Paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, has been a subject of growing concern due to its links to serious health issues. Widely used in agricultural settings to control weeds and grasses, its potential to cause harm extends beyond the environment. Recent studies have highlighted the correlation between Paraquat exposure and the development of Parkinson’s disease, prompting numerous lawsuits. These lawsuits aim to seek justice and compensation for those affected by the herbicide’s detrimental effects.
For individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after prolonged exposure to Paraquat, the legal landscape can be daunting. Understanding the complexities of filing a lawsuit against large corporations can be overwhelming. However, there is hope and support available. Mass Tort America specializes in handling such cases, offering expertise and guidance to navigate the legal process. Our team is dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.
PARAQUAT LAWSUIT UPDATES
June 10, 2024: California Assemblymember Laura Friedman advocated for Assembly Bill 1963, aiming to prohibit the use of Paraquat beginning January 1. Friedman emphasizes the widespread agreement on Paraquat’s toxicity, labeling it as the “most toxic herbicide still in use in California today.” She notes that while Paraquat is banned in over 60 countries, it remains widely used in California. Labor leader Dolores Huerta has created a bill, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on Latino farmworkers and stressing the need for improved protection for agricultural workers and their families.
June 3, 2024: it was reported that 90 new cases were added to the Paraquat class action Multidistrict Litigation in the past month, a significant drop from the 225 new cases in April. The Multidistrict Litigation now has a total of 5,680 pending cases.
May 22, 2024: A new study has identified a strong link between environmental exposures and Parkinson’s disease.Researchers discovered that occupational exposure to industrial toxins significantly raises the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The highest risks are associated with harmful dyes, methylene chloride, and certain foods, such as fatty whale meat, that contain toxic pollutants. This study helps strengthen the argument that Paraquat and other pesticides (e.g., demeton, monocrotophos) can cause Parkinson’s disease, by providing evidence that environmental toxins are a significant risk factor.
May 16, 2024: An Arkansas widow filed a new Paraquat lawsuit. Her husband, who had frequent exposure to Paraquat through direct contact and pesticide drift, began exhibiting Parkinson’s disease symptoms around 2007 and was officially diagnosed before passing away on May 15, 2021. He was exposed to Paraquat products from approximately 1965 to 1975 while working on his family farm in Rison, Arkansas, unaware of the associated risks at the time.
May 1, 2024: the Paraquat class action Multidistrict Litigation saw a resurgence in April with 225 new cases added, increasing the total number of pending cases to 5,590. This came after a slow period in March.
April 17, 2024: Chief Judge Rosenstengel delivered a significant setback by dismissing four bellwether lawsuits after excluding essential testimony from Dr. Martin Wells, the plaintiffs’ primary expert on general causation.This decision effectively concludes those cases, leaving the plaintiffs unable to establish the necessary causal link for their claims. Despite this, the broader litigation continues as plaintiffs’ lawyers regroup to bolster their expert testimony. The judge has directed the parties to choose 16 new cases for limited fact discovery by an impending deadline.
April 04, 2024: a new Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit was filed, seeking damages for personal injuries resulting from prolonged exposure to Paraquat in Connecticut from 1966 to 2001. The plaintiff, the decedent’s surviving spouse residing in Florida, claims the decedent’s exposure to Paraquat caused Parkinson’s disease, leading to the decedent’s premature death in 2022. Symptoms began appearing, and a PD diagnosis was made on September 1, 2019.
April 1, 2024: it was observed that the pace of new case filings in the Paraquat MDL had slowed, with only 47 new cases added in March after a significant surge in February. Since the beginning of the year, around 300 new cases have been filed, with the majority occurring in February.
March 26, 2024: There has been recent talk about poorly vetted Paraquat lawsuits in the MDL, with the judge dismissing weak cases. This advantageously simplifies the path to a Paraquat settlement for plaintiffs with strong claims.
March 19, 2024: A new Paraquat suit was filed in the MDL, alleging that prolonged exposure from 1982 to 1994 played a significant role in the plaintiff developing Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2023.
March 1, 2024: Last month saw the highest monthly volume of new Paraquat cases since November, with 241 new cases added, bringing the total number of pending cases to 5,318.
