Paraquat Lawsuit

The chemical Paraquat is so toxic that it is extremely harmful to humans when ingested or even when absorbed through the skin. If it doesn’t cause immediate death, paraquat can cause seizure, kidney failure, respiratory failure, and a whole host of other side effects. Additionally, emerging research and anecdotal evidence show a link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s Disease.

• December 1, 2024 - EPA urged to ban weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease. U.S. lawmakers are calling for the agency to prohibit the toxic herbicide, which has grown in use over the past few years.
• November 1, 2024 - Dacthal’s Cancellation Finalized by EPA Over Risks Posed to Unborn Babies.
• October 1, 2024 - Health and farmworker advocates urge ban of herbicide linked to Parkinson's.
• August 1, 2024 - Ongoing litigation includes claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn about the dangers of Paraquat exposure. These cases are progressing through the courts, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for medical expenses and suffering​​.
• July 1, 2024 - EWG: Despite strict use limits, toxic pesticide paraquat often mishandled in California
• June 1, 2024 - Toxic pesticide linked to Parkinson's may be banned in California.
• May 1, 2024 - California moves to ban the use of paraquat weedkiller.
• April 1, 2024 - Five fatal flaws in EPA’s justification for using toxic weedkiller paraquat.
• March 1, 2024 - EPA again OKs use of toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease.
• January 1, 2024 - Paraquat weed killer is banned in 58 countries. U.S. workers say Paraquat is giving them Parkinson.

• Biggest award: No settlements have yet been reached
• Number of cases: At least 14 federal lawsuits have been filed as of April 2021
• Herbicide introduction date: 1961 for commercial purposes 
• Intended use: To kill weeds and grasses in nonresidential areas 
• Side-effects: Parkinson’s disease

Brands of herbicide containing Paraquat include:

• AH 501
• Bai Cao Ku
• Blanco
• Bonedry
• Crisquat
• Cyclone SL 2.0
• Devour
• Dexuron
• Dexuron
• Esgram
• Firestorm
• Garmixel
• Gramoxone
• Helmquat 3SL
• Ortho Paraquat CL
• Para-col
• Para-Shot 3.0
• Parazone
• Pillarxone
• PP148
• Quick-Quat
• Tota-col

Paraquat is also called paraquat dichloride (Molecular Formula C12H14N2.2Cl or C12H14Cl2N2), paraquat is an herbicide used to kill weeds and grass. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls paraquat a widely used toxic chemical. The chemical is sometimes referred to as its brand name, Gramoxone. Available in liquid form, paraquat is classified as “restricted use” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that only people who are licensed to apply it can use the chemical. 

As a chemical that’s designed to kill plants, it is also dangerous to humans if it’s ingested, inhaled, or if it comes into contact with your skin. Paraquat causes toxic chemical reactions throughout the body, particularly in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Once paraquat is in your body, there is no antidote, and even small amounts are lethal. 

Paraquat is so dangerous that it has various safeguards to keep it from being ingested. It’s dyed blue, it has a strong smell, and an added ingredient causes vomiting. It’s also banned in over 30 countries, including the European Union and China.

Although the EPA reviewed literature that examined connections between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease, lung function, respiratory effects, and cancer, they claim they have not found enough evidence to discontinue use of the chemical.

The CDC states that the most likely way to be poisoned by paraquat is to ingest it orally, i.e., swallow the liquid inadvertently. As such, the early signs of paraquat poisoning are likely to be pain and swelling in the throat and the mouth. The next symptoms of paraquat poisoning are likely to present in the stomach, and symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which could involve the passing of blood in the feces. The CDC also points out that ingesting small amounts of paraquat could lead to kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure, and liver scarring. If large amounts of paraquat are ingested, symptoms could include coma, confusion, acute kidney failure, liver failure, heart injury, seizures, respiratory failure, fluid in the lungs, and muscle damage and weakness.

