Paraquat Lawsuit 2026: MDL Tops 6,600 Parkinson’s Cases

Last updated: October 2026

The federal paraquat MDL now holds more than 6,600 pending Parkinson’s disease cases. According to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation’s September 1, 2026 report, MDL 3004 had 6,666 pending actions, and 8,488 cases have been part of it over time. The big story in 2026 is not new filings, though. It is the settlement process and what happens to people who say no. Below, we also explain which farm and medical records can support a paraquat lawsuit and how families can plan as Parkinson’s changes over time.

Here is a plain-language paraquat lawsuit update for 2026.

Paraquat lawsuit update: where the MDL stands

MDL 3004, In re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, is in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel oversees it. The MDL was created in 2021 to handle federal lawsuits claiming paraquat caused Parkinson’s disease.

Key points as of October 2026:

• Pending cases: 6,666, per the JPML’s September 2026 report. In 2025, the count was about 6,036.
• Total cases over time: 8,488, which includes cases that have been dismissed or resolved.
• Defendants: Mainly Syngenta, which sold Gramoxone, and Chevron, which once distributed it in the U.S.
• Trials: No MDL case has gone to trial. Test trials have been postponed or settled while the settlement plays out.

Other paraquat cases are filed in state courts and are not part of the MDL count.

The settlement: what we know

In 2025, Syngenta and Chevron signed a settlement agreement meant to resolve many of the MDL cases. Early reports described Syngenta moving to settle thousands of lawsuits.

The terms have not been made public. That includes the total amount and how much each person may receive. News outlets have reported estimates from lawyers, but none are official, so we do not repeat them here.

What is known:

• Each plaintiff decides whether to take part.
• Payment is expected to depend on factors like diagnosis records and exposure proof.
• Attorney fees and medical liens usually reduce the amount a person receives.

Syngenta has resolved paraquat cases before. It paid $187.5 million in 2021 to settle an undisclosed number of claims, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

What’s happening to people who opt out

Not everyone accepts. Some law firms have reported that many of their clients turned down the offer, according to The New Lede.

In mid-2026, Judge Rosenstengel set rules for people who did not join the deal:

• They were ordered to meet with a court-appointed special master.
• Many were required to sit for depositions by early August.
• A share of each firm’s cases was chosen for full “work-up,” meaning more discovery and case preparation.

The court has also paused trial deadlines several times to let the settlement move forward. Critics say this puts pressure on people to accept. The court says it is managing a very large docket.

If you are in the MDL, ask your own lawyer what these orders mean for your case.

EPA and state action in 2026

EPA’s review

In January 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency would “freshly reassess” paraquat. Civil Eats reported that critics see this as a continuation of reviews EPA had already committed to, including work on how paraquat drifts after spraying. Paraquat remains a restricted-use pesticide, which means only certified applicators can use it.

California phases out paraquat

California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation began a new review of paraquat in late 2024. In response, makers pulled their products:

• Syngenta’s cancellation of Gramoxone SL 3.0 took effect April 1, 2026, DPR said.
• By August 6, 2026, every company had voluntarily cancelled its paraquat products in California, according to DPR.
• Dealers may sell remaining stock for up to two years after each cancellation.

Syngenta also said it would stop making and selling paraquat by mid-2026. Generic paraquat from other makers is still sold in many states.

Paraquat MDL timeline and what it means for you

A quick look at how the litigation got here:

• 2021: The JPML creates MDL 3004 in the Southern District of Illinois. Syngenta separately pays $187.5 million to resolve some earlier claims.
• 2021 to 2024: Cases grow into the thousands. Bellwether trials are scheduled, then delayed.
• 2025: Syngenta and Chevron sign a settlement agreement. The pending count reaches about 6,036.
• January 2026: EPA announces it will “freshly reassess” paraquat.
• April to August 2026: Paraquat products are voluntarily cancelled in California.
• Mid-2026: The court sets special master meetings and deposition deadlines for people who opt out.
• September 2026: The JPML reports 6,666 pending cases.

If you are already in the MDL

If you have a pending paraquat case, a few practical tips:

• Read every letter from your lawyer. Settlement deadlines can be short.
• Ask questions before deciding. Ask how your amount was estimated, what fees and liens apply, and what happens if you opt out.
• Keep medical records current. Updated neurology records may matter for settlement tiers.
• Tell your lawyer about changes, such as a move, a new diagnosis or a family member taking over for you.