February 2, 2024: The pace of new cases in the Paraquat class action MDL has significantly slowed, with only 26 new cases in January and 21 in the previous month, bringing the total pending cases to 5,077.
January 15, 2024: The number of pending cases in the Paraquat MDL dropped by 21 over the last month, likely due to the dismissal of large groups of inactive cases and fewer new cases being filed.
January 5, 2024: A new Paraquat lawsuit has been filed, claiming that the defendant’s failure to provide adequate warnings led to the plaintiff’s exposure to Paraquat, causing Parkinson’s disease. The plaintiff seeks compensation for emotional and mental anguish, medical expenses, and other damages.
December 18, 2023: it was reported that over 5,000 cases are currently pending in the Paraquat Multidistrict Litigation. However, only 86 new cases were added last month, marking the lowest monthly case volume in over two years.
November 16, 2023: it was noted that last month’s slow volume of new cases was an anomaly, as over 200 new cases have been added in the past 30 days, bringing the total number of pending cases to nearly 5,000.
November 1, 2023: Dr. Douglas Weed has submitted a motion to dismiss a subpoena from plaintiffs’ attorneys regarding his article on the potential connection between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease, citing excessive documentation requests and overreach beyond Rule 45’s geographic boundaries.
October 17, 2023: Only 30 new cases were added to the Paraquat class action MDL over the last month, the lowest monthly volume since the MDL began over two years ago. This could indicate a transition to a new phase involving slower growth.
October 2, 2023: The first bellwether test trial was supposed to begin this month, but the future of the litigation is uncertain as Judge Rosenstengel considers Daubert’s challenges to the expert opinion evidence. A decision could take until 2024.
September 27, 2023: Closing Daubert briefs have been submitted by both sides in the Paraquat litigation. The postponement of the bellwether trial suggests the potential exclusion of the plaintiff’s expert witnesses, which could end the MDL if granted.
September 18, 2023: The number of pending cases in the Paraquat class action MDL is now 4,752, up from 3,700 at the start of the summer.
September 6, 2023: Chief Judge Rosenstengel instructed the parties to submit closing briefs by September 8, 2023, following the four-day Daubert hearing.
August 31, 2023: The first bellwether test trial scheduled for October has been postponed to allow more time for supplemental briefing on Daubert challenges. This delay is not favorable for the plaintiffs, as it pushes back the trial date and suggests the judge may consider excluding expert testimony.
August 21, 2023: The pivotal Daubert hearing in Illinois concerning the Paraquat litigation has begun, focusing on expert epidemiologist Dr. Martin Wells. His credibility is under scrutiny, with Chevron and Syngenta contesting his conclusions and emphasizing genetic factors as the primary cause of Parkinson’s disease.
August 16, 2023: The Daubert motions hearing will begin on August 21, 2023, and end on August 24, 2023. Proceedings will be accessible remotely via phone conference.
August 15, 2023: the Multidistrict Litigation case count reached 4,454, up from 4,306 last month and 1,703 at the same time last year.
August 4, 2023: In addition to the federal MDL, there is a thriving state court class action in Pennsylvania with over 300 plaintiffs. Defendants argue that out-of-state plaintiffs cannot sue them in Pennsylvania, but a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling may complicate this argument.
August 1, 2023: the judge in the Paraquat MDL is anticipated to soon rule on the admissibility of scientific causation evidence linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. Both parties have submitted their Daubert motions, and a hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2023.
July 18, 2023: it was reported that 223 new Paraquat lawsuits were transferred into the Multidistrict Litigation over the past month, bringing the total number of pending cases to 4,306.This figure is slightly below the monthly average and could suggest a slowdown in new filings.
July 1, 2023: defendants Syngenta and Chevron reported identifying 611 questionable claims within the MDL.Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy Rosenstengel required this list, which they argue includes claims lacking evidentiary basis. While the number may be exaggerated, the core issue of whether Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease will be determined in the upcoming trials.
June 16, 2023: it was reported that 353 new Paraquat lawsuits were added to the Multidistrict Litigation in the past month, raising the total number of pending cases to over 4,000. This is the second time this year that more than 300 new cases have been added in a single month.
