Chicago, Illinois – The Paraquat class action lawsuits continue to grow as more plaintiffs come forward alleging that the herbicide caused them to develop Parkinson’s disease. As of January 2023, there are over 2,300 cases pending in the Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the federal courts. The litigation has seen a significant increase in the number of new cases filed each month, with an average of over 200 new cases per month in 2022.
The plaintiffs in these lawsuits claim that exposure to Paraquat, a popular weed killer, led to their Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. They allege that the manufacturers of Paraquat, Syngenta and Chevron, were aware of the potential health risks associated with the herbicide but failed to warn the public. The defendants deny these allegations and argue that there is no scientific evidence supporting a link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.
The MDL judge has identified a group of six cases for the initial bellwether trials, which are scheduled to begin in November 2022. These trials will help determine the strength of the plaintiffs’ claims and may set the stage for future settlement negotiations. Both sides have been preparing for these trials through fact discovery and the selection of expert witnesses.
In addition to the MDL, there are also Paraquat lawsuits pending in state courts across the country. The total number of Paraquat lawsuits, including those in the MDL and state courts, is estimated to be over 2,500. This makes the Paraquat litigation one of the largest mass torts currently pending in the United States.
As the litigation continues to progress, plaintiffs are hopeful that a settlement may be reached that provides them with fair compensation for their injuries. However, the defendants may choose to take their chances in court and let a jury decide the outcome of these cases. The first bellwether trials will be a pivotal moment in the litigation and may influence the defendants’ decision to settle or proceed to trial.
It is important to note that the information provided in this article is based on news reports and publicly available documents. The outcome of the Paraquat lawsuits is uncertain, and it is up to the courts to determine the validity of the plaintiffs’ claims.