Paraquat & Parkinson's Disease Lawsuits
Paraquat is one of the most toxic herbicides in use today — and it has been linked to Parkinson's disease. Banned in over 50 countries, it remains legal in the United States.
What Is Paraquat and Why Is It Still Legal?
Paraquat dichloride is a fast-acting herbicide widely used on American farms to control weeds and grasses in crops including corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat. It is one of the most acutely toxic pesticides still in commercial use — a single sip can be fatal — and it has been banned or severely restricted in more than 50 countries, including the European Union, China, and Brazil.
Despite this, paraquat remains registered for use in the United States, where it is applied to millions of acres of farmland each year. Only licensed applicators are permitted to use it, but exposure can occur through direct contact during application, inhalation of spray drift, or contact with treated soil and crops. Decades of scientific research have established a strong association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's disease — a progressive, incurable neurological disorder.
The Science Behind the Paraquat-Parkinson's Link
Paraquat's chemical structure closely resembles MPTP, a synthetic compound that has been used in laboratory settings to deliberately induce Parkinson's disease in research animals. When paraquat enters the body, it generates reactive oxygen species — unstable molecules that damage cells — and has been shown to selectively destroy dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, the region of the brain whose degeneration is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease.
A landmark study by the National Institutes of Health found that people who used paraquat were approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who did not. The risk was even higher for individuals who carried certain genetic variants. Multiple subsequent studies have confirmed and strengthened this association, and the EPA has acknowledged the link in its own scientific review documents.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Tremors
Involuntary shaking, typically beginning in the hands or fingers, is often the first noticeable symptom of Parkinson's disease. Tremors may worsen with stress and improve during sleep.
Slowed Movement (Bradykinesia)
Parkinson's progressively slows movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Steps may become shorter and shuffling, and initiating movement can become challenging.
Muscle Rigidity
Stiffness in the limbs and trunk can occur in any direction and may limit range of motion, cause pain, and reduce the natural swing of the arms when walking.
Balance & Coordination Problems
Impaired posture and balance increase the risk of falls. As the disease progresses, patients may develop a stooped posture and difficulty maintaining equilibrium.
Speech & Swallowing Changes
Speech may become soft, slurred, or rapid. Swallowing difficulties can develop in later stages, increasing the risk of aspiration and pneumonia.
Cognitive & Mood Changes
Parkinson's can affect thinking, memory, and emotional regulation. Depression, anxiety, and dementia are common non-motor symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.
Who May Have a Claim?
You may qualify for a claim if you worked as a farmer, farm worker, agricultural laborer, or commercial groundskeeper with regular exposure to paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Claims may also be available to individuals who lived near farms where paraquat was regularly applied and have developed Parkinson's.
Lawsuits have been filed against Syngenta and Chevron Phillips Chemical — the primary manufacturers and distributors of paraquat in the United States — alleging they knew of the Parkinson's risk for decades and failed to warn users. A federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) is pending in the Southern District of Illinois. Our attorneys are actively investigating claims and can advise you on your eligibility and applicable deadlines.
Resources & Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Links to Resources
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If you or a loved one worked with or around paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturers. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
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