If a loved one with a paraquat case has died, family members may be able to continue the claim. The lawyer handling the case can explain the steps.

Paraquat and Parkinson’s: the basics

Paraquat is a powerful weed killer used on farms for decades. Lawsuits claim long-term exposure raises the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says people exposed to some types of pesticides have a greater risk of Parkinson’s.

People who file are often:

• Farmers and farm owners
• Licensed pesticide applicators
• Farmworkers and crop dusters
• People who lived near treated fields

Can you still file a paraquat lawsuit?

Yes, in many cases. New cases can still be filed, and the MDL keeps growing slowly. But some things are different now:

• Settlement terms may apply. Newer cases may not be covered by the 2025 agreement. A lawyer can explain how that affects you.
• Deadlines matter. Filing deadlines vary by state and claim type.
• Records matter. A Parkinson’s diagnosis and proof of paraquat exposure are usually needed.

If you used other farm chemicals too, such as chlorpyrifos, a firm may review those exposures as well. Learn about chlorpyrifos claims.

Documenting farm exposure for a paraquat lawsuit

Whether you are already in the MDL or thinking about filing, proof of exposure is one of the most important parts of a paraquat lawsuit. Many people sprayed paraquat years or even decades ago, so records may be scattered. Here is where to look.

Applicator licenses and training records

Paraquat is a restricted-use pesticide. The EPA says any person who intends to use paraquat must be a certified applicator, and that people working under a certified applicator’s supervision are not allowed to use it. Certified applicators must also complete paraquat-specific training once every three years. You can read the rules on the EPA’s paraquat training page.

That means helpful records may include:

• Your state pesticide applicator license or certification number
• Renewal notices and continuing education records
• Paraquat training certificates or completion emails

Your state’s agriculture department may be able to confirm your license history if you no longer have the papers. Some states also keep records of training or exam dates, which can help show when you were licensed to use paraquat.

Spray and purchase records

The USDA says private applicators are required by law to keep records of their federally restricted-use pesticide applications. These records list details such as the product name, EPA registration number, amount, date and location, and must be kept for two years. You can read more on the USDA pesticide recordkeeping page.

Older records may be gone, but it is worth checking for:

• Spray logs or field notebooks
• Invoices from farm supply stores or co-ops
• Receipts from custom applicators or crop dusting services
• Farm accounting records or tax papers listing chemical purchases

Work history and witnesses

If you sprayed paraquat for an employer, pay stubs, W-2 forms and job descriptions can show where and when you worked. Coworkers, family members and neighbors may remember seeing you mix or spray. Write down their names and contact details so a firm reviewing your paraquat lawsuit can reach them.

If you lived near treated fields

Some people were not applicators but lived or worked next to fields that were sprayed. In that case, helpful details include old photos of your home and the nearby fields, your addresses, the crops grown nearby, how close the fields were and how often you saw spraying. A participating law firm may review whether this kind of exposure fits a paraquat lawsuit.

Put your exposure on one page

Once you have gathered what you can, write a short timeline. For each year or range of years, list where you worked, which crops you treated, about how many days you sprayed paraquat and what equipment you used. Note whether you mixed or loaded the product yourself and what protective gear you wore.

A simple timeline helps you answer questions the same way each time. It also makes it easier for a firm to see whether your history fits a paraquat lawsuit.

Mistakes to avoid with records

• Do not throw away old farm papers, even if they seem unrelated.
• Do not guess on dates or amounts. If you are unsure, say so.
• Do not change or add notes to old records. Keep them as they are.
• Keep copies of anything you send to a law firm.

Your Parkinson’s records and a paraquat lawsuit

Exposure is only half of the picture. A paraquat lawsuit also depends on clear medical records showing a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

How Parkinson’s is diagnosed

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) says there is no single test that confirms Parkinson’s disease. Doctors usually rely on a medical history and a neurological exam. NINDS lists four main symptoms:

• Tremor, often starting in a hand
• Stiff or rigid muscles
• Slow movement, called bradykinesia
• Balance and posture problems

NINDS also notes that brain imaging, such as a DaT scan, can help with diagnosis, though it cannot tell Parkinson’s apart from some similar conditions.

