its purchase and usage solely to commercially licensed individuals, primarily those in the agricultural sector.

Introduced in the early 1960s, Paraquat’s usage has significantly risen in the last two decades due to weed resistance to alternative products. It is the most prevalent form of restricted-use herbicide in the U.S., typically applied in liquid form with distinct blue coloring and a noticeable odor.

Gramoxone is among Paraquat’s most recognizable names sold under various brands or trade names. It is manufactured by Syngenta, a global agricultural chemicals company headquartered in Switzerland.

The Paraquat lawsuit echoes the precedent of the successful Roundup cancer litigation, sharing similarities to Agent Orange. Both Paraquat and Roundup function as non-selective herbicides. While Roundup’s harm revolves around cancer, Paraquat’s repercussions are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Paraquat Causes Parkinson’s Disease

Over the past 12 years, a growing body of scientific research has established a clear connection between regular occupational exposure to Paraquat and the development of Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder characterized by the progressive deterioration of specific brain cells, leading to the impairment of the brain’s ability to regulate motor functions in the body. Its symptoms include movement impairment, tremors, balance issues, and muscle stiffness.

One of the defendants, Chevron, openly acknowledges the extensive scientific literature, citing over 1,000 articles discussing Paraquat’s toxicity in animals and humans. The association with Parkinson’s disease emerged later. A pivotal study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2009 was among the first to reveal a link between Paraquat exposure and the onset of Parkinson’s Disease.

This study highlighted that individuals living within 1600 feet of areas where Paraquat was regularly sprayed faced an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Subsequently, a more comprehensive study published in 2011 strengthened this correlation, categorizing it as a “strong association.”

Initial criticisms of these studies centered around their techniques and reliability due to the absence of “controlled” conditions. However, in 2014, doubts were assuaged by the publication of five separate case-controlled studies in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, all confirming the heightened risk of Parkinson’s disease due to Paraquat exposure. These findings prompted the EPA to initiate a safety review of Paraquat in 2016.

On March 24, 2021, Greenpeace released “The Paraquat Papers,” detailing attempts by Syngenta and its precursor, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), to conceal Gramoxone’s risks. Allegedly, ICI claimed to have added the emetic PP796 to Paraquat products to prevent fatal poisoning.

However, internal company documents revealed the failure to carry out this claim and the company’s awareness of the issue. Despite this, ICI continued publicly asserting PP796’s effectiveness and misrepresented its addition to maintain Gramoxone’s market presence.

Jon Heylings, a former Syngenta toxicologist, reported low PP796 levels in Gramoxone and cautioned against the inadequate emetic levels to induce vomiting in those consuming the “minimal lethal dose.” He flagged that a former toxicologist from ICI had manipulated data to falsely suggest that human sensitivity to PP796 was ten times greater than in other animal tests.

Heylings raised these concerns in memos to superiors, arguing that correcting PP796 levels could reduce paraquat poisoning fatalities. However, ICI disregarded Heylings’ warnings, and the PP796 levels in Gramoxone became the standard for paraquat-based weed killers, according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.

Parkinson’s Disease and Chemical Exposure

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement and can also impact balance, coordination, and speech. The disease primarily affects neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.

As the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe physical and cognitive issues. The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Regarding the potential role of chemicals in inducing Parkinson’s disease, research has suggested that exposure to certain chemicals may increase the risk of developing the condition. Two giant chemicals are thought to cause Parkinson’s disease:

  • Pesticides and Herbicides: Studies have shown that exposure to certain pesticides and herbicides, such as paraquat and rotenone, may be linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. These chemicals are thought to cause damage to neurons in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter critical for controlling movement.  This is the Paraquat litigation.
  • Industrial Chemicals: Exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), used in cleaning and degreasing agents, has also been associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. TCE and similar compounds may accumulate harmful substances in the brain, contributing to neuronal damage.

The Story of the Paraquat Litigation

A herbicide called Paraquat was developed and introduced into the market. Paraquat, known for its effectiveness in controlling weeds and grass, quickly became popular in the agricultural sector. Manufactured and distributed by several companies, including those named defendants in the lawsuit, Paraquat was sold as a solution to farmers’ and agricultural workers’ crop maintenance needs.  It worked.  It killed the weeds, and farmers made more money as a result.

Yet despite its efficacy in weed control, reports and studies started to suggest that Paraquat might be linked to severe health issues, including Parkinson’s Disease. It was alleged that exposure to this chemical, even when handled according to the instructions, could lead to devastating health consequences.

