Paraquat Lawsuit | Parkinson’s Disease Attorneys

The Paraquat Lawsuit continues to unfold.

In a notable turn of events within the Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, U.S. District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel has dismissed the initial group of bellwether trials.

This decision, which rejected the plaintiffs’ expert testimony, followed an exhaustive evaluation by Judge Rosenstengel, who oversees the multidistrict litigation that involves allegations linking Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease.

The pivotal cases, having completed the fact and expert discovery stages, relied significantly on the testimony of Cornell University Professor Martin Wells.

Judge Rosenstengel ruled out his testimony, critiquing it for lacking a credible basis and not adhering to the scientific consensus, which refutes the assertion that Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease.

This decision directly affects numerous plaintiffs who claimed that their exposure to Paraquat, marketed as Gramoxone in the U.S. by Syngenta and previously by Chevron until the 1980s, led to them developing the disease.

Despite being prohibited or restricted in several countries due to its toxicity, Paraquat is still extensively used in the United States.

The lead attorneys for the plaintiffs, representing over 5,000 pending cases, have declared their plan to appeal and to select new cases for trial.

They continue to argue that a significant amount of research backs their claims about the dangers of Paraquat and its health implications.

Both Syngenta and Chevron assert that Paraquat does not cause Parkinson’s disease.

This crucial ruling not only influences the immediate cases but also establishes an important precedent for the remaining claims in this extensive litigation.

Our law firm remains open to new clients for the Paraquat Lawsuit. 

Contact us for a complimentary consultation, or utilize the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for the Paraquat Lawsuit

The Paraquat Lawsuit is still active.

California is on the brink of implementing a ban on the herbicide Paraquat, a substance associated with significant health hazards, including Parkinson’s disease, childhood leukemia, and respiratory issues.

A study in central California has shown that residents living within a third of a mile from areas where Paraquat is applied have double the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Although over 60 countries, including those in the EU, have prohibited Paraquat, it continues to be extensively used in the U.S., particularly in California, which is a prominent producer of crops like almonds, grapes, and pistachios.

Research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) indicates that low-income Latino communities in California, heavily exposed to Paraquat on nearby croplands, face substantial health risks. Despite its dangers, the herbicide remains approved for use in the U.S.

Paraquat usage is predominantly concentrated in five counties with high poverty rates and predominantly Latino populations.

Legislation is underway to phase out all Paraquat usage by January 2026.

If you have been exposed to Paraquat and have developed Parkinson’s Disease or other health issues as a result, you might be eligible to participate in the Paraquat Lawsuit.

For a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for the Paraquat Lawsuit.

The litigation concerning Paraquat and its alleged link to Parkinson’s Disease is actively ongoing. 

Current records from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) show a total of 5,365 pending Paraquat Lawsuits, indicating a growth with an addition of nearly fifty cases since the 5,318 reported as of March 1st.

The increment reflects the increasing number of people coming forward to file lawsuits against Paraquat producers, attributing their health complications to exposure to this widely used herbicidal agent.

Paraquat, a chemical employed predominantly for the management of weeds and grass in agricultural settings, has faced scrutiny and legal challenges due to suspected links to severe health risks, including Parkinson’s disease among other conditions.

The plaintiffs in Paraquat Lawsuits typically encompass individuals from the agricultural sector, including workers and farmers, who allege that their health issues stem from working with or around Paraquat.

For individuals or family members affected by Paraquat exposure, TorHoerman Law provides complimentary consultations.

Assessing eligibility for joining in the Paraquat Lawsuit is straightforward with the help of our chatbot on this webpage or by reaching out to us directly for guidance.

The Paraquat Lawsuit is ongoing.

241 new cases were added to the Paraquat MDL in February, as per the latest data from the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

Initially, on February 1st, the JPML recorded 5,077 cases, which escalated to 5,318 by March 1st. 

This lawsuit centers around the allegations against the use of Paraquat, a herbicide linked to severe health risks, including Parkinson’s disease.

The chemical composition of Paraquat is highly toxic, with a lethal dose as low as 2.5 grams, and it’s associated with increased risks of kidney, heart, and liver failure, as well as lung scarring.

Victims exposed to Paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease are pursuing legal action against the herbicide’s manufacturers, including Syngenta, Chevron, and Growmark.

These companies face accusations of negligence and failing to adequately inform consumers about the dangers and potential side effects of Paraquat exposure.

Individuals impacted by Parkinson’s disease following Paraquat exposure are encouraged to explore their legal options.

TruLaw Law offers free consultations for those who believe they may be eligible to join the Paraquat Lawsuit, with immediate assistance available through the ChatBot on this page. 