June 12, 2023: Chevron and Syngenta AG have moved for summary judgment in the MDL, arguing that the plaintiffs’ claims lack scientific backing. If successful, this would lead to the dismissal of 3,700 claims. However, the likelihood of this motion succeeding is extremely low.
June 1, 2023: Early indications suggest that the influx of new Paraquat lawsuits won’t slow down soon. After a brief slowdown, the volume of new cases has sharply increased over the past two months, with a record high of 511 new cases last month.
May 20, 2023: Chief Judge Rosenstengel issued a strict directive in response to allegations of misconduct involving deceased plaintiffs in the ongoing MDL. The new requirements for plaintiffs’ lawyers aim to ensure the integrity of the lawsuit inventory, potentially facilitating an earlier settlement.
May 15, 2023: There is no sign of a slowdown in the volume of new Paraquat Parkinson’s disease cases. Over the last month, 511 new cases were added to the MDL, the highest monthly volume since last year.
May 5, 2023: a Connecticut man filed a new lawsuit directly in the MDL, claiming that his use of Paraquat led to his Parkinson’s disease.
May 3, 2023: A Daubert hearing is a pre-trial proceeding where a judge evaluates the admissibility of expert witness testimony. The outcome is critical, as losing a Daubert hearing could lead to the dismissal of all cases. However, the science supporting the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is strong.
May 2, 2023: the court denied the defendant’s motion to strike Dr. David A. Mortensen’s supplemental expert report, permitting the report and deposition testimony to be included in the Daubert briefing.
April 29, 2023: the Multidistrict Litigation judge announced new deadlines in preparation for the first Paraquat lawsuit trial later this year. Summary judgment and Daubert motions are to be filed by June 6, 2023, with responses and replies due in July, and a hearing set for August 21, 2023.
April 27, 2023: The court denied a motion to strike the rebuttal expert report of Martin T. Wells, allowing the scheduled deposition of Dr. Wells to proceed. The parties are to submit a proposed Case Management Order outlining deadlines for summary judgment and Daubert motions by April 19, 2023.
April 10, 2023: over 200 Paraquat lawsuits in Pennsylvania state courts were consolidated into a state-level MDL in Philadelphia. The judge ruled that new incoming plaintiffs could use a Short Form Complaint, similar to the one used in the federal MDL.
March 27, 2023: As the first bellwether test trial approaches, the defense is seeking to exclude testimony from plaintiffs’ expert statistician Martin Wells. The plaintiffs will file a response in opposition, and the motion will be resolved before the bellwether trial.
March 16, 2023: Another 277 new cases were added to the MDL over the last 30 days, bringing the total number of pending cases to 2,998.
March 1, 2023: As the first bellwether trial date approaches, the parties are battling over the admissibility of key expert witness testimony linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. The defense has moved to strike a supplemental expert report from David Mortensen, which the plaintiffs submitted after the deadline.
February 17, 2023: The Paraquat MDL saw a record high of 300 new cases added this month, bringing the total number of cases to 2,721.
February 2, 2023: Plaintiffs filed a motion to compel the third-party scientific consulting company Exponent Inc. to produce documents related to its work for Syngenta.The opponent has refused, asserting various objections.
January 17, 2023: Only 69 new cases were added to the MDL over the last month, a significant decrease from the previous average. However, over 200 new cases have been opened in the last 30 days, suggesting a high number of new cases in the next monthly total.
January 2, 2023: it was reported that the Paraquat class action lawsuit saw significant growth in 2022, averaging over 200 new cases per month. The MDL docket reflects that over 150 new cases have been filed in the last two weeks, with expectations for a slowdown in 2023 as the focus shifts to the first trial and a potential global settlement.
December 23, 2022: it was announced that the first Paraquat bellwether test trial has been postponed again and is now scheduled for October 2023. Delays in expert witness depositions have caused this rescheduling.
December 17, 2022: The Paraquat MDL grew by 390% in 2022, with 2,352 pending cases as of December 15, 2022. There are no signs of a slowdown, with expectations of another 300 new cases added in the next month.
November 1, 2022: The flood of new Paraquat lawsuits has continued, with nearly 100 new cases transferred into the MDL in the last two weeks. Disputes over pretrial discovery issues persist.
