… A Comprehensive Guide to Paraquat Exposure Lawsuits
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PARAQUAT EXPOSURE LAWSUITS

​If you or a loved one developed Parkinson's after being exposed to Paraquat, contact Timothy L. Miles a Nashville Paraquat Exposure Lawyer and nationally known and top-rated class action lawyer who was recently recognized and featured as one of the top attorneys in America in the latest edition of The Top 100 Lawyers Magazine (2022), and who will fight on your behalf to hold those responsible accountable. 

(855) Tim-M-Law (855-846-6529)
Paraquat Exposure Lawsuit
If you suffered frequent exposure to Paraquat and developed Parkinson's, call a Paraquat Lawyer about a Paraquat Exposure Lawsuit

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​Research on the link between frequent exposure to paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is “about as persuasive as these things can get.” ​– Fred Kamel, scientist with the National Institutes of Health.

Everything You Need to Know About a Paraquat Exposure Lawsuit

Paraquat, a restricted use pesticide, was first manufactured in 1961 and rapidly became one of the most common herbicides in the world.  It is also one of the most dangerous, especially those who have suffered long term exposure to Paraquat.
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Scientists have long known that paraquat, often referred to as Gramoxone, is acutely toxic. Dubbed “highly poisonous” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is so toxic, in fact, that a single sip of the herbicide can kill an adult. Paraquat’s toxicity causes massive damage to the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Once this deadly substance enters your body, it creates fatal interactions in the lungs, kidneys, and liver. But in recent years, evidence has accumulated showing that repeated frequent exposure to paraquat, including secondary exposure, in low doses may be linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease.


According to one study, frequent exposure to paraquat increases the risk of Parkinson’s by 150 percent. More than 60 countries have banned the use of paraquat, including China.  However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done little to restrict its use, despite growing health concerns and legal challenges over the herbicide’s connection to Parkinson’s.  Syngenta, the main producer of paraquat, denies that there is a definitive link between frequent exposure to paraquat and Parkinson’s despite numerous, well-documented studies to the contrary.

But with paraquat use increasing in the U.S., agricultural workers and farmers and those living in close proximity, continue to face both requent exposure to Paraquat risks and the rist associated wiith long term exposure to Paraquat. Many have already filed lawsuits claiming that they developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of frequent exposure to paraquat and that Syngenta failed to warn about this serious risk. The Center for Biological Diversity told Agriculture.com, “Not only are we reapproving paraquat when the rest of the world is banning it, but we’re using more of it than ever before.” The center also said paraquat was harmful to small mammals and birds in addition to potential human risks.

Who Are the Manufactures of Paraquat?

​Since it was first introduced in 1962, paraquat-based products have been sold by Chevron Chemical Company, Syngenta and other companies under a variety of brand names, including:​
  • Gramoxone
  • Paraquate Concentrate
  • Blanco
  • Cyclone SL 2.0
  • Firestorm
  • Helmquat 3SL
  • Bonedry
  • Devour
  • Para-Shot 3.0
PictureCall a Paraquat Lawyer today if you suffered long term exposure to paraquat and developed Parkinson's
​Paraquat, while a restricted use pesticide, is widely used by farmers in the production of crops, including corn, soy, cotton, peanuts, wheat, almonds, strawberries, grapes, sweet potatoes, and others. Its use has doubled over the past decade and is expected to grow due to its effectiveness on “superweeds” that have developed resistance to glyphosate (i.e. Roundup). It can also be used for the desiccation of crops, such as cotton, prior to harvest. In total, farmers apply more than 10 million pounds of paraquat each year. In other words, exposure to Paraquat has increased significantly.
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Because of its toxicity, the EPA classifies paraquat as a “restricted use pesticide.” Only certified applicators who undergo EPA-approved training are able to use paraquat products. There are no homeowner uses for paraquat and the herbicide may not be applied in residential areas or around schools, parks, golf courses, or playgrounds.