There have not yet been any paraquat poisoning settlement payments to claimants from producers of the chemical. Some paraquat poisoning law firms have estimated that the value of the payout could range from $100,000 - $250,000, perhaps more. However, there are a range of factors to consider, including how much manufacturers knew about the paraquat dangers and the individual circumstances (level of injury) caused to claimants. Parallels might be drawn with the Roundup weedkiller lawsuit settlement, which saw manufacturers Bayer pay $10.9 billion to claimants. Yet, it is worth bearing in mind that Roundup is a commercial weedkiller often used in residential homes and gardens, whereas paraquat is a specialized product only available to licensed users. As such, the paraquat payout amount might be smaller in total, but it will perhaps be worth more to each claimant. We will learn more about the potential paraquat settlement amounts as the lawsuits unfold.

Paraquat has been available for commercial use since 1961. But while it has seen its use restricted – the EPA issued a raft of mitigation measures in 2016 – paraquat has not been recalled in the United States. Due to its high toxicity, there is a paraquat ban in many countries worldwide, including in EU member states and China. Campaigners, including environmental groups and agricultural workers, have asked for paraquat to be recalled, and some took steps to sue the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) after its re-approval of paraquat for commercial use. While not banned or recalled in the United States, paraquat is heavily restricted. For example, it is now banned for use on golf courses after the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease was discovered.

Paraquat is usually sold under different trade names. Gramoxone is the most popular among them, other popular Paraquat herbicide trade names are:

• AH 501
• Bai Cao Ku
• Blanco
• Bonedry
• Crisquat
• Cyclone SL 2.0
• Devour
• Dexuron
• Esgram
• Firestorm
• Gramixel
• Gramoxone
• Gramuron
• Helmquat 3SL
• Ortho Paraquat CL
• Para-col
• Para-Shot 3.0
• Parazone
• Pillarxone
• PP148
• Quick-Quat
• Tota-col
• Toxer Total

Unlike other dangerous chemicals, such as glyphosate, paraquat is not licensed for residential use, and only licensed applicators can use it. This means that you likely haven’t inadvertently used paraquat around your home, and those exposed tend to be farm workers and anyone licensed to use the chemical. 

Nonetheless, paraquat is one of the most commonly used herbicides according to the CDC and the EPA. This means that while the average home gardener is not likely to be exposed to paraquat, farm workers and licensed applicators do have a high likelihood of exposure. 

It’s also possible to have been exposed to paraquat if your spouse works on a farm or if your home is near a farm or orchard. 

The biggest risk of exposure and paraquat poisoning is through swallowing the liquid. It’s also possible to become poisoned through skin exposure. This might happen over a long period of minimal exposure or from a singular high exposure. Exposure through the skin is more dangerous when you have a cut, rash, or sore. 

It’s possible to be exposed through inhaling the chemical as well, which could happen while it is being applied. The chemical has been found in marijuana in the past as well. 

Even as studies and anecdotal cases point to the dangers of paraquat, the chemical is still widely used in the United States with people largely being unaware of the dangers.

Side effects from paraquat exposure are vast and very severe. Immediately after exposure, you might experience:

• Throat and mouth pain and swelling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (with or without blood) 

As symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea progress, you might begin to experience dehydration and low blood pressure. 

Within hours to days of exposure to paraquat, you might experience: 

• Seizure
• Confusion
• Coma
• Kidney failure
• Muscle weakness
• Fluid in your lungs
• Respiratory failure
• Lung scarring
• Liver failure
• Heart injury
• Rapid heart rate

Slower to progress side effects include: 

• Heart failure
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Lung damage
• Scarring in the esophagus 

Death is the most serious side effect, and it can happen quickly after ingesting even a small amount of paraquat. As little as one teaspoon of the chemical is enough to kill a human. 

In addition to these side effects, there have also been many links between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.” The more Parkinson’s progresses, the more brain cells die. 

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s include: 

• Tremor
• Slow movement
• Limb rigidity
• Balance and gait problems
• Apathy
• Depression
• Cognitive impairment 
• Cramping
• Drooling
• Soft speech
• Anxiety
• Breathing difficulties
• Urinary incontinence
• Vision changes
• Vertigo 

The cause of Parkinson’s is not fully understood, but scientists believe it has to do with a combination of genetics, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Although research is lacking regarding a causal link between Parkinson’s and herbicides, the connection is certainly there. It’s likely that those who have a genetic predisposition to developing Parkinson’s disease are especially affected by paraquat exposure. 

