Paraquat and Parkinson’s: What Farmers and Families Need to Know

For generations, American farmers have dedicated their lives to feeding the nation. This work often involves using powerful chemicals to protect crops and ensure a successful harvest. One of the most potent of these chemicals is an herbicide called paraquat. While effective at killing weeds, a growing body of evidence and thousands of personal stories suggest it comes at a terrible cost: a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Despite being banned in over 70 countries, including China where much of it is manufactured, paraquat is still widely used across the United States. Farmers and agricultural workers who spent years spraying this toxic chemical are now facing a devastating, incurable neurological disorder.

At Walch Law, we are committed to fighting for those who have been harmed by corporate negligence. If you or a family member worked with paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s disease, you are not alone, and you have legal rights. This guide explains the dangers of paraquat, the status of the lawsuits against its manufacturers, and how we can help you seek justice.

What is Paraquat and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide used to clear fields of weeds before planting crops like corn, soy, and cotton. It is known as a “non-selective” herbicide, meaning it kills nearly any green plant tissue it touches. Because of its extreme toxicity—the EPA notes that “one sip can kill”—its use in the U.S. is restricted to commercially licensed applicators.

While its immediate lethality upon ingestion is well-documented, the more insidious threat lies in long-term exposure. Numerous studies have explored the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and motor control.

Key findings and health concerns include:

Oxidative Stress: Research suggests that paraquat causes oxidative stress in the body, a process that kills the specific dopamine-producing brain cells that are lost in Parkinson’s patients.
Increased Risk: A major 2011 study found that farmworkers exposed to paraquat had a 150% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Drift and Indirect Exposure: The danger isn’t limited to those who directly spray the chemical. Studies have shown that individuals living or working near farms where paraquat is used also face a higher risk, as the chemical can drift through the air.

Despite these findings, its use in the United States has more than doubled in the last decade, as other weeds become resistant to less-toxic herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup).

The Lawsuits Against Syngenta and Chevron

As the scientific evidence has grown, so have the legal battles. Thousands of farmers, agricultural workers, and their families have filed lawsuits against the primary manufacturers and distributors of paraquat, most notably Syngenta and Chevron.

These lawsuits are not just happening in one state; they are part of a nationwide legal action consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL). Here’s a brief overview of the claims:

What the Lawsuits Allege

The core of these lawsuits is that the manufacturers failed to warn users about the true risks of their product. Plaintiffs claim that:

Syngenta and Chevron knew, or should have known, for decades that paraquat was neurotoxic and could lead to Parkinson’s disease.
The companies actively concealed or downplayed the scientific evidence linking their product to the disease.
The warnings and safety instructions provided were inadequate to protect users from the long-term neurological risks associated with handling and inhaling the chemical.

Who is Being Sued?

Syngenta: A major global manufacturer of paraquat, sold under the brand name Gramoxone. The company is now owned by a state-run Chinese chemical conglomerate.
Chevron: While Chevron no longer sells paraquat, it was a primary distributor of the chemical in the U.S. for many years.

Both companies have publicly denied that their product causes Parkinson’s disease, stating that the scientific evidence is inconclusive. However, internal documents uncovered during litigation have reportedly shown that company scientists were aware of evidence that paraquat could accumulate in brain tissue for decades.

Current Status of the Litigation

Thousands of cases have been consolidated in federal court to streamline the legal process. While some cases were settled for a reported $187.5 million in 2021, thousands more are still pending. No case has gone to trial yet, but the legal pressure continues to build as more victims come forward.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

If you or a loved one used paraquat and received a Parkinson’s diagnosis, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, taking on massive corporations like Syngenta and Chevron is an impossible fight to wage alone. They have teams of lawyers dedicated to denying responsibility and minimizing payouts.

This is why having an experienced product liability attorney is crucial. At Walch Law, we know how to build a powerful case and fight for the rights of injured victims. We help by:

Investigating Your Exposure: We work with you to document your entire history of paraquat use, including when, where, and for how long you were exposed.
Connecting Your Diagnosis to Paraquat: We consult with medical experts to establish a strong link between your paraquat exposure and your Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Holding Negligent Companies Accountable: We gather the evidence needed to prove that the manufacturers failed in their duty to warn you of the risks.
Fighting for Full Compensation: We pursue damages to cover your medical bills, lost income, future care needs, and the pain and suffering you and your family have endured.

You dedicated your life to your work. You should not have to pay the price for a company’s decision to place profits over people’s health.

Contact Walch Law for a Free Consultation

The link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease has left a trail of devastation across America’s heartland. If you believe your family has been affected, you do not have to face this journey alone. The legal system provides a path to hold these corporations accountable and secure the resources you need for your future.

Contact the dedicated legal team at Walch Law today for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, review your case, and explain your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win, so there is no financial risk to you. Let us fight for the justice you deserve. CALL NOW