People who work with, or live adjacent or nearby the following crops, are the most likely to have long term paraquat exposure:
  • Soybeans
  • Cotton
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Grapes & other Orchards
  • Pastures & Hay

Is There a Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Frequent Exposure to Paraquat or Long Term Exposure to Paraquat?

Scientific research has concluded that those who use paraquat are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease in the future. Not only that, but those who live in an area where paraquat is used are also at risk, as the wind can carry the airborne chemical into neighborhoods and other populated areas can result in significant exposure to paraquat. Despite numerous scientific studies into paraquat’s safety, the company responsible for the pesticide refused to acknowledge the potential risks of frequent exposure to paraquat and exposed thousands of innocent individuals to a hazardous chemical for over a decade, even though it is a restrictive use pesticide.

What is the Scientific Link that Long Term Exposure to Paraquat Can Lead to Parkinson's?

Numerous scientific studies have linked frequent exposure to paraquat to Parkinson’s. A large 2011 study of U.S. farmers found that those who used paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease as those who didn’t use the restricted use pesticide. Other research has found that cumulative exposure over long periods increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s Data published by Louisiana State University shows that a person’s zip code and proximity to cropland where paraquat is applied correlates with the risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Scientists believe that a deficit of the neurotransmitter dopamine causes Parkinson’s. Studies have demonstrated that paraquat can kill dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Inhaling paraquat, which could happen if workers come into contact with aerosolized droplets during crop spraying, gives it a direct pathway to the brain, say researchers at the University of Rochester. However, paraquat could also end up in the brain after ingestion or skin exposure. The CDC notes that, once paraquat enters the body, it is distributed to all areas of the body. Fred Kamel, a scientist within an epidemiology branch of the NIH, has said that research on the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is “about as persuasive as these things can get.”

Do I Qualify for a Paraquat Exposure Lawsuit?

​Many individuals are filing claims against the makers of paraquat, alleging the restricted use pesticide has either caused the individuals to develop Parkinson’s Disease or that the individuals are at an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease because of prior long term and frequent exposure to paraquat. Lawsuits are being filed across the country, both in federal and state courts. Some cases are class actions, where one plaintiff serves as a class representative on behalf of similarly situated plaintiffs.

Other lawsuits are filed by individual plaintiffs who are not part of a class action but are part of consolidated mass tort litigation that includes numerous individually filed lawsuits rather than one large lawsuit filed on behalf of many.

Common plaintiffs in paraquat exposure lawsuit are licensed applicators/users, agricultural workers who were frequently exposed to Paraquat on farms, and individuals who did not work on farms but lived on or near farms where they were subject to secondary paraquat exposure.  For more information, call Timothy L. Miles, a Paraquat Exposure Lawyer today for a free case evaluation to see if your eligible for a Paraquat Exposure Lawsuit. ​

Who Are Most Frequently Exposed to Paraquat?

​Agricultural workers and their families are those most frequently exposed to paraquat. However, people living near farms and fields can also be frequently exposed. The following people are at high risk of exposure:
  • Farmers, farmworkers, landscapers, and agricultural workers
  • Families members of and any other people living with farmers, farmworkers, landscapers and agricultural workers
  • Residents of rural areas near farmland sprayed with paraquat
  • Anyone who works with or around professional-grade pesticides
  • Anyone who lives near places where professional-grade pesticides are sprayed 

Does Frequent Exposure to Paraquat Cause Parkinson's?

Unfortunately, many individuals have developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of frequent paraquat exposure, including those who live near agricultural areas where the harmful chemical is used. The widespread use of the substance makes it especially unsettling, as many farmers heavily rely on paraquat without understanding its destructive effects. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to frequent paraquat exposure, contact Nashville Paraquat Exposure lawyer Timothy  L. Miles who can help you secure the compensation you are entitled to.

What Can I Get from a Paraquat Exposure Lawsuit?