The defendants in this story, the manufacturers and distributors of Paraquat, are said to have knowledge of these potential dangers. Yet, they continued to promote Paraquat as a safe product. Paraquat lawsuits allege that the defendants provided misleading and false information about Paraquat’s safety. This misinformation allegedly downplayed the severity and risks associated with its use, leading users to expose themselves to harm unknowingly.

According to the allegations, the defendants not only failed to warn users adequately, but also actively concealed and suppressed information about the risks of Paraquat exposure. While promoting the benefits of their product, they were accused of overlooking the health and safety of those using it.  In fact, they funded studies linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s but buried the results deep within research archives. Regulatory agencies, swayed by carefully crafted marketing campaigns and hefty lobbying efforts, turned a blind eye to the mounting evidence.

So despite these alarming revelations, the manufacturers continued to market Paraquat as safe, even though they allegedly knew about the potential dangers.  They learned some tricks to keep the risk hidden. One example many lawsuits have cited is that in 2003, amid legal challenges involving another herbicide, atrazine, a Syngenta communications manager highlighted the focus on atrazine to divert attention from Paraquat, which was also under scrutiny for its potential link to Parkinson’s Disease.

Another way to divert attention, many lawsuits have mentioned, is that Syngenta, one of the defendants, established a website to persuade the public of Paraquat’s safety. However, this website’s statements, proclaiming Paraquat’s safety and disregarding its dangers, were designed to mislead the agricultural community and the public, including those living in areas where Paraquat was heavily used.

Years passed, and the usage of Paraquat continued, with many agricultural workers and farmers being regularly exposed to it. It wasn’t until much later that the true potential impacts of Paraquat exposure began to be widely recognized. By then, unfortunately, many, including the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, claimed to have already suffered significant health issues, such as Parkinson’s Disease, because of their exposure to Paraquat.

Driven by their experiences and the defendants’ alleged actions, the plaintiffs sought legal action. They filed a lawsuit alleging negligence, misinformation, and failing to warn users adequately. They claimed that the defendants had prioritized their profits over the safety and well-being of the users, leading to irreversible health consequences.

The underlying facts of this lawsuit serve as a grim reminder of the potential consequences when safety and transparency are not prioritized in product development and distribution. Through their legal battle, the plaintiffs aim to hold the defendants accountable for their actions and seek justice for the harm they have suffered.

Key Allegations in Every Paraquat Lawsuit

Every one of these Paraquat lawsuits is a unique tragedy.  But there are themes common to all Paraquat Parkinson’s disease claims:

  • Failure to Provide Adequate Warnings: This is the core issue of every Paraquat lawsuit. The defendants are accused of not giving sufficient warnings and precautions about the risks of using Paraquat. This includes failing to inform users of the correct and safe way to handle the product to avoid injury.
  • Misleading Information: Not only do the lawsuits allege failure to warn, but they also claim that the information provided by the defendants about Paraquat was inaccurate, false, and misleading. This misinformation allegedly failed to communicate the severity, duration, and extent of the risk of injuries associated with Paraquat use and exposure.
  • Concealment of Risks: The complaint includes allegations that the defendants concealed, downplayed, or otherwise suppressed information about the risks and dangers of exposure to Paraquat. This is particularly significant in light of studies and evidence linking Paraquat to severe health conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.
  • Violation of Consumer Protection Laws: The lawsuit also includes claims under consumer protection laws, suggesting that the defendants engaged in deceptive business practices by misrepresenting the safety and effects of Paraquat.

Who Is Filing Paraquat Lawsuits?

Most of the plaintiffs in these cases are agricultural workers, farmhands, or others who worked directly with Paraquat. However, residents living near agricultural fields are also coming forward. Lawsuits allege that Paraquat manufacturers put profits ahead of safety by failing to provide adequate warnings about the risks. These claims argue that companies like Syngenta and Chevron knew about the dangers but didn’t do enough to protect users.

Paraquat lawsuits aim to hold these companies accountable for their negligence. Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. These lawsuits are not just about money—they’re about justice and ensuring no one else has to suffer the same fate.

What Can You Recover in a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you file a Paraquat lawsuit and your case is successful, you could recover significant compensation. This includes:

  • Medical expenses, both past and future
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationships)
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

The amount you can recover will depend on the specifics of your case, but early estimates suggest average Paraquat settlements could range from $700,000 to $800,000 per plaintiff. Some cases are likely to result in even higher payouts, especially if they go to trial and result in a favorable verdict. Our lawyers predict this will not happen. We think you will see a global Paraquat settlement before any of these lawsuits go to trial.