A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that exposure to both paraquat and maneb (a fungicide) raised the risk of developing Parkinson’s by 75%. A meta-analysis of research on paraquat and Parkinson’s found that there is a statistically significant connection between Parkinson’s Disease and paraquat. 

In addition to these studies, there have been many anecdotal reports of people who were exposed to paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s.

In 2017, the first lawsuit concerning paraquat and Parkinson’s disease was filed. The case involves multiple people who developed Parkinson’s after being exposed to paraquat. Their exposure was due to either applying the chemical or working in areas where paraquat was applied. They allege that they were not informed of the danger of paraquat when it relates to Parkinson’s risk. 

Other paraquat lawsuits have since been filed in both state and federal courts with similar arguments. The people filing these lawsuits are seeking justice for personal injury, product liability, and negligence.

To find a connect with an experienced lawyer to represent your case it is important to first fill out the free evaluation form to make sure you qualify for the case with the necessary requirements. Once your case has been evaluated and if you have the necessary qualifications we will be in contact with you to explain the process and connect you with the most experienced Paraquat lawsuit lawyers to handle your case.

The paraquat lawsuits are at an early stage in proceedings, with lawyers in the process of gathering evidence against manufacturers of the toxic herbicide. As such, it is not known whether we will see a paraquat class-action or mass tort lawsuit. However, class actions are usually reserved for mass consumer cases regarding faulty products. Cases like the paraquat lawsuits involve personal injury and, unfortunately, death, so it is unlikely they will be consolidated into a class action. Mass tort lawsuits treat each claimant separately when it comes to compensation, although some of the proceedings are consolidated into a single case for purposes of efficiency through the courts. While it still depends on several factors, the paraquat cases will likely be consolidated into a mass tort lawsuit in the future.

What is paraquat used for?

Paraquat is a herbicide primarily used for grass and weed control. In the United States, paraquat is mostly sold in liquid form (of varying strengths). Only licensed users can buy and administer paraquat, and it is normally reserved for use on farms and other agricultural sites.

What products contain paraquat?

Paraquat is found in dozens of herbicides. Most notably, it is an active ingredient in several herbicide brands like Parazone, Gramoxone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm, and Helmquat.

Is paraquat in Roundup?

As there is another high-profile weedkiller lawsuit involving the product Roundup, people often ask: does Roundup contain paraquat? Roundup does not contain paraquat. It has a different active ingredient called glyphosate, which has been linked to causing cancer among Roundup users. To find out more about the Roundup weedkiller cancer lawsuits, click here.

What is a paraquat settlement?

As more evidence comes to light about the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease, it is hoped that claimants will receive a financial settlement from manufacturers of paraquat products. At this stage, paraquat poisoning lawyers are calling for claimants to come forward to begin their paraquat compensation claim if they, or a family member, have contracted Parkinson’s after paraquat exposure.

What is the paraquat case about?

Paraquat herbicide, in use since 1961, is extremely toxic and has been evaluated for links to Parkinson’s Disease. Those who were exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s are entitled to justice and compensation. 

Who was impacted by paraquat?

Agricultural workers and licensed paraquat applicators who developed Parkinson’s Disease after using paraquat or being on a farm that uses paraquat to kill weeds and grasses. In some cases, spouses of agricultural workers and people who live near a farm have also been affected. 

When paraquat was introduced?

In 1961, paraquat was first used commercially. The three main manufacturers of paraquat are Syngenta, Growmark, and Chevron. 

Why paraquat is dangerous?

Paraquat is extremely toxic to humans; the chemical can be lethal in very small doses. Multiple studies have found links between paraquat and Parkinson’s, with one finding the risk of developing Parkinson’s goes up 75% after being exposed to paraquat. 

How to fight back against the manufacturers?

To see if you or a loved one qualifies to fight against the injustice of Parkinson’s due to paraquat exposure, start by taking a free evaluation to check eligibility for compensation.