​Syngenta knew the risk of their product yet failed to disclose it to the public, which allowed thousands of agricultural workers to expose themselves and their families to the risk of a life-altering condition. Those who suffer from Parkinson’s require consistent treatment to increase their quality of life, which is a significant expense to endure without proper compensation. However, by holding Syngenta responsible for their negligence, you can recover the medical costs, lost wages, and suffering damages warranted by your situation.  For more information, call Timothy L. Miles, a Paraquat Exposure Lawyer today for a free case evaluation. 

Has Roundup Been Linked to Parkinson's?

​While Roundup does contain dangerous chemicals, it doesn’t contain paraquat. Crop resistance has lessened the effectiveness of Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, which has led to the widespread use of paraquat in the agricultural industry.
Parkinson’s Disease is usually found in elderly people 60 years of age or older. It can also be hereditary and found more commonly in men.
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If you are a farmer or work in agriculture, the toxins in Paraquat may cause Parkinson’s to settle in much earlier.

Have you been exposed to Paraquat frequently? Here are some early indicators you could be developing Parkinson’s in relation to the herbicide:
  • Slight tremors
  • Smaller handwriting
  • Trouble walking (stiff body/feet feeling stuck)
  • Soft voice inflection
  • Hunching posture
  • Facial masking (appearing mad or sad when you aren’t feeling that way)
  • Unusual sleep patterns
  • Confusion
  • Muscle contractions

What Can I Get From a Paraquat Lawsuit?

​If you are a farmer or someone who has suffered from frequent exposure to Paraquat and has oncoming PD symptoms, you should see a medical provider immediately. Seeing your doctor can help diagnose you to begin treatments and discover the root of the cause. If it is determined that exposure to Paraquat is the leading culprit, you can file a claim to seek compensation for help covering your medical bills and pay for emotional pain and quality of life lost.  Call Timothy L. Miles, a Paraquat Exposure Lawyer today if you suffered long term exposure to paraquat.

Legislation to Ban Paraquat

The Protect Against Paraquat Act has been introduced by Democratic New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez. The legislation would end all registration practices for the substance. In the Senate, Democratic New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall brought forward the Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2019. Both are being lauded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

“The proposed legislation is meant to prevent the use of toxic pesticides said to harm U.S. children, farm workers, and consumers,” according to an article in Parkinson’s News Today titled “MJFF Urges Support for Bill Aiming to Ban Herbicide Paraquat in US.” “One insecticide the measure seeks to ban, organophosphate, has been shown to harm the developing brain of children. Another, known as neonicotinoid, is linked to developmental defects and other problems in unborn children, and is tied to a global collapse of pollinating insects like bees. In a major development for the Parkinson’s community in particular, the measure would also prohibit the use of paraquat, estimated to raise the risk of Parkinson’s by 320%. This herbicide has been banned in 32 countries, including the European Union and in China, the country where its primary manufacturer is based.”

PARAQUAT TIMELINE
Research on the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is “about as persuasive as these things can get.” – Fred Kamel, scientist with NIH.
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1882
  • Paraquat is first sent synthesized.

1933
  • Scientists discovered Paraquat’s reduction-oxidation properties, why paraquat is so toxic.

1955
  • Paraquat's herbicidal properties are recognized in 1955 in the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) laboratories at Jealott's Hill.

1962
  • Paraquat was first manufactured and sold by ICI in early 1962 under the trade name Gramoxone, and is today among the most commonly used herbicides.

1964
  • Commercial farmers and other agricultural workers in the United States begin using paraquat to control invasive weeds and grasses.
1996
  • A case-control study in Taiwan came to the conclusion that: “the PD risk was greater among subjects who had used paraquat and other herbicides than those who had used herbicides other than paraquat” (Liou et al. 1997, p.1583). 
2004
  • The European Union approved the use of paraquat in 2004 but Sweden, supported by Denmark, Austria, and Finland, appealed this decision.

