Numerous paraquat lawsuits have been filed, primarily alleging a connection between paraquat exposure and the development of Parkinson’s disease. Some cases also involve other health issues such as kidney disease. The earliest lawsuits date back to 2016, as reported in Syngenta’s 2018 Financial Report.
The escalating number of lawsuits prompted plaintiff lawyers to request the consolidation of cases before a federal court. These lawsuits, whether class-action suits or individual claims, are now centralized in Illinois federal court under the jurisdiction of Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel.
Notable Examples Include:
- Holliday et al. v. Syngenta et al.: Iowa farmer Doug Holliday initiated a class-action lawsuit against Syngenta and Chevron USA, alleging increased risk of Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat exposure and failure to provide adequate warnings. Holliday had used paraquat extensively on his crop ground since the 1990s.
- Adams v. Syngenta et al.: Missouri resident Robin Adams and her husband, who regularly sprayed paraquat products, filed a lawsuit after Robin developed Parkinson’s disease following over 15 years of exposure through various means, including pesticide drift and drinking water contamination.
- Ratcliffe v. Syngenta et al.: Louisiana resident Thelma Ratcliffe filed a lawsuit on behalf of her deceased husband, Harvey, who suffered from complications of Parkinson’s disease after years of paraquat exposure.
Most plaintiffs had significant exposure to paraquat over many years before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Some lawsuits are part of class-action suits, while others are individual injury claims.
Paraquat Lawsuit Settlements
Although estimates suggest an average settlement amount ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, the outcome of the first trial scheduled for October 2023 will offer more clarity on potential case values. In June 2021, Syngenta and another defendant reached a $187.5 million settlement with several paraquat claimants, as reported in Syngenta’s 2022 annual report. However, no other court-approved settlements have been reported since then.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Studies cited in paraquat-related Parkinson’s disease lawsuits indicate that the toxic properties of paraquat, which are lethal to plants and animals, can also lead to Parkinson’s disease in humans. Researchers believe that paraquat induces oxidative stress, resulting in the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. This association has been recognized since the 1960s.
It’s important to note that paraquat is distinct from Roundup, which contains glyphosate and has been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lawsuits against Bayer and Monsanto over Roundup allege concealment of the weed killer’s risks.
Paraquat’s Status in the U.S.
Paraquat remains legal in the United States but is restricted to use by licensed applicators due to its toxicity. Despite efforts by lawmakers and activists to ban it, paraquat has not been prohibited. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed numerous studies on paraquat exposure and concluded that there is insufficient evidence linking registered paraquat products to health outcomes such as Parkinson’s disease when used according to label instructions.
