Paraquat Parkinson’s Disease Attorneys

Paraquat is a toxic herbicide used across farms and agricultural lands in the United States. While the chemical was marketed as an effective weed killer, it has been linked to devastating health consequences. Mounting evidence shows long-term exposure may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and other serious neurological conditions among agricultural workers, landscapers, and even nearby residents.

Ferrer Poirot Feller has stood by injured individuals since 1985, fighting against corporations that put profit above safety. Our nationally recognized team is pursuing claims for those harmed by Paraquat, bringing the manufacturers to account for failing to warn about the risks. If you or a loved one has suffered after Paraquat exposure, our lawyers are here to help seek justice and meaningful compensation.

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Paraquat Lawsuits: Key Takeaways

  • Paraquat exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease and other severe health conditions. Farmworkers, licensed applicators, and even nearby residents may all have been put at risk.
  • Thousands of cases are consolidated in multidistrict litigation. This structure allows courts to handle common issues efficiently while still keeping your individual claim intact.
  • Compensation reflects the full weight of your suffering. Damages may cover medical expenses, lost income, diminished quality of life, family losses, and wrongful death claims.
  • Eligibility depends on documented exposure and a confirmed diagnosis. Records of work history, proof of licensure or supervised work, and medical documentation are key to building a strong case.
  • You are subject to filing deadlines that vary by state. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to pursue compensation, making it vital to act quickly.
  • If you or a loved one developed Parkinson’s disease after Paraquat exposure, contact Ferrer Poirot Feller and let our team fight for your justice.

Paraquat and Its Core Concerns

Tractor spraying crops with herbicide on a large farm, illustrating agricultural Paraquat exposure linked to Parkinson’s disease lawsuits.

Paraquat dichloride functions as a broad-spectrum herbicide integral to large-scale farming operations in the United States, targeting weeds that threaten crop yields. Manufacturers distribute it under brand names like Gramoxone, yet mounting evidence reveals profound risks tied to its application. It prompted widespread scrutiny from health authorities, environmental groups, and the legal system.

Exposure to Paraquat occurs primarily through dermal contact, inhalation during spraying, or accidental ingestion. Even minimal amounts pose severe threats due to their corrosive nature. Farmworkers and agricultural applicators represent the most vulnerable groups, as repeated handling without adequate protective measures amplifies absorption into the bloodstream. In cases of acute poisoning, symptoms manifest as:

  • Respiratory distress
  • Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • Organ failure
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Muscle weakness
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
  • Fast heart rate
  • Headache, lethargy, and fever

Chronic exposure correlates strongly with the development of Parkinson’s disease. Scientific studies indicate that Paraquat disrupts cellular processes in the brain, accelerating neurodegeneration in susceptible individuals. Other issues related to long-term exposure to Paraquat include:

  • Pulmonary fibrosis 
  • Chronic dermatitis
  • Kidney and liver damage
  • Reduced fertility 
  • Scarring in the esophagus leading to difficulty swallowing
  • Increased risk of pregnancy complications
  • Cancer 

Beyond these issues, the harm can strain personal resources as the victims adjust their lives due to the life-altering harm they endure. As a result, plaintiffs have initiated product liability claims against primary producers, including Syngenta and Chevron.

Plaintiffs took action against the manufacturers for concealing known dangers while marketing the herbicide for agricultural purposes. They argue that inadequate labeling and failure to disclose epidemiological links to the disease constitute negligence under tort law principles.

Due to many cases being filed, courts have consolidated thousands of individual actions into multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3004) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. It streamlines pretrial proceedings to address common factual disputes efficiently.

Why Choose Ferrer Poirot Feller?

Attorney Jesse Ferrer, founding lawyer at Ferrer Poirot Feller Attorney Joe Poirot, partner at Ferrer Poirot Feller Attorney Christina Feller, partner at Ferrer Poirot Feller

When your health and future are at risk, you need more than just a lawyer. You need to work with a team with the experience, strength, and compassion to fight for you. At Ferrer Poirot Feller, that’s exactly what you get. Here are the reasons why victims of defective products trust us:

  • National Recognition: For nearly four decades, we’ve taken on some of the most challenging cases in the country. Founded in 1985, our firm has become nationally recognized for protecting the rights of the injured and abused. We are dedicated advocates who know what it takes to hold billion-dollar corporations accountable.
  • Solid Results: We have secured significant recoveries for clients across the U.S. and are committed to standing strong against powerful corporations and negligent parties. Our track record reflects determination, grit, and an unshakable willingness to go all the way to fight for justice.
  • Client-Focused & Compassionate: We understand the anguish families face when a dangerous product like Paraquat changes the course of their lives. That’s why we provide not only aggressive legal representation but also compassionate and personalized support. You are more than just a case to us—you are a person whose story matters. We’re here to help you get through this, every step of the way.
  • Accessible & Cost-Effective: We believe getting help should never feel out of reach. That’s why we offer free, confidential case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs and no hidden fees. We focus on compassionate advocacy and protecting your rights.

