Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding the Link and Your Legal Options

Paraquat, a widely used herbicide in the United States, has come under increasing scrutiny due to its potential link to Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one has been exposed to paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, understanding the connection between the two is crucial. You may also have legal options to pursue. Studies show that individuals exposed to Paraquat are up to 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than non-exposed individuals.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a non-selective contact herbicide, meaning it kills a wide range of plants upon direct contact. It’s been used commercially since the early 1960s and is known for its effectiveness in controlling weeds and grasses that have become resistant to other herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup). Because of its high toxicity, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies paraquat as a “restricted use” pesticide. This means that only certified applicators who have undergone specific training can purchase and use it. Despite these restrictions, millions of pounds of paraquat are applied to crops in the U.S. each year.

Paraquat is used in the production of many crops, including:

Corn
Soybeans
Cotton
Peanuts
Wheat
Almonds
Strawberries
Grapes
Sweet potatoes

The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

The connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease has been a subject of scientific investigation for decades. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and postural instability.

Scientific Evidence

Numerous studies have suggested a link between paraquat exposure and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Increased Risk: A meta-analysis of multiple studies revealed a statistically significant association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, with an odds ratio of 1.64 (95% CI: 1.27-2.13). This suggests that individuals exposed to paraquat have a higher chance of developing the disease.
Dose-Response Relationship: Some studies have indicated that the greater the exposure to paraquat, the greater the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Specific Populations at Risk: Research has focused on agricultural workers, farmers, and individuals living near treated areas, showing a higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease in these populations.
Biological Mechanisms: Animal studies have demonstrated that paraquat can be toxic to nerve cells, damage mitochondria (the cell’s “powerhouse”), and cause oxidative stress, all of which are implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

How Paraquat May Contribute to Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists believe that paraquat’s toxic effects on the brain may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease through several mechanisms:

Dopamine Neuron Damage: Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Paraquat may directly damage these neurons, leading to a dopamine deficiency and the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms.
Oxidative Stress: Paraquat can induce oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can damage cells and contribute to neurodegeneration.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Paraquat can impair the function of mitochondria, which are essential for energy production in cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to cell death and contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Important Considerations

It’s important to note that while studies have shown an association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, it’s difficult to establish a direct causal link in humans. Parkinson’s disease is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, making it challenging to isolate a single cause.

Who is at Risk?

Several groups of people are at higher risk of paraquat exposure and, consequently, may have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease:

Agricultural Workers and Farmers: Those who directly handle paraquat, mix it, or apply it to crops are at the highest risk.
Landscapers: Professionals who use paraquat for weed control in landscaping settings may also be exposed.
Residents Near Agricultural Areas: People living near farms where paraquat is used may be exposed through spray drift or contaminated water sources.
Golf Course Maintenance Crews: Workers who apply herbicides on golf courses may be exposed to paraquat.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease symptoms vary from person to person, and the disease progresses differently for everyone. Common symptoms include:

Tremors (shaking), often in the hands, arms, or legs
Muscle stiffness
Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
Postural instability (difficulty with balance)
Difficulty walking
Speech changes
Loss of facial expression
Cognitive and behavioral symptoms such as amnesia, confusion, speech impairment, insomnia, dementia, anxiety, and depression.

Your Legal Options

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after paraquat exposure, you may have legal options to seek compensation for your losses. Paraquat lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of paraquat-containing herbicides knew about the risks associated with their products but failed to adequately warn users.

Who Can File a Lawsuit?

Individuals who may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit include:

People who used, sprayed, or came into contact with paraquat
People who worked at a company that used paraquat
People who lived near farms where paraquat was sprayed
Anyone otherwise exposed to the herbicide

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

A successful paraquat lawsuit may provide compensation for various damages, including:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages (in some cases)

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

Many paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. An MDL is a legal procedure used to streamline complex cases involving a large number of plaintiffs with similar claims. As of January 2026, over 6,476 paraquat claims are pending in the MDL.

How to File a Claim

To file a paraquat lawsuit, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Consult with a Paraquat Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney who specializes in toxic exposure cases and has a thorough understanding of paraquat litigation.
Gather Evidence: Collect any documentation that supports your claim, such as medical records, employment history, paraquat purchase records, and witness statements.
Assess Your Exposure: To be eligible to file a lawsuit, you’ll need to show or testify that: You were exposed to the herbicide paraquat and not another herbicide, your exposure occurred after paraquat became fully available on the market in 1966, and your exposure is consistent with the instructed use of the herbicide.
File Your Lawsuit: Your attorney will file a complaint in the appropriate court, outlining your allegations and the damages you seek.

Paraquat Settlement Amounts

Paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Factors that may influence settlement amounts include the extent of paraquat exposure, the severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms, and the strength of the evidence linking the two. Legal industry estimates suggest that the individual payout for a paraquat settlement could range from $20,000 to $1.5 million.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been affected by paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney. A paraquat lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your case and protect your rights.