Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic herbicide linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease in agricultural workers and others exposed to the chemical. Thousands of affected people have filed lawsuits against manufacturers Syngenta and Chevron, alleging these companies knew about the dangers but failed to warn users.
If you want to pursue a paraquat lawsuit, one common question may be on your mind: “How much will my settlement be?” While no settlement is guaranteed, these lawsuits have the potential to pay out thousands of dollars to those harmed by paraquat.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Thousands of paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of Illinois. An MDL combines similar cases into a single court for efficiency purposes. Unlike class action lawsuits, where the settlement is split evenly across all plaintiffs, MDLs allow each person to recover a unique settlement based on the damages that they have suffered.
In a paraquat lawsuit, you can recover compensation for:
- All past and future medical treatments, medications, therapies, and assistive devices needed to manage Parkinson’s disease
- The value of all wages and benefits lost due to an inability to work and reduced earning capacity
- The physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life experienced as a result of developing Parkinson’s disease
- The permanent physical limitations and lifestyle adjustments necessitated by your Parkinson’s diagnosis, such as home modifications
Have Any Settlements Been Issued in the Paraquat Lawsuit?
Paraquat lawsuits are still in their early stages, and no settlements have been issued in the current MDL. However, in 2021, Syngenta and a co-defendant settled a group of California lawsuits for $187.5 million. This settlement created a special fund to distribute compensation to the affected individuals.
Due to this uncertainty, it is difficult to predict how much a paraquat settlement will be. Some professionals have estimated potential settlements between $100,000 and $150,000 per case based on similar toxic exposure lawsuits, but these figures are speculative. The first bellwether trials in the MDL will offer better guidance on potential values.
Do You Qualify for Legal Action Against Paraquat Manufacturers?
You may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit if you were exposed to the herbicide and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease. Exposure can occur through direct contact with the chemical, inhalation of spray drift, accidental ingestion, or proximity to application areas.
Those most likely to have significant paraquat exposure include:
- Agricultural workers
- Farmers
- Licensed applicators
- Landscapers
- Anyone living near areas where paraquat was regularly applied
An attorney for paraquat lawsuits can evaluate your situation and determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for filing a claim. With their guidance, you can better understand your legal options and begin developing a robust case for compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Estey & Bomberger, LLP
People exposed to substances like Paraquat deserve fair compensation for the harm they have suffered. At Estey & Bomberger, LLP, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for victims harmed by toxic chemicals. If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to paraquat, our attorneys can fight for you. Contact us at (800) 260-7197 for a free consultation and learn more about your path forward.