Potential Settlement Amounts for Paraquat Lawsuits

One of the key questions people have about Paraquat lawsuits is how much they might recover if their case is successful. While it is too early to provide exact figures, based on past mass tort litigation involving toxic exposure, Paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts could be substantial. Early estimates suggest settlements may range from $700,000 to $800,000 per plaintiff. Do we know this for sure? Of course not. It is a prediction.

Factors That Will Affect Paraquat Settlement Amounts

Several factors will influence the potential compensation in a Paraquat lawsuit, as courts and settlement negotiations consider both economic and non-economic damages when determining payouts. The most significant factors include:

Severity of Injury

The extent of the plaintiff’s illness will, of course, play a major role in calculating compensation. Those suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease or experiencing severe, debilitating symptoms may receive higher payouts. This reflects the increased medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life. Plaintiffs who require full-time care or face significant mobility issues due to their condition may have the strongest claims for substantial compensation.

Duration and Level of Exposure

The length and intensity of exposure to Paraquat can strengthen a plaintiff’s case. Individuals who were regularly exposed to the herbicide over many years—such as farmers, agricultural workers, or residents near treated areas—will have a stronger claim, as prolonged exposure increases the likelihood that Paraquat contributed to their health issues. Any points system calculating settlements will give more weight to cases with well-documented exposure histories, especially if workplace safety records, purchase receipts, or eyewitness testimony confirm prolonged contact with the herbicide.

Age of the Plaintiff

Younger plaintiffs who have been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease may receive higher compensation due to the long-term impact on their life expectancy, earning potential, and overall well-being. A diagnosis in one’s 40s or 50s could mean decades of progressive decline, increasing financial and emotional hardships. Older plaintiffs may still receive significant compensation, but awards are often influenced by life expectancy and projected medical costs over time.

Medical Expenses

Paraquat lawsuits seek to recover both past and future medical costs associated with Parkinson’s disease. Plaintiffs who have incurred substantial expenses—including neurological treatments, medications, physical therapy, home care, and assistive devices—will receive higher settlements. Courts consider not only the immediate financial burden but also the long-term cost of managing a progressive and incurable disease.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

For individuals whose Parkinson’s symptoms force them to stop working or retire early, financial recovery may include compensation for lost income, diminished earning capacity, and loss of career opportunities. Those in physically demanding jobs, such as farming, construction, or manufacturing, may suffer greater financial hardship if Parkinson’s prevents them from continuing their work. Settlement calculations often factor in years of lost wages and the plaintiff’s projected lifetime earnings.

Punitive Damages

When there is clear evidence that Paraquat manufacturers knew the risks but chose to hide the truth, courts do not just focus on compensating victims; they also seek to punish the companies responsible. That is where punitive damages become significant. These damages are not only meant to cover medical expenses or lost wages but also to hold corporations accountable and send a strong message that reckless disregard for public safety will not go unpunished.

If internal documents, whistleblower testimony, or regulatory findings reveal that these companies ignored scientific warnings or misled the public about Paraquat’s dangers, it could lead to substantial punitive awards. This risk will directly impact settlement amounts for plaintiffs in the Paraquat litigation.

Additional Considerations

  • State Laws & Jury Trends – Compensation can vary based on state-specific laws, including statutes of limitations and caps on damages.
  • Strength of Evidence – Medical records, expert testimony, and workplace safety violations can all impact settlement values.
  • Defendant Liability – If evidence strongly links Paraquat exposure to the plaintiff’s illness and shows corporate negligence, this increases the likelihood of a higher payout.

Comparisons to Similar Mass Tort Cases

Paraquat litigation is often compared to Roundup cancer lawsuits, where plaintiffs have received settlements and verdicts ranging from $80,000 to $2 billion—a wide range obviously.   While the circumstances are different, both litigations involve toxic exposure and allegations of corporate misconduct, making these cases a useful benchmark for potential outcomes in Paraquat claims. That said, it is fair to say that everyone agrees the average settlement amount for a Paragard lawsuit will be much higher than it was for Roundup.

