Managing Partner
Paraquat (paraquat dichloride) is a powerful herbicide that has been used in U.S. agriculture since the 1960s to control weeds and grasses in crops like soybeans, corn, cotton, and vineyards. Because paraquat is extremely toxic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a “restricted use” pesticide. Only certified applicators can purchase or apply it, and many countries around the world have banned it entirely due to safety concerns.
Over the past two decades, a growing body of research has linked long-term paraquat exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and balance.
Why are people filing paraquat lawsuits?
Thousands of people exposed to paraquat have filed lawsuits after developing Parkinson’s disease. These lawsuits generally allege that:
- Manufacturers knew, or should have known, that paraquat could cause serious neurological harm.
- They failed to adequately warn applicators, farm workers, and nearby residents of the risks.
- Safer alternative herbicides were available.
Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, wrongful death when a loved one has passed away from complications linked to paraquat-related Parkinson’s disease.
Who qualifies for a paraquat lawsuit?
Every case is fact-specific, and you should speak with a lawyer to evaluate your individual circumstances. That said, many firms use intake criteria similar to the following for paraquat Parkinson’s cases:
Paraquat Criteria
1. Exposure to paraquat
You must have direct or indirect exposure to paraquat:
- Direct exposure may include:
- Personally mixing, loading, or spraying paraquat
- Working in close proximity to someone who is mixing, loading, or spraying paraquat
- Indirect exposure may include:
- Living or working on a farm where paraquat was sprayed
- At least 8 days of lifetime use and/or exposure
- Paraquat exposure after 1996 and before injury
2. Injury: Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
Finally, you must have:
- A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) from a medical provider
If you meet (or closely meet) these criteria, you may qualify to bring a paraquat claim. If you are not certain if you qualify, you should reach out to let the attorney make the ultimate determination.
Steps to take if you suspect paraquat caused your Parkinson’s
If you believe your Parkinson’s disease may be linked to paraquat exposure, here are practical steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Focus on medical care and documentation
- Continue seeing your neurologist or movement-disorder specialist.
2. Gather your exposure history
Start writing down everything you remember about your paraquat exposure, including:
- Where you worked (farms, orchards, vineyards, landscaping, utility companies, etc.)
- Approximate years of use (e.g., “1975–1990”)
- What you did with paraquat (mixing, loading, spraying, flagging, repairing equipment)
- Products you used (Gramoxone, Firestorm, Helmquat, Parazone, etc., if you recall)
- Coworkers or supervisors who could later confirm your duties
Employment records, pay stubs, purchase receipts, and any training certifications can all be helpful in proving exposure. There is no need to have this documentation before reaching out to the law firm.
3. Avoid signing anything from the defendants or insurers
If a manufacturer, distributor, or insurer contacts you directly:
- Do not sign releases or settlement agreements before talking to a lawyer.
- Avoid giving detailed recorded statements without representation.
- Politely explain that you are consulting counsel and will have your attorney follow up.
4. Talk with an attorney experienced in toxic-exposure and product-liability cases
Paraquat litigation is complex and heavily contested. The companies involved often challenge both exposure evidence and medical causation. Working with a firm that handles serious injury and toxic exposure cases can help you:
- Evaluate whether you meet qualifying criteria
- Preserve evidence
- File your claim in the proper court
- Navigate settlement programs or ongoing litigation
Proving exposure and damages
In a paraquat lawsuit, you generally must prove both:
- That you were exposed to paraquat, and
- That your Parkinson’s disease is linked to that exposure.
Evidence may include:
- Employment records (farm, ranch, utility, railroad, or landscaping work)
- Purchase or application records for paraquat-containing products
- Testimony from coworkers, supervisors, or family members who saw you handling paraquat
- Expert opinions from medical and scientific professionals connecting your exposure to your diagnosis
You may also claim damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Costs of in-home care or assistance
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
- For spouses, loss of consortium
- In wrongful death cases, losses suffered by surviving family membersKing Law
Is paraquat banned in the United States?
No. Despite being banned or severely restricted in dozens of countries, paraquat remains legal in the U.S. as a restricted-use pesticide. Only certified applicators can use it, and the EPA has proposed additional safety measures such as limiting certain spray methods and requiring enclosed cabs or respirators in some circumstances.
The fact that paraquat is still on the market does not prevent injured workers or their families from seeking compensation for past exposure.
How Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook can help
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we understand how life-changing a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be—not just medically, but financially and emotionally for your whole family.
If we accept your paraquat case, we will:
- Carefully review your exposure and medical history to determine whether you meet qualifying criteria
- Work with experts in neurology, toxicology, and exposure science to build your case
- Collect and preserve evidence of your paraquat use and damages
- Navigate the evolving landscape of MDL and state-court paraquat litigation
- Pursue full and fair compensation through settlement or trial when necessary
We handle paraquat cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Taking the next step if you think paraquat harmed you
If you or a loved one:
- Worked with or around paraquat,
- Later developed Parkinson’s disease, and
- Have at least several years between first exposure and diagnosis,
you may qualify to bring a paraquat lawsuit.
Contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook to discuss your situation. We can review your work history, medical records, and exposure details and help you understand whether you may have a viable claim.
FAQ: Paraquat lawsuits
Do I have to know the exact brand name I used?
Not necessarily. It helps if you remember names like Gramoxone or Firestorm, but many workers only know they used “weed killer” or “herbicide.” Employment and purchase records, along with coworker testimony, can sometimes fill in the gaps.
Is my case part of a class action?
Most paraquat cases are not traditional class actions. Instead, they’re individual lawsuits that may be grouped into an MDL or state-court coordinated proceedings for efficiency while still preserving each person’s individual claim.
What if I only lived near fields where paraquat was sprayed?
Most current screening criteria focus on people who worked with paraquat directly or lived/worked on farms where it was applied. “Drift-only” cases (such as just living next door to a farm) are often not accepted, but you should still talk to a lawyer about your specific exposure history.
How long do I have to file a paraquat claim?
Deadlines (statutes of limitation) vary by state and may depend on when you were diagnosed or learned that paraquat might be the cause. Because these deadlines can be complicated, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. Our firm handles these cases on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we secure a recovery for you.