Farmers Were Never Warned. Now They’re Living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Trial Lawyers United LLC’s attorneys represent agricultural workers, applicators, and rural residents nationwide who developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to the toxic herbicide Paraquat.

In the Relentless Pursuit of Justice. Results without Risk.

Overview

Paraquat dichloride, sold under brand names like Gramoxone and Ortho Paraquat, is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world — and also one of the most toxic. Although banned in more than 30 countries, Paraquat remains heavily used in the United States, particularly in soybean, corn, and cotton farming.

Mounting research now links Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that leads to tremors, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Despite knowing of these risks for decades, manufacturers — including Syngenta, Chevron Chemical Company, and Growmark, Inc. — failed to warn users or reformulate their products to make them safer.

At Trial Lawyers United LLC, our attorneys represent agricultural workers, licensed applicators, and residents living near spray zones who are now living with Parkinson’s disease or related neurological disorders caused by Paraquat exposure.

Who’s Liable / How Fault Works

Paraquat lawsuits allege product liability, failure to warn, and negligence claims against manufacturers and distributors including:
– Syngenta Crop Protection LLC (primary Paraquat producer)
– Chevron Chemical Company (former license holder and marketer)
– Growmark, Inc. and other distributors and applicators

Plaintiffs claim these companies:
– Knew for decades of the link between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.
– Failed to warn applicators and farmers of neurological risks despite strong scientific evidence.
– Continued to market Paraquat as safe when safer alternatives were available.
– Misrepresented toxicity, claiming that protective equipment and training could prevent harm.

Our firm’s litigation strategy focuses on establishing corporate knowledge through internal documents, expert testimony, and regulatory correspondence showing that these companies knew Paraquat posed a danger to the human nervous system.

Scientific Evidence and Mechanism of Harm

Paraquat is a highly toxic oxidative stress agent. Once absorbed through the skin, lungs, or digestive tract, it travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it damages dopaminergic neurons — the same neurons destroyed in Parkinson’s disease.

Scientific research supports this mechanism:
– National Institutes of Health (NIH) Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME) Study (2011): Agricultural workers exposed to Paraquat were 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who were not exposed.
– Tanner et al., Environmental Health Perspectives (2014): Paraquat users had a 200–600% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s, even with limited exposure.
– Animal studies confirm that Paraquat induces oxidative stress and neuron loss in the brain regions controlling movement.

Despite these findings, Paraquat remains in use in the U.S., often sprayed near homes, schools, and communities.

Injuries and Health Conditions Linked to Paraquat Exposure

The most serious injury associated with Paraquat exposure is Parkinson’s disease, but additional neurological and systemic effects have also been reported. Common symptoms and complications include:
– Tremors or shaking
– Muscle stiffness and rigidity
– Impaired balance and coordination
– Difficulty walking or speaking
– Fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders
– Progressive neurological decline
– Respiratory failure or death in cases of acute poisoning

Victims of Paraquat toxicity face lifelong medical treatment, physical therapy, and diminished quality of life.

Evidence and Proof

Our attorneys partner with neurologists, toxicologists, and environmental scientists to build comprehensive cases that link Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. Key evidence includes:
1. Employment and application records confirming Paraquat use and exposure duration.
2. Medical records and neurological evaluations diagnosing Parkinson’s disease.
3. Scientific studies demonstrating the neurotoxic effects of Paraquat exposure.
4. Internal corporate documents proving that manufacturers knew of the Parkinson’s connection.
5. Expert testimony establishing causation and foreseeable risk.

Our clients’ claims are among the many claims being coordinated for discovery and trial in the Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3004, Southern District of Illinois), where thousands of claims are being coordinated for discovery and trial.

How We Help

Trial Lawyers United LLC’s attorneys represent agricultural workers, farmers, and rural residents affected by Paraquat exposure across the United States. Our attorneys bring deep scientific understanding, national coordination, and relentless advocacy to every case.

Our representation includes:
– Detailed exposure assessments and case intake.
– Collaboration with neurologists and environmental experts.
– Filing and managing claims in the Paraquat MDL or applicable state courts.
– Pursuing compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term disability.

Every case is handled on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Results without risk.

FAQ

Q: What is Paraquat?

A: Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide used to control weeds in agricultural operations. Even small amounts can cause serious harm if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

Q: Who is eligible to file a Paraquat lawsuit?

A: Agricultural workers, licensed applicators, and individuals who lived or worked near treated fields and later developed Parkinson’s disease may be eligible.

Q: How strong is the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease?

A: Multiple peer-reviewed studies and NIH research have confirmed a strong association between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s.

Q: What does it cost to hire your firm?

A: Nothing upfront. We only get paid when we recover compensation — Results without risk.