Paraquat Lawsuit Update: Master Settlement Agreement Signed, What’s Next for Parkinson’s Claims?

Paraquat, a widely used herbicide in the United States, has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies have shown that exposure to paraquat may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s by as much as 250%. As a result, thousands of individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to paraquat have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers, alleging that they failed to warn users about the herbicide’s long-term neurological risks. As of September 2025, over 6,360 paraquat claims are pending in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), involving victims across the country.

A major development has occurred in the paraquat litigation: a Master Settlement Agreement has been signed to resolve ongoing lawsuits. This agreement aims to streamline the process of providing payouts to a large group of plaintiffs. This blog post will provide an update on the Paraquat lawsuit, discuss the details of the Master Settlement Agreement, and outline what’s next for Parkinson’s claims.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride, commonly known as paraquat, is a chemical agent primarily used as a potent herbicide for weed and vegetation control. It has been used in the United States since 1964. Due to its toxicity, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies paraquat as a “restricted use” pesticide, meaning that only certified, trained applicators can use it. Despite its restricted use, paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in the nation, with approximately 8 million pounds sprayed on U.S. crops each year.

Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease: The Link

Scientific evidence has long suggested a strong link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.

A 1997 study of Taiwanese individuals found a greater prevalence of Parkinson’s in people who had used paraquat than those without exposure.
In 2011, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a study – the Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME) – which found that the herbicide was linked to a 2.5x higher risk of developing the disease.
A 2002 study on mice found that exposure to paraquat was linked with selective dopaminergic degeneration in the subjects’ brains.

Plaintiffs in the paraquat lawsuits allege that manufacturers like Syngenta and Chevron were aware of the risks associated with paraquat exposure but failed to adequately warn users. Internal company documents have revealed that executives knew about the risk of Parkinson’s associated with paraquat but failed to warn the public.

Master Settlement Agreement: Details and Implications

A Master Settlement Agreement has been signed to resolve ongoing paraquat lawsuits. This type of agreement is designed to help streamline the process of providing payouts to a large group of plaintiffs. The key details of the agreement are:

Eligibility: The settlement will be open to plaintiffs involved in the paraquat MDL and hundreds of additional victims who filed claims in California before April 7, 2025.
Payout Schedule: Both sides plan to release a paraquat payout schedule with estimated settlement ranges within the next 60-90 days.
Individual Choice: Those who reject the settlement can continue pursuing compensation from a trial verdict.

The settlement is expected to resolve a large number of the more than 6,360 claims pending in the paraquat Parkinson’s class action lawsuit or multidistrict litigation.

Potential Settlement Amounts

While the exact settlement amounts will vary depending on the specifics of each case, legal industry estimates suggest that individual payouts could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some victims potentially receiving over $1 million in more severe cases. Factors that may influence settlement amounts include:

Extent of Exposure: Significant or long-term exposure to paraquat may result in a stronger case and a higher settlement amount.
Injury Severity: The seriousness of the Parkinson’s disease and its impact on the individual’s life will play a significant role in the settlement amount. Victims with more serious or advanced injuries may be placed in higher tiers with larger paraquat payouts.
Evidence of Exposure: Strong evidence linking paraquat exposure to the development of Parkinson’s disease is crucial for a successful claim.

What’s Next for Parkinson’s Claims?

With the Master Settlement Agreement in place, here’s what individuals with Parkinson’s disease who have been exposed to paraquat can expect:

Review of the Settlement Agreement: Once the payout schedule is released, plaintiffs will need to review the terms of the settlement agreement with their attorneys to determine whether to accept or reject the offer.
Opt-In or Opt-Out Decision: Plaintiffs will have the option to opt into the settlement and receive a payout or opt out and continue pursuing their claims through trial.
Individual Case Evaluation: Attorneys will evaluate each case to determine its potential value and advise clients on the best course of action.
Continued Litigation: For those who opt out of the settlement, litigation will continue, and cases will proceed toward trial.

Statute of Limitations

It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for paraquat lawsuits varies by state and is typically 1 to 3 years after the Parkinson’s diagnosis or the date you found out about the link between paraquat and the illness. It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to determine the applicable statute of limitations in your state and ensure that your claim is filed within the deadline.

Finding Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat exposure, it’s essential to seek legal representation from an experienced paraquat lawsuit attorney. A skilled attorney can:

Evaluate your case and determine your eligibility to file a claim.
Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, exposure history, and expert testimony.
Navigate the complex legal process and represent you in negotiations with the defendants.
Advocate for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

The Master Settlement Agreement in the paraquat litigation represents a significant step forward for individuals with Parkinson’s disease who have been exposed to this toxic herbicide. While the settlement provides a potential pathway to compensation for many, it’s crucial to understand the details of the agreement and make informed decisions about your legal options. If you believe you have a claim, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced paraquat lawsuit attorney to discuss your case and protect your rights.