Our ability to stand up for injured clients is reflected in our client reviews and testimonials. Those we have represented praise us for our dedication and winning mentality. Our Paraquat lawsuit attorneys will utilize all available resources and networks to secure your rightful compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Get in a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Doctor reviewing brain scans related to Parkinson’s disease, representing neurological conditions linked to Paraquat exposure.

Living with the consequences of Paraquat exposure reshapes every part of daily life. For instance, a diagnosis like Parkinson’s disease means losing independence, facing endless medical appointments, and struggling with both physical and emotional burdens. The financial recovery in these lawsuits is designed to reflect the full weight of that suffering.

Victims and their families can pursue compensation for:

  • Healthcare Costs, Past and Future: Covering hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation services, specialized equipment, and anticipated long-term care needs.
  • Income Disruption: Payments for income already lost, and diminished earning ability when a career is cut short by disease progression.
  • Physical and Emotional Toll: Recovery for the ongoing pain, mental anguish, and daily struggles caused by neurological decline and related conditions.
  • Family Hardship Claims: When illness takes away companionship, intimacy, or shared family experiences, spouses and relatives may be entitled to damages for this loss of connection.
  • Wrongful Death and Survivor Claims: If Paraquat exposure leads to death, surviving families may recover the costs of burial, the loss of financial contributions, and compensation for their grief.

The value of each Paraquat case depends on the seriousness of the injuries, the medical evidence supporting the claim, and the long-term consequences on the victim’s life. With our unique experience, our team is committed to securing a resolution that accounts for the full scope of your losses.

Where Paraquat Exposure Happens

Paraquat is a weed killer most commonly used in large-scale agricultural operations. Unlike everyday household products, it’s restricted to licensed applicators because of its toxicity. Despite these restrictions, countless workers and bystanders have still been exposed to the chemical, sometimes for years before connecting their health issues to Paraquat.

The main avenues of exposure include:

  • Mixing and Spraying: Farmworkers who prepared Paraquat for spraying or applied it directly to fields faced the highest risk. Even protective equipment was not always enough to prevent inhalation or skin contact.
  • Contaminated Workplaces: Those who labored on farms or in agricultural storage facilities may have unknowingly handled crops, tools, or soil carrying Paraquat residue.
  • Drift Exposure: Paraquat sprayed on fields does not always stay there. Nearby residents and communities may have inhaled particles carried by the wind.
  • Transport and Storage: Truck drivers, warehouse workers, and others involved in the supply chain can also be exposed through spills or leaks during transport.

The location of Paraquat exposure is significant in a lawsuit because it helps establish how, when, and where the plaintiff came into contact with the chemical. It strengthens causation arguments and may tie the case to specific employers, landowners, or manufacturers. It also helps Paraquat lawsuit lawyers to demonstrate whether safety rules or federal restrictions were violated, which can increase the strength and value of your claim.

Because Paraquat has been widely used across the United States, exposure is not limited to one region. Farmers in the Midwest, agricultural workers in the South, and rural residents nationwide may all have been affected. This broad use is one reason so many Paraquat lawsuits are being filed.

Who Qualifies for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Super Lawyers badge recognizing Texas attorney Christina Feller for excellence in Class Action and Mass Torts law

Eligibility to pursue a Paraquat lawsuit depends on both medical history and exposure evidence. Because Paraquat has been directly linked to Parkinson’s disease and other severe health conditions, courts require clear proof that your illness is tied to exposure.

Eligibility is evaluated based on the following:

  • Confirmed Medical Diagnosis – Most cases involve individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following exposure to Paraquat. 
  • Minimum Timeframe Between Exposure and Illness – There must be at least one year between your first known exposure to Paraquat and the development of Parkinson’s disease symptoms or diagnosis. 
  • Proof of Exposure – Claimants must show they worked with or around Paraquat. Employment records, farm logs, or witness testimony can all help strengthen the case.
  • License Requirement – Since 1978, individuals purchasing Paraquat have been required to hold a valid license. To qualify, you must either show proof of licensure if you purchased Paraquat directly or demonstrate that you worked under someone with a valid license who supervised its use.
  • Minimum Exposure Threshold – Applicants must demonstrate that they have personally had direct skin contact with Paraquat for at least eight separate days in their lifetime.
  • Family Member Claims – Surviving family members may pursue wrongful death lawsuits if a family member passed away from Parkinson’s disease or related complications after documented Paraquat exposure.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee compensation, but positions you to take legal action. A Paraquat lawsuit attorney from our firm can review your work history, medical documents, and personal circumstances to determine the strength of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paraquat Lawsuits

Our Paraquat Lawsuit Lawyers Can Help

Jesse Ferrer attorney representing Paraquat Lawsuit clients
Jesse Ferrer, attorney representing Paraquat Lawsuit clients

Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and don’t know the options you have? A Paraquat lawsuit can be a path toward securing financial recovery for the harm you’ve endured. At Ferrer Poirot Feller, our personal injury lawyers are ready to stand by your side and fight aggressively for the justice you deserve. There’s no cost to get started, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today at (214) 521-4412 to learn how we can support your pursuit of fair compensation.

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Ferrer Poirot Feller – Main Offices

Address:
2603 Oak Lawn, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75219

Phone:
(214) 521-4412

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