How Undocumented Farmers Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit

For decades, farmworkers have been the backbone of America’s agriculture industry. You spend long hours in the fields, ensuring that food reaches tables across the country. But for many, this hard work has come at a terrible price. Exposure to Paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide commonly used on farms, has been linked to Parkinson’s disease—a debilitating and incurable condition.

If you are an undocumented worker, you might feel trapped. You may be suffering from tremors, stiffness, or other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but fear that coming forward will put you and your family at risk of deportation. You might believe that because you do not have legal papers, you do not have legal rights.

At Walch Law, we want to be very clear: Your immigration status does not prevent you from seeking justice. The law protects people, not just citizens. If you were harmed by a dangerous chemical while working, you have the right to hold the manufacturer accountable. This guide explains how undocumented farmers can file a Paraquat lawsuit safely and securely.

Your Rights Are Protected Regardless of Immigration Status

One of the biggest myths in the legal system is that undocumented immigrants cannot file lawsuits. This is simply not true. Under the U.S. Constitution and civil liability laws, the right to seek compensation for an injury applies to everyone within the country’s borders.

When you file a product liability lawsuit against a chemical manufacturer like Syngenta or Chevron, the focus is on their negligence, not your residency status. The courts are interested in whether the company sold a dangerous product that hurt you, not where you were born or whether you have a work visa.

Will Filing a Lawsuit Alert ICE?

This is the most common fear our clients have. It is important to know that civil lawsuits (like injury claims) are separate from immigration enforcement.

Civil courts are not immigration courts. Judges and juries in injury cases do not work for ICE.
Your status is often irrelevant. In many states, including California, defense attorneys are prohibited from asking about your immigration status during discovery unless it is directly relevant to the case (which it rarely is in personal injury matters).
Confidentiality. Your conversations with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege. We cannot and will not share your personal information with immigration authorities.

Steps to File a Paraquat Lawsuit as an Undocumented Worker

Filing a lawsuit against a massive chemical company can seem intimidating, but you do not have to do it alone. At Walch Law, we guide you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease—such as shaking hands, slow movement, stiffness, or loss of balance—you need to see a doctor. A medical diagnosis is the most important piece of evidence in your case. If you are worried about the cost or lack of insurance, we may be able to help you find medical providers who can treat you.

Step 2: Contact a Trustworthy Attorney

You need a lawyer who understands both product liability law and the specific concerns of undocumented communities. When you call Walch Law, everything you say is 100% confidential. You can tell us about your work history and your exposure without fear.

Step 3: Gather Evidence of Exposure

Proving you worked with or near Paraquat is essential. We know that undocumented workers often do not have formal employment contracts or pay stubs. That is okay. We can prove your work history through other means, such as:

Witness statements: Testimony from coworkers or supervisors.
Photos: Pictures of you working in the fields or wearing uniforms.
Uniforms or equipment: Old work clothes that may still have chemical residue.
Employer records: Even if you were paid in cash, farms often keep logs of who was working on specific days.
Applicator logs: Farms are required to keep records of when and where Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) like Paraquat were sprayed.

Step 4: We File the Claim

We will handle all the paperwork. We file the lawsuit on your behalf, naming the chemical manufacturers as defendants. We handle all communications with the court and the opposing lawyers so you don’t have to.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

The goal of a Paraquat lawsuit is to provide you with the financial support you need to live with Parkinson’s disease. This condition requires lifelong medical care, which is expensive. A settlement or verdict can cover:

Medical Expenses: Money to pay for doctors, medications, physical therapy, and home care aids. This covers both past bills and future needs.
Lost Income: If Parkinson’s disease has made it impossible for you to work in the fields, you are entitled to compensation for the wages you can no longer earn.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the disease.
Loss of Quality of Life: Acknowledgment that your life has been changed forever.

Why You Should Contact Walch Law Today

Parkinson’s disease is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can secure the resources you need to manage your health. Do not let fear keep you from the justice you deserve. The chemical companies have made billions of dollars while putting farmworkers at risk. They should be the ones held accountable, not you.

At Walch Law, we treat every client with dignity and respect. We understand the unique challenges facing the undocumented community, and we fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We speak Spanish and are ready to listen to your story. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your status does not define your rights; let us help you claim them.