On February 13, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reaffirmed its approval of Paraquat, maintaining its stance despite overlooking scientific evidence highlighting associated risks. This decision, reflected in a new draft report, disregarded peer-reviewed studies emphasizing concerns surrounding Paraquat.
The EPA’s reaffirmation raises questions about the implications for ongoing Paraquat lawsuits, although it may not significantly alter the course of litigation. Despite this setback, plaintiffs pursuing Paraquat-related claims face challenges in navigating legal proceedings.
On February 12, 2024, the Special Master recommended the dismissal of 60 Paraquat lawsuits due to plaintiffs’ failure to complete a Plaintiff Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ). Most of these plaintiffs are represented by the same law firm. While dismissals like these can aid in streamlining viable claims, they also underscore the importance of thorough case assessment in Paraquat-related litigation.
Furthermore, on February 2, 2024, the Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL) experienced a notable slowdown in the pace of new case filings. This shift contrasts with previous trends, where an average of approximately 250 new cases were added monthly over the past two years. The significant decrease, with only 26 new cases in January and 21 in the preceding month, indicates a potential shift in the landscape of Paraquat litigation. As the total number of pending cases reaches 5,077, this development underscores the evolving dynamics within the Paraquat MDL.