2007
  • In 2007, the court annulled the directive by The European Union authorizing paraquat as an active plant protection substance stating that the 2004 decision was wrong in finding that there were no indications of neurotoxicity associated with paraquat and that the studies about the link between paraquat and Parkinson's disease should have been considered.

2007
  • Paraquat is been banned in the European Union.

2007
  • Study by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging showed a connection between exposure to paraquat and iron in infancy and mid-life Parkinson's in laboratory mice.

2009
  • Study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that paraquat exposure within only about 550 yards of a home may increase the Parkinson’s disease risk by 75%.

February 11, 2011
  • News release “NIH study finds two pesticides associated with Parkinson’s disease.” "Paraquat increases production of certain oxygen derivatives that may harm cellular structures. People who used these pesticides or others with a similar mechanism of action were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease."
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  •  Freya Kamel, a scientist within an epidemiology branch of the NIH, has said that research on the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is “about as persuasive as these things can get.”
June 2011:
  • The Agricultural Health Study - a large study of American farmers conducted by multiple U.S. government agencies, stated it found that “exposure to agricultural pesticides may increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.”

June 2011:
  • Syngenta disclosed that in June, it had settled an undisclosed number of paraquat suits for $187.5 million.

2011
  • Data from the National Institute of Health (NIH) Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME) study indicated that farmers using paraquat may be 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s.

2012
  • The study “Genetic Modification Association of Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease” found that individuals with certain genetic variations may be 11 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s after paraquat exposure.

May 2013:
  • Italian meta-analysis. “A total of 104 studies/3,087 citations fulfilled inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. In prospective studies, study quality was not a source of heterogeneity. PD was associated with farming and the association with pesticides was highly significant in the studies in which PD diagnosis was self-reported.”  Concluding, “[t]he literature supports the hypothesis that exposure to pesticides or solvents is a risk factor for PD.”

December, 2016
  • The EPA announced that the agency would be exploring health risks with paraquat

August 2000:
  • Study titled “A meta-analysis of Parkinson's disease and exposure to pesticides” concludes “[o]ur findings suggest that exposure to pesticides may be a significant risk factor for developing PD.”

June 2001:
  • Study titled “Environmental risk factors and Parkinson's disease: metaanalysis.  Study examined the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and exposure to environmental factors such as living in a rural area, well water use, farming, exposure to farm animals, or living on a farm, and pesticides. concluding “living in a rural area, drinking well water, farming, and exposure to pesticides may be a risk factor for developing PD.”

2011
  • Study titles “"Rotenone, Paraquat, and Parkinson's Disease” finds Paraquat also induces oxidative stress in invertebrates such as Drosophila melanogaster. Paraquat-fed flies suffer early-onset mortality and significant increases in superoxide dismutase activity.”

2013-2017
  • Paraquat usage doubles in the United States.

2017
  • Study by The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council.  People exposed during their teen or young adult years had an increased Parkinson’s disease risk of 200 to 600 percent.

2017
  • The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council sent a letter to the EPA, urging the agency to deny re-registration of the herbicide due to the strong evidence of paraquat Parkinson’s risks.  The letter stated in part: "On behalf of the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, we write to express our concern with paraquat dichloride (“paraquat”), which is shown to increase risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We ask the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny the reregistration of this herbicide based on strong evidence of paraquat’s harm to human health."
2019
  • Legislation is introduced that would end all registration practices for paraquat. 

Call a Paraquat Exposure Lawyer Today

​Call Timothy L. Miles, a Paraquat Exposure Lawyer today if you suffered long term exposure to paraquat and developed Parkinson's disease.  ​A Paraquat Exposure Lawyer can explain the process and answer any questions you may have. We take all cases on a contingency basis which means we do not get paid unless we win your case.  Please make sure to visit our Resources Center.  While there is still time to file a lawsuit, be mindful that these cases are time sensitive, and give us a call today. 

For answers to frequently asked question and additional information on the legal process, please visit our consumer Resource Center.​

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