October 1, 2022: The EPA granted interim approval for Paraquat in August 2021, allowing it to remain available to authorized applicators. However, a non-profit foundation has filed a lawsuit challenging the decision, with the EPA requesting a voluntary remand to reconsider the risk-benefit analysis.
September 15, 2022: The Paraquat litigation is growing rapidly, with 222 new cases added in the last month, bringing the total number of cases to 1,925. The MDL judge has postponed the initial bellwether trial and expanded the pool of bellwether discovery cases.
September 1, 2022: The MDL judge has selected 20 additional cases for limited fact discovery, with depositions to be concluded within 60 days. The rapid growth of new claims continues.
August 29, 2022: The first bellwether test trial has been postponed to July 2023, with additional discovery time needed. This delay is bad news for plaintiffs, as a close trial date is key to forcing defendants to offer reasonable settlements.
August 15, 2022: Last month saw the highest number of new cases transferred into the MDL, with 255 new cases added, bringing the total number of cases to 1,703.
August 1, 2022: The Paraquat MDL continues to be one of the hottest mass torts, with over 120 new cases added each month. The influx of new cases has been consistent, with 142 new cases added between May 16 and June 15, 2022.
June 10, 2022: The judge presiding over the MDL continues to push for a trial this fall, with an extended discovery schedule to ensure the bellwether trials remain on schedule.
May 16, 2022: The Paraquat lawsuit is growing at an increasing rate, with 1,153 claims pending. The first week of May 2022 saw the highest number of new cases filed in a single week.
May 11, 2022: Bayer’s loss in the Roundup cases significantly impacts the Paraquat lawsuit. The Biden administration filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to reject Bayer’s argument, effectively ending any hope of winning the preemption argument in the Paraquat litigation.
May 6, 2022: Judge Rosenstengel suspended the May 16, 2022 deadline for fact discovery and medical examinations in the cases slated for trial. Additional discovery is needed due to the number of fact witnesses identified by both parties.
May 2, 2022: The MDL judge has selected six Paraquat lawsuits for the first round of bellwether trials scheduled for fall. The parties will conduct vigorous fact and expert discovery to prepare these cases for trial.
April 14, 2022: The monthly status conference will discuss the size of the litigation and the bellwether trial selection process.
March 21, 2022: The Paraquat MDL continues to press forward, with a pool of 16 cases identified for the first round of bellwether trials. Fact discovery will be concluded by the end of this month.
March 16, 2022: There are now 875 cases pending in the MDL, with the possibility of higher settlement amounts due to the smaller volume of plaintiffs.
March 3, 2022: The MDL judge ruled on several motions to dismiss, allowing most of the plaintiffs’ claims to move forward. The first bellwether trial is scheduled for November 15, 2022.
February 10, 2022: The MDL judge handed the plaintiffs a minor victory in a discovery battle, ordering Syngenta to produce deposition transcripts from a prior case in Illinois state court.
February 4, 2022: Over a dozen new Paraquat lawsuits were filed in the Southern District of Illinois by plaintiffs who developed Parkinson’s disease from occupational exposure.
February 1, 2022: Sixteen cases have been selected for the first round of bellwether trials, with fact discovery fully underway. Trials are scheduled to begin in November.
January 21, 2022: There are now 589 cases pending in the MDL, with a motion to dismiss arguing that certain cases are time-barred under the statute of limitations.
January 15, 2022: Syngenta and Chevron settled a Paraquat lawsuit last year, with large settlement amounts rumored. The defendants have withheld some deposition transcripts in the MDL, and plaintiffs’ lawyers seek relief from the court.
December 20, 2021: The MDL judge issued a case management order setting protocols for selecting the first pool of bellwether trial cases. Fact discovery will be conducted until March 31, 2022, with expert discovery to follow.
December 4, 2021: There are now 319 cases pending in the MDL, with incoming plaintiffs required to complete a Plaintiff’s Assessment Questionnaire.
November 11, 2021: Plaintiffs’ lawyers owe the court a response to the defendants’ motions to dismiss, arguing that some cases are time-barred. The response is due on December 13, 2021.