Paraquat Lawsuit: Settlement Updates & Key Information for 2025

What Is the Paraquat Lawsuit About?
The Paraquat lawsuit involves legal claims against manufacturers of the herbicide Paraquat, alleging that long-term exposure increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Farmers, agricultural workers, and others who were regularly exposed to Paraquat-based weed killers have filed lawsuits arguing that the manufacturers failed to warn about the neurological risks associated with the chemical. The science connecting Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease is really strong and that is what is fueling these lawsuits.
What Is a Paraquat Settlement?
A Paraquat settlement refers to a potential financial resolution between Paraquat manufacturers and plaintiffs who have developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure. While no global settlement** has been reached yet, mass tort settlements typically occur when enough cases progress through bellwether trials, leading manufacturers to negotiate settlement compensation rather than risk ongoing litigation. There has already been one Paraquat settlement before this litigation began in state court in Illinois, where the defendants settled Paraquat lawsuits, reportedly for a lot of money.  When plaintiffs’ lawyers learned of that settlement, they looked for a path to bring more claims, and that is how we got where we are in 2025.
What Is the Status of the Paraquat Lawsuit in 2025?

The Paraquat MDL has reached a tentative settlement agreement, resolving a significant portion of the federal cases. But the broader litigation is far from over. A large number of Paraquat lawsuits filed in state courts—particularly in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions like Pennsylvania and Illinois—remain active and are not included in the MDL resolution. And we still do not know the terms of the MDL deal.

The state court cases are moving independently and continue to press forward. A major trial is still set to begin in June, and the outcome could influence how remaining claims are valued. While the MDL settlement represents meaningful progress, it does not close the book on Paraquat litigation. Many victims are still waiting for their day in court or a settlement amount that truly brings them some measure of justice.

When Will the Paraquat Lawsuit Be Settled?
Right now, there’s no official settlement date for the Paraquat lawsuit, but we’re hopeful that these cases will start resolving in 2025. The legal process is still moving forward, and upcoming bellwether trials will play a big role in shaping what happens next.
These early trials help set the tone for settlement negotiations by showing how juries react to the evidence, specifically, the scientific research linking Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease and whether the manufacturers can be held responsible for not warning people about the risks. The results of these cases could push the defendants to settle, but as with most mass tort lawsuits, these things take time.
A settlement timeline will depend on how many more cases are filed, how aggressively the manufacturers fight back, and whether they’re willing to sit down and negotiate fairly. When settlements do happen, the amount each person receives will vary based on things. As we talk about above, things like how severe their Parkinson’s is, how much Paraquat exposure they had, their medical costs, and how much the disease has affected their daily life will drive settlement amounts. If history is any guide, settlements could range widely, but cases like Roundup have resulted in billions of dollars in payouts. We believe these lawsuits, while thankfully having few victims, are much stronger than the Roundup lawsuits.
How Long Does a Paraquat Settlement Take?

The dynamic has shifted now that the Paraquat MDL has reached a tentative settlement. Victims will receive settlement checks probably in 2026.  It does take some time to process these cases in terms of individual values, dealing with medical liens, etc.

While that federal resolution covers many claims, it does not apply to the ongoing state court lawsuits, which remain unresolved. A key trial is still scheduled for June 2025 in state court, and its outcome could have significant implications for the remaining litigation.

So now we turn to these state trials, which now take center stage. They serve the same function that MDL bellwether trials were expected to: testing the strength of the evidence and showing how juries respond to the science linking Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. The results could drive additional settlement talks for unresolved claims. Although the MDL appears close to wrapping up, the broader fight is not over, especially for victims whose cases fall outside that framework.

What Are the Expected Paraquat Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?

We talk about this a lot above. While no confirmed Paraquat settlement amounts have been announced, legal experts estimate that individual settlements could range from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on several key factors, including:

  • Severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms – More advanced cases with significant disability may receive higher compensation.
  • Duration and level of Paraquat exposure – Long-term or high-dose exposure strengthens claims.
  • Medical costs and lost wages – Higher settlements are likely for those facing extensive treatment costs and lost earning capacity.

Will the average MDL settlement be that high?  Probably not. But it certainly seems like the MDL has weaker cases than we have in state court.

How to Get Started

Filing a Paraquat lawsuit may sound overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process. The first step is to determine your eligibility. If you were exposed to Paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may have a strong case. We’ll help you gather the necessary evidence to build the most substantial possible claim, including medical records, employment history, and expert testimony.

The clock is ticking. Every state has a statute of limitations and a deadline for filing your claim. In many states, this is two to three years from the date of diagnosis. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

File a Paraquat Lawsuit

The Paraquat attorneys at Miller & Zois are currently seeking new Paraquat cases. If you used or were exposed to Paraquat and you have been formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may have a valid Paraquat lawsuit.

Contact a Paraquat lawyer today to see if you qualify for a Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit. Contact us at 800-322-3010 or get a free online consultation.