February 19th, 2024:

Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy Rosenstengel has recently appointed nine new plaintiffs, in the Paraquat Dichloride MDL, to replace those in previous claims that have been dismissed due to concerns over their validity.

The litigation currently encompasses over 5,000 claims, consolidated from various federal jurisdictions.

The herbicide is known for its negative neurological effects.

Judge Rosenstengel initially identified six plaintiffs for early trial phases, aiming to set precedent for subsequent cases.

However, challenges such as unconvincing liability theories and evidentiary issues have led to the dismissal of several claims.

Judge Rosenstengel has set a crucial deadline for the completion of dispositions and third-party discovery processes, specfically focusing on distinguishing claims that lack a direct correlation to Paraquat exposure.

Special Master Randi Ellis is tasked with overseeing document requests and third-party depositions.

This includes obtaining subpoenas for retail purchase records and affidavits from supervisors verifying the plaintiffs’ exposure to Paraquat.

In taking a meticulous approach to ensure claim validity, the court has not yet finalized a trial schedule.

February 6th, 2024:

The pace of new cases in the Paraquat class action MDL has notably slowed. In January, only 26 new cases were added, following a trend of decreasing additions over the past two years. The total number of pending cases has now reached 5,077.

January 23, 2024:

The Court addressed concerns regarding implausible theories of liability in paraquat exposure cases through Case Management Order No. 18 (CMO 18). The order identified 25 cases with questionable claims and mandated limited discovery to assess their viability. This initiative aims to streamline the docket by addressing cases lacking substantial evidence.

January 4th, 2024:

The Paraquat MDL now encompasses over 5,000 pending cases. However, the past month has seen a notable decrease in case volume, with only 86 new cases added. This marks the lowest monthly case volume in more than two years, and it is the second consecutive month with unusually low activity.

The final week of 2023 proved to be a sluggish period for the Paraquat class action MDL docket. A total of twelve new cases were directly filed within the MDL, and an additional ten cases were transferred in from other districts.

December 1st, 2023:

In the past month, an additional 200 cases have been included in the Paraquat class action MDL, bringing the total number of pending cases to 4,986. This increase indicates that the decline in new case filings observed last month was likely an anomaly.

November 1st, 2023:

Dr. Douglas Weed is seeking to quash a subpoena from the plaintiffs’ attorneys, which is related to his article on paraquat’s potential link to Parkinson’s disease. In his article, titled “Does paraquat cause Parkinson’s disease? A review of reviews,” published in the journal NeuroToxicology in September 2021, he concludes that there is a scientific consensus that paraquat does not cause Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Weed argues that he has no direct involvement in the case and contends that the extensive document requests are overly burdensome, relate to ongoing research, and exceed the geographical limits defined by Rule 45.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys are interested in understanding how he reached this conclusion, particularly in regard to his funding disclosure, which lacks a specific grant for the article. They have until the end of this week to respond to the motion.

October 17th, 2023:

The Paraquat class action MDL has rapidly expanded in the past two years, with an average of 300 new cases per month and a significant surge of over 1,000 new cases added in July and August. However, only 30 new Paraquat cases were added in September, marking a considerable drop and potentially signaling a changing trend for the MDL.

October 2nd, 2023:

The start of the first Paraquat bellwether case in October has been delayed, casting uncertainty over the future of Paraquat lawsuits. The awaited decision on Daubert challenges, known for their complexity and length, could potentially extend the wait until 2024.

September 27, 2023:

In the Paraquat class action MDL, the final supplement Daubert briefs have been submitted, and a ruling is now pending. Judge Rosenstengel postponed the initial bellwether trial last month to allow more time for reviewing Daubert motions, following a week of hearings.

This extended deliberation by Judge Rosenstengel raises concerns among plaintiffs, as it implies a potential ruling that could exclude plaintiffs’ experts and potentially conclude the MDL.

September 18, 2023:

The Paraquat class action MDL has seen a significant increase with over 1,000 new cases added since Memorial Day. The total number of plaintiffs in the Paraquat MDL has now surpassed 4,700, solidifying its position as one of the largest mass tort cases currently ongoing.

September 6, 2023:

Judge Nancy Rosenstengel has decided to postpone the upcoming Paraquat bellwether trial, which was originally scheduled for October. The reason for this delay is to allow her more time to consider the matters related to the Daubert hearings.

In the context of Multidistrict Litigations (MDLs), a bellwether trial serves as an initial trial that helps establish how other similar cases will be handled. A Daubert hearing involves a dispute between the plaintiff and defendant, overseen by the judge, to determine the admissibility and scope of expert testimony in court.