Records to gather

• Neurologist notes that state your diagnosis and the date it was made
• Imaging reports, such as a DaT scan, if one was done
• A list of medicines you have taken for Parkinson’s and when you started them
• Records from physical, occupational or speech therapy
• Notes about how symptoms affect work, driving and daily life
• Records of any falls, hospital stays or emergency visits linked to your symptoms

Keep a symptom diary

A short diary can help your doctors and your case. Note when symptoms started, how they have changed and how they affect daily tasks like buttoning a shirt, writing or walking. Bring the diary to appointments so changes are written into your chart. Updated records can matter if a paraquat lawsuit settlement groups claims by severity.

Questions to ask your neurologist

• On what date was I diagnosed, and is it written in my chart?
• Is my diagnosis Parkinson’s disease or a related condition?
• Can I get copies of my exam notes and imaging reports?
• Can you note my history of pesticide exposure in my chart?

Keeping your neurology records up to date matters, since settlement programs and court forms in a paraquat lawsuit may ask about your current condition, not just your first diagnosis.

Talking with family about a paraquat lawsuit

Parkinson’s disease often changes over time. Many people with a paraquat lawsuit lean on family for help with paperwork, calls and appointments. Planning ahead can make this easier for everyone.

Choose a point person

Pick one trusted family member to help track letters, deadlines and calls from your lawyer. Keep all case papers in one folder that this person can find easily. Let your law firm know who that person is, and ask what forms the firm needs before it can speak with them about your case.

Plan for changes in health

As symptoms progress, signing forms or attending meetings can get harder. Some people sign a power of attorney or other planning documents while they are able to. A lawyer can explain which documents may help in your state. These steps are personal choices, and there is no wrong time to ask about them.

If a loved one with a case passes away

When a person with a pending paraquat lawsuit dies, the case does not always end. A family member or the estate representative may be able to step in and continue it. This often means providing a death certificate and papers showing who represents the estate. Deadlines for these steps can be short, so tell the lawyer handling the case as soon as you can.

Caring for the caregiver

Helping a loved one with Parkinson’s can be tiring. Ask the care team about support groups, social workers or respite care. Taking care of yourself also helps you stay steady through a long legal process. Sharing tasks among several relatives can keep any one person from carrying the whole load.

Glossary of paraquat lawsuit terms

Court orders and news stories use terms that can be hard to follow. Here are plain definitions of words you may see in a paraquat lawsuit.

• Paraquat dichloride: a strong weed killer used on farms. It is sold under brand names such as Gramoxone.
• Restricted-use pesticide: a pesticide that, for most products, may be used only by certified applicators or people under their direct supervision. For paraquat, the EPA does not allow use under supervision.
• Certified applicator: a person certified under a state, tribal or federal program to use restricted-use pesticides.
• Parkinson’s disease: a brain disorder that causes tremor, stiffness, slow movement and balance problems.
• Parkinsonism: a broader term for conditions with symptoms like Parkinson’s disease.
• DaT scan: a brain imaging test that can help doctors diagnose Parkinson’s.
• MDL 3004: the federal multidistrict litigation for paraquat cases in the Southern District of Illinois.
• Special master: a person appointed by the court to help manage parts of a case, such as settlement steps.
• Opt out: a choice not to take part in a settlement program.
• Work-up: fuller case preparation, including discovery and depositions, for selected cases.
• Deposition: sworn testimony given outside court and recorded by a court reporter.
• Lien: a right of a health plan or other party to be paid back from a settlement.
• Statute of limitations: the deadline to file a case, which varies by state and claim type.

Some of these words also appear in letters from your lawyer or the court. Keeping these terms in mind can make it easier to follow updates and to ask clear questions about your own paraquat lawsuit.

Frequently asked questions

How Direct2Attorney can help

If you have Parkinson’s disease and were exposed to paraquat, Direct2Attorney can connect you with a participating law firm for a free, confidential review. A firm may review your exposure and diagnosis and explain whether you may qualify. Learn about paraquat lawsuits.

This paraquat lawsuit update will change as the settlement moves forward. Getting answers now can help you plan.

Direct2Attorney is a legal marketing and referral service, not a law firm. This article is general information, not legal advice. Submitting information does not create an attorney-client relationship.