Paraquat Parkinson’s Lawsuits: Philadelphia Bellwether Trials Set to Begin

The Stakes are High: As of September 2025, over 6,360 paraquat claims are pending in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), involving victims across the country.

Paraquat, a widely used herbicide in the United States, has been at the center of a growing storm of litigation due to its alleged link to Parkinson’s disease. As the number of cases continues to rise, the legal battleground is shifting to Philadelphia, where bellwether trials are set to begin in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. These trials are crucial as they will set the tone for future settlements and verdicts in similar cases across the country. With 1,277 plaintiffs in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas cases, the outcomes of these trials could have far-reaching implications for both the victims and the manufacturers of paraquat.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a toxic chemical used as an herbicide in the U.S. since 1964. It’s effective at killing plants, and has been widely used for controlling weeds and invasive grasses in various agricultural settings, including cotton, corn, and soybean fields. Despite its effectiveness, paraquat is highly toxic to humans and has been linked to severe health issues, including Parkinson’s disease.

The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

Numerous studies have suggested a connection between paraquat exposure and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. A study by UCLA researchers indicated that paraquat can cause the movement disorder, with the risk increasing the longer individuals were exposed and the amount of pesticide applied on fields. The researchers found a strong connection between the pesticide and Parkinson’s disease risk. The effect estimates were particularly strong for patients who got Parkinson’s disease before the age of 60. It was also seen for those who got it later in life.

Paraquat is believed to interfere with dopamine production and regulation in the brain, and people with Parkinson’s have reduced dopamine levels.

Paraquat Lawsuits: Allegations and Key Points

Paraquat lawsuits allege that exposure to the toxic chemical herbicide leads to an increased risk of neurological issues, including Parkinson’s disease. Plaintiffs seek to hold manufacturers Syngenta and Chevron accountable for their negligence in not warning users of these health risks.

Key points of the lawsuits:

Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs claim that manufacturers knew about the risks of Parkinson’s associated with paraquat but failed to warn the public.
Negligence: Lawsuits claim that manufacturers and some distributors knew about the dangers of the product before it entered the market and have negligently continued to sell it.
Product Liability: People who have suffered injuries because of paraquat exposure may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers and distributors of paraquat.

Bellwether Trials in Philadelphia: What to Expect

Bellwether trials are test trials that help determine how juries respond to the evidence presented in a case. They can significantly influence later settlement offers and the overall trajectory of the litigation.

Key dates and developments in the Philadelphia litigation:

August 2025: The first bellwether trial was set to commence in August 2025.
July 9, 2025: Judge Roberts scheduled oral arguments on evidentiary motions for July 9, 2025, which must take place before the Pennsylvania state bellwether trials can begin.
June 2025: The Paraquat bellwether trial in Philadelphia has been delayed by two months, now set to begin in June 2025.

Paraquat Settlement Amounts: What to Expect

Paraquat settlement amounts may range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars — with some victims potentially getting over $1 Million in more severe cases. In complex litigation like that involving paraquat, there’s usually a tiered settlement structure that specifies how much money a plaintiff is entitled to based on their injury and damages. Victims with more serious or advanced injuries may be placed in higher tiers with larger paraquat payouts. Similarly, those with longer or more intense exposure to the toxic herbicide may also qualify for a higher settlement.

While these paraquat lawsuits are still in early stages, similar cases, such as the Roundup lawsuit, have led experts to predict that paraquat settlements could average between $100,000 to $150,000 per plaintiff. Of course, the amount each plaintiff receives will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of their injury, how well they’re able to prove that paraquat caused their injury, and other legal factors.

Who is Liable in a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Manufacturers of the herbicide are held responsible for any injuries or illnesses caused by Paraquat. These chemical manufacturers include:

Syngenta
Chevron Chemical Company
Adama Group
Helm Agro
Sinon USA, Inc.
United Phosphorous
Altitude Crop Innovations, LLC
Drexel Chemical Company
Innvictis Crop Care, LLC

What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Paraquat

If you believe you have been exposed to paraquat and have experienced adverse health effects, seeking legal representation is vital to protect your rights and pursue justice. A paraquat exposure attorney can help you:

Prove paraquat exposure and establish liability
Identify the responsible parties
Assess the full extent of your damages
Negotiate with the opposing party’s legal representatives
Present your case effectively in court

Is There a Paraquat Class Action Lawsuit?

No, there’s no paraquat class action lawsuit. However, large, consolidated litigations are ongoing in state and federal court. A state court docket in Philadelphia is proceeding well. More than 1,000 plaintiffs have filed suit against chemical companies in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas for paraquat exposure. A federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) docket had 6,362 plaintiffs as of September 2, 2025.

The Future of Paraquat Litigation

The Paraquat litigation is ongoing, with bellwether trials selected for the MDL. In a significant development for the Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL), the Judge has recently selected ten new cases to serve as bellwether trials. This decision comes after a major setback in April when all previously selected cases were dismissed, causing considerable delays as parties had spent over a year preparing these cases for trial. The newly selected bellwether cases will undergo case-specific fact discovery over the next few months in preparation for possible jury trials.

Seek Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat exposure, you may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit and receive financial compensation. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.