Judge Rosenstengel has requested both parties to submit additional briefs regarding the Daubert hearings and any issues that have arisen during these proceedings. This additional information will aid her in making informed decisions regarding the trial.

September 1, 2023:

Commencing on August 20, the Daubert proceeding involving an epidemiologist is underway. Dr. Martin Wells, who has previously asserted a notable link between paraquat and the development of Parkinson’s disease, is undergoing evaluation by Judge Nancy Rosenstengel to determine the admissibility of his testimony in court. As of August 22, 2023, a total of 4,554 paraquat-related lawsuits are awaiting resolution in the federal court of Illinois, and the first bellwether trial, initially slated for an earlier date, has been rescheduled to take place in October 2023.

August 1st, 2023

The Judge presiding over the Paraquat MDL is expected to make a ruling on the admissibility of scientific causation evidence connecting Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease.

Both parties have submitted their Daubert motions, and Judge Rosenstengel has scheduled a hearing on the motion for August 21, 2023.

The Judge has mandated that Dr. Martin Wells, the plaintiffs’ key expert witness, must appear at the hearing and provide testimony crucial to the decision on admissibility.

Following the hearing, Judge Rosenstengel has granted the parties the opportunity to submit closing briefs by September 8, 2023.

July 1st, 2023:

Defendants Syngenta and Chevron have identified 611 claims in the MDL that they consider questionable.

The defendants argue that some claims lack sufficient evidence and were filed based on targeted advertising campaigns and lead generators.

It is unlikely that all 611 claims are non-viable, and eventually, the issue of whether Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease will be decided by a jury.

The first bellwether trial is set to commence in October, 2023.

July 18, 2023

A total of 223 new Paraquat lawsuits were transferred into the class action MDL, raising the overall pending case count to 4,306.

This figure is slightly lower than the average number of new cases seen in the past 16 months, hinting at a potential delay in new filings for this litigation.

June 16th, 2023:

The Paraquat class action MDL has recently seen an addition of 353 new plaintiffs, raising the total number of claims pending in the MDL to 4,083.

Since the beginning of 2023, 1,731 new Paraquat cases have been included in the MDL.

June 12th, 2023:

Chevron and Syngenta AG have filed for summary judgment in the MDL, contending that the plaintiffs’ claims linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease lack scientific evidence.

They argue that no peer-reviewed studies have confirmed this connection, challenging the validity of the claims.

Although it is unlikely, approximately 3,700 claims could be dismissed if the motion is passed.

May 1st, 2023:

The court denies the motion filed by Syngenta and Chevron to strike Martin Wells’ rebuttal expert report in the Paraquat class action MDL.

The report is deemed to adequately address the opinions and criticisms of the defendants’ expert.

The order instructs any further objections from the defendants to be raised through a Daubert motion.

Additionally, Judge Rosenstengel orders all parties to propose a Case Management Order by April 19, 2023, specifying agreed-upon deadlines for submitting summary judgment and Daubert motions, as well as any guidelines or limitations for these motions.

May 10th, 2023:

Defense counsel accuses plaintiffs’ lawyers in the Paraquat class action MDL of filing pleadings on behalf of deceased clients.

This occurrence, while undesirable, does not significantly prejudice the defendants.

A request is made for the court to address this issue

May 15th, 2023:

The Paraquat class action MDL experiences a surge in new lawsuits, with over 500 Paraquat Parkinson’s disease cases added in the past month.

This is the highest monthly total in over a year, following consecutive months of over 200 new cases.

Since the beginning of the year, the MDL has seen 1,300 new cases added.

If this pace continues, the number of pending cases is projected to surpass 5,000 by year-end.

There are currently over 2,000 Paraquat lawsuits pending in the Paraquat MDL in Illinois, as well as 264 cases in the Pennsylvania state court system.

The Judge in the Pennsylvania Paraquat class action has ruled that new plaintiffs can use a Short Form Complaint when filing their case.

March 1st, 2023:

The defense team in the Paraquat class action MDL filed a motion to strike a supplemental expert report submitted by plaintiff expert David Mortensen.

The report was submitted after the deadline for expert reports and sought to clarify certain issues raised during Mortensen’s deposition.

The Court is expected to rule on the motion soon.

March 5th, 2023:

Syngenta produced documents indicating that the company may have known about the potential health risks of exposure to Paraquat as far back as the 1970s and was aware of the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease by 2001.

March 16th, 2023:

277 new plaintiffs joined the Paraquat class action MDL in the last month, bringing the total number of pending cases up to 2,998.

This marks the second month in a row that the Paraquat MDL has posted an above-average volume of new case filings.

With the first bellwether test trial coming up in the summer, both sides are starting to battle over what evidence will be permitted at trial.