October 1, 2021: despite calls for a U.S. ban on Paraquat, the EPA renewed its approval for licensed farmers to use the herbicide. A petition has been filed to challenge this decision. A French study found that Paraquat exposure in pregnant women can cause prenatal neurodevelopmental toxicity similar to Parkinson’s disease.
August 19, 2021: MDL Judge Nancy Rosenstengel announced a schedule ensuring timely trials, with the first bellwether trial set for November 15, 2022
Health Risks Associated With Paraquat
What is paraquat?Paraquat dichloride is a toxic chemical used as an herbicide. Paraquat was first released in the U.S. in 1964 and has been used for decades to control weeds and invasive grasses.
Paraquat is known for its effectiveness in controlling weeds, but its toxic nature poses significant health risks. The most alarming association is with significan increased risk to develop Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Research has shown that individuals exposed to Paraquat are at a higher risk of developing this debilitating condition. The herbicide’s ability to induce oxidative stress and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain is believed to be a key factor in this link.
In addition to Parkinson’s disease, Paraquat exposure can cause acute poisoning, leading to severe health complications. Symptoms of acute poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even organ failure. Long-term exposure, particularly in agricultural workers who handle the herbicide regularly, can result in chronic health issues, including respiratory problems and kidney damage. The danger is not limited to direct contact; Paraquat can contaminate water sources and enter the body through inhalation or ingestion.
Direct ingestion of paraquat has been proven to be fatal , and there is no antidote. There have been one to two cases each year of death by paraquat poisoning, which is why training is required to handle it. Some critics believe that there is a danger posed to the public even when paraquat is used as directed.
The risk is further compounded by the fact that Paraquat is often used in settings where safety regulations may be lax. Farmers and agricultural workers may not always have access to protective gear or adequate training on handling hazardous chemicals. This lack of precaution increases the likelihood of exposure and subsequent health problems. Awareness of these risks is crucial for those working with or living near areas where Paraquat is used.
Legal Grounds For Paraquat Lawsuits
The surge in Paraquat lawsuits is driven by the herbicide’s documented health risks and the failure of manufacturers to provide adequate warnings. Legal claims typically center on the argument that manufacturers were aware of the dangers but did not sufficiently inform or protect users. This negligence forms the basis for seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
For a successful lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that their exposure to Paraquat directly contributed to their health issues. This often involves gathering extensive medical records, employment history, and expert testimony linking Paraquat to their condition. The legal process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring thorough documentation and a clear presentation of evidence.
Another critical aspect of these lawsuits is proving that the manufacturers failed to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their products. This can include evidence of inadequate labeling, insufficient safety instructions, and failure to implement safer alternatives. Legal teams work diligently to uncover internal documents and communications that highlight the company’s knowledge of the risks and their subsequent inaction.
The Role Of Regulatory Agencies
Regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating the use of chemicals like Paraquat. Despite the known risks, Paraquat remains approved for use in the United States, though it is banned in several other countries. The EPA has imposed restrictions on its use, including requiring special training for applicators and implementing safety measures to reduce exposure. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that a complete ban is necessary to protect public health.
The discrepancies between different countries’ regulations highlight the ongoing debate over Paraquat’s safety. While some nations have recognized the herbicide’s dangers and acted accordingly, others, including the U.S., continue to permit its use under stringent conditions. This inconsistency creates a challenging environment for affected individuals seeking justice and reinforces the importance of legal action to address the gaps in regulatory protection.
The role of regulatory agencies is not limited to setting guidelines; they also influence public perception and industry practices. Their decisions can impact the availability and usage of chemicals, thereby affecting the prevalence of exposure-related health issues. Advocacy for stricter regulations and greater accountability from manufacturers is essential to prevent future harm.
Why Choose Mass Tort America?
Mass Tort America is committed to advocating for individuals harmed by Paraquat exposure. Our experienced legal team understands the intricacies of these cases and works tirelessly to hold manufacturers accountable. We provide comprehensive support throughout the legal process, from initial consultation to court representation, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible outcome.
Choosing Mass Tort America means partnering with a team that prioritizes your well-being. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to easing the burden by managing all aspects of your case. Our Concierge Team coordinates everything, allowing you to focus on your health while we fight for your rights. For expert legal assistance, contact Mass Tort America at 800-356-4338 or visit https://masstortamerica.com/contact/.
