On June 7, 2021, the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation consolidated Paraquat claims into the Southern District of Illinois. This consolidation was only for the federally filed paraquat cases.
Paraquat is an herbicide made to defoliate entire crops. It has been used since 1964 and has not been approved for residential use. One of the side effects of Paraquat poisoning is a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. There are two main types of claims: exposure and applicator claims.
Currently, the consolidation of Paraquat is ongoing with many new cases being compiled in the Southern District of Illinois.
There have been many studies that have linked Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease.
For example, a 2018 research study from the University of Guelph found “low level of exposure to pesticides like paraquat and maneb disrupted cells in a way that mimicked the effects of mutations known to cause PD. Those at genetic risk for the disease were more vulnerable to such effects.” [1]
Later, in 2019, researchers found that the occurrence of Parkinson’s disease was 25% higher in participants exposed to Paraquat and that those who were exposed to Paraquat for longer periods of time had a higher frequency of Parkinson’s disease.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Paraquat, or have developed Parkinson’s disease due to the exposure of Paraquat or the application of it, please call us at the Michael Brady Lynch firm. Our number is 888-585-5970. We have attorneys standing by to answer your call!
[1] Paraquat Multidistrict Litigation https://newyork.legalexaminer.com/legal/paraquat-mdl-grows-as-another-plaintiff-blames-the-herbicide-for-parkinsons-disease/