Herbicide paraquat is a chemical used as an herbicide since the 1950s. If you were exposed to this chemical and developed Parkinson’s disease, then you may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit.
Various studies indicate that prolonged exposure to this chemical can cause developing Parkinson’s disease. Farmers, workers in factories that manufacture Paraquat, and people living in areas where the weedkiller is heavily used are at high risk of exposure.
You can reach out to our experienced class action lawyers at Rueb Stoller Daniel for a free case review.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, causing a range of symptoms that typically worsen over time. It primarily affects individuals over the age of 60, though it can also occur in younger adults. The disease is named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described it in 1817 as “shaking palsy.”
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are motor-related and include:
- Tremors: Uncontrollable shaking or trembling, often starting in a hand or fingers. This shaking is most noticeable when the limb is at rest and typically diminishes with intentional movement.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. This symptom can lead to a shuffling walk with short steps.
- Muscle Rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs and trunk, which can limit the range of motion and cause discomfort or pain.
- Postural Instability: Impaired balance and coordination, which can lead to falls and difficulties with walking.
In addition to these motor symptoms, individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience a variety of non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunctions like constipation and blood pressure fluctuations.
How Many People Are Involved in the Paraquat Litigation?
The Paraquat litigation is gaining more and more plaintiffs by the day. At the beginning of 2022, 482 cases were pending in a paraquat class action mdl. The paraquat class action MDL has seen a significant increase in the number of new cases, reflecting the growing concern over the herbicide’s effects. By August 2022, there were over 5,000 lawsuits counting both the MDL class action and state court cases.
As the legal action approaches an important milestone (which we will explain in this article), you should consult with experienced class action attorneys and find out whether you qualify for the Paraquat lawsuit.
Who May Be Eligible for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Here are some common situations of existing Paraquat plaintiffs who are at an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Filing a paraquat parkinson’s disease lawsuit can help those affected seek justice and compensation for their suffering.
1. Factory Workers
If you worked in a production facility where Paraquat is made and experienced paraquat poisoning, and you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s, chances are you qualify to join the litigation.
2. Farm Workers in Agricultural Areas Where Paraquat Is Used
Many farm workers are exposed to Paraquat. Poisoning symptoms paraquat include immediate and long-term health effects, such as damage to the mouth, stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver, and lungs, as well as an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. The exposure is even more likely if your job duties took place close to the time when Paraquat was used to kill weeds, leading to an increased risk of developing serious health issues such as Parkinson’s disease.
3. Employees Licensed to Apply Paraquat
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, paraquat dichloride is classified as a “restricted use” substance. This means that only commercially licensed contractors can use it. People who spray the chemical can easily inhale or ingest small particles.
People Living in Agricultural Areas Where Paraquat Exposure Was Common
People living close to farms where Paraquat was heavily used may have been exposed to the chemical, which is classified as a ‘restricted use’ chemical by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
However, even if you do not fall under one of these four categories, you may meet the Paraquat lawsuit qualifications. Thus, it is essential to talk to experienced class action lawyers and let them analyze your specific case.
Paraquat Lawsuit Updates
The legal landscape surrounding paraquat, a widely used herbicide, has been evolving rapidly as new lawsuits emerge and existing cases progress. The paraquat defendants, including major companies like Syngenta and Chevron, are facing significant legal challenges and potential settlement payouts. Paraquat has been under scrutiny due to its alleged link to severe health issues, particularly Parkinson’s disease. Here’s a look at the latest updates in paraquat litigation.
Recent Developments in Paraquat Lawsuits
As of the latest reports, the number of lawsuits filed against manufacturers of paraquat, including Syngenta and Chevron, continues to grow. Plaintiffs allege that exposure to paraquat caused them to develop Parkinson’s disease and other serious health conditions. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the risks associated with paraquat but failed to provide adequate warnings to users.
In recent court proceedings, several federal paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of Illinois. This consolidation aims to streamline pretrial processes, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure consistent rulings across similar cases. The MDL, overseen by Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel, will handle the discovery process and pretrial motions for these cases, potentially setting the stage for bellwether trials.
Bellwether Trials and Settlement Talks
Bellwether trials, which are representative cases chosen to be tried first, are a critical component of the MDL process. These trials help both parties gauge the strengths and weaknesses of their cases and often influence settlement negotiations. The first bellwether trials in the paraquat MDL are expected to commence in the coming year, with both sides preparing extensive evidence to present their arguments.
In parallel, there are ongoing settlement discussions. While no major settlements have been announced yet, legal experts anticipate that as bellwether trials progress, the pressure on manufacturers to settle may increase. Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Implications for Future Cases
The outcomes of these initial trials and any resulting settlements will likely have significant implications for future paraquat lawsuits. Positive results for plaintiffs in bellwether trials could encourage more individuals affected by paraquat to come forward and file claims. Conversely, if the manufacturers successfully defend their cases, it might deter additional lawsuits or influence settlement amounts.
For individuals considering legal action, staying informed about the latest developments in paraquat litigation is crucial. Consulting with experienced attorneys who specialize in toxic torts and product liability can provide guidance on the best course of action based on the evolving legal landscape.
As the paraquat lawsuits continue to unfold, those impacted by the herbicide should keep a close watch on the progress of the MDL and any significant rulings or settlements that may arise.
How Much Is a Paraquat Settlement Expected to Reach?
If you qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit, how much are you likely to win in damages once the case settles?
At this point, it is too early to make estimations. The Roundup class action lawsuit is fairly similar to this litigation. It involves a pesticide and the type of exposure is similar. Paraquat attorneys are working diligently to secure favorable outcomes for their clients, considering the significant health impacts linked to Paraquat exposure.
The average Roundup settlement is around $160,000 – however, this does not mean that everyone got close to this amount. Plaintiffs who suffered more extensive damages got larger settlements, while others received only a few thousand dollars. It all depends on the particular circumstances in each case.
Reach Out to Us for a Free Consultation!
If you suffer from Parkinson’s and believe that it was caused by exposure to Paraquat herbicide, reach out to the paraquat lawyers at Rueb Stoller Daniel. We have extensive experience in this type of legal action, and we know how to evaluate each case.
An experienced lawyer will examine the available evidence you bring and give you a fair and honest legal opinion. Since we offer each new client a free case review, you have nothing to lose, so call us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD!
