Paraquat Lawsuits: U.S. Farmers and Communities Seek Justice

Last updated: October 2026

Paraquat lawsuits have been filed by thousands of U.S. farmers, farmworkers and rural families who say the weed killer led to Parkinson’s disease. More than 6,600 of these cases are pending in one federal court, and more are in state courts. For many farm communities, the lawsuits are about more than money. They are about accountability, warnings that came too late, and protecting the next generation. Understanding how paraquat lawsuits move through the courts, and how to build an exposure history, can help families make informed choices about their next steps.

This article looks at who is suing, why, and what farm communities are pushing for.

Why farmers are suing over paraquat

Paraquat is a fast-acting herbicide used for decades to clear weeds before planting and to dry out crops before harvest. It was sold under names like Gramoxone. Because it is highly toxic, the EPA classifies it as a restricted-use pesticide. Only certified applicators may use it.

Lawsuits claim that years of exposure raised the risk of Parkinson’s disease, and that makers failed to warn users. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says people exposed to some types of pesticides have a greater risk of Parkinson’s, and it names farming as one example.

Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disorder. It can cause tremor, stiffness, slow movement and balance problems. Over time, many people lose the ability to work the land they spent their lives on.

Who is filing paraquat lawsuits

Those who file often share a history of close, repeated contact. They include:

• Family farmers who mixed and sprayed paraquat themselves for years
• Farmworkers who worked in fields during and after spraying
• Licensed applicators and custom spray operators
• Crop dusters and people who loaded aircraft
• Rural residents who lived next to treated fields

Many are older and were diagnosed after retirement. Some cases are brought by spouses or children after a loved one has died.

The toll on farm communities

Farming is often a family business. When a farmer develops Parkinson’s, the impact spreads:

• Lost work. Physical farm work can become unsafe or impossible.
• Care costs. Medications, therapy and home care add up over many years.
• Family strain. Spouses and children often become caregivers.
• Community loss. Small towns lose experienced farmers, volunteers and leaders.

Many rural areas also have few neurologists. Some patients drive hours for care. That can delay a diagnosis and make treatment harder.

What the lawsuits are asking for

People who file paraquat lawsuits usually seek money to cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. But families often describe other goals too:

• Answers. Knowing what makers knew about the risks, and when.
• Accountability. Holding companies responsible if they failed to warn users.
• Change. Pushing for stronger rules or an end to paraquat use.

The main defendants are Syngenta, which made and sold Gramoxone, and Chevron, which once distributed it in the U.S. The companies deny that paraquat causes Parkinson’s.

Where the cases stand in 2026

Most federal cases are grouped in MDL 3004 in the Southern District of Illinois, before Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel. As of September 1, 2026, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation listed 6,666 pending actions.

In 2025, Syngenta and Chevron signed a settlement agreement to resolve many of those cases. The terms have not been made public. The New Lede reported that many plaintiffs turned it down, and that the judge ordered those who opted out to meet with a special master and sit for depositions in mid-2026. No MDL case has gone to trial.

This is not the first time Syngenta has paid to resolve paraquat claims. It paid $187.5 million in 2021 to settle an undisclosed number of cases, St. Louis Public Radio reported.

Communities push for change

Farm communities and health groups have also pressed regulators. Their efforts have led to real changes:

California

California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation began reevaluating paraquat in late 2024. Syngenta’s Gramoxone cancellation took effect April 1, 2026, according to DPR. By August 6, 2026, every maker had voluntarily cancelled its paraquat products in the state, DPR announced. Dealers may sell remaining stock for up to two years.

Federal level

In January 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency would “freshly reassess” paraquat. Civil Eats reported that critics see it as a continuation of reviews EPA already had to do, not a new look at Parkinson’s risk.

The market

Syngenta, the main maker, said it would stop making and selling paraquat by mid-2026. Generic paraquat from other companies is still used in many states.

Why these cases can be hard to prove

Paraquat claims often involve exposure that happened 20, 30 or even 40 years ago. That creates real challenges:

• Old records are gone. Receipts, spray logs and farm papers may have been lost or thrown out.
• Many chemicals were used. Farmers often sprayed several products. The defense may point to other causes.
• Parkinson’s has many risk factors. Age and genetics also play a role, and companies argue these explain the illness.
• Memory fades. People may not recall brand names or exact years.

Still, many claims move forward with a mix of evidence. Applicator licenses, co-op or dealer purchase records, tax filings that show farm income, and statements from family or coworkers can help fill gaps. Because paraquat is restricted-use, state licensing records may also show that someone was certified to apply it.

What to do if paraquat affected your family

If you or a loved one used or lived near paraquat and now has Parkinson’s:

• Get a full medical evaluation, ideally with a neurologist.
• Write down your exposure history: farms, years, crops, and how you used the product.
• Save records: applicator licenses, purchase receipts, farm records and tax papers.
• Talk to family and former coworkers who may remember your spraying.
• Ask a lawyer about deadlines. Filing deadlines vary by state and claim type.

Some farmers also used other pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, an insecticide now linked in research to Parkinson’s. A firm may review those exposures too. Learn about chlorpyrifos claims.

Support beyond the lawsuit

A Parkinson’s diagnosis affects the whole family. National Parkinson’s groups, local support groups and rural health programs can help with education, exercise classes and caregiver support. Your neurologist or primary care doctor can suggest resources near you.

How Paraquat Lawsuits Move Through the Courts

Many farm families have never been part of a lawsuit before. Knowing how paraquat lawsuits are organized can make the news easier to follow and help you know what to ask.

Federal and state cases

Most federal paraquat lawsuits are grouped in one court, MDL 3004 in the Southern District of Illinois. An MDL lets one judge handle shared issues, such as evidence about the product, for thousands of cases at once. Each person still has their own case.

Other paraquat lawsuits are filed in state courts. Where a case is filed can depend on where the person lives, where they were exposed and where the companies do business.

How a group settlement can work

When companies agree to settle many cases at once, the agreement usually sets rules for who can take part. Each plaintiff typically decides, with their law firm, whether to accept or opt out. Those who opt out keep their own case, which may then move toward more fact-finding or trial.

That is what has been reported in the paraquat MDL. Many plaintiffs turned down the 2025 agreement, and the court ordered those who opted out to take further steps.

Terms you may hear

• Plaintiff: The person who files the lawsuit, or a family member or estate acting for them.
• Defendant: The company being sued, such as a maker or seller of the product.
• Deposition: Questions answered under oath, recorded by a court reporter.
• Special master: A person the court appoints to help manage parts of the case.
• Opt out: Choosing not to take part in a group settlement and to keep your own claim.
• Bellwether trial: An early test trial that can show how juries may view the evidence.

Building a Paraquat Exposure History

Strong paraquat lawsuits are built on details. Because exposure often happened decades ago, writing your history down now can help you and your family remember more than you might expect.

Questions to think through

• Which farms did you work on, and in which counties and years?
• What crops were grown, and when was paraquat used in the season?
• Did you mix, load or spray it yourself, or work in fields after spraying?
• What equipment did you use, such as a tractor sprayer, backpack sprayer or aircraft?
• Did you wear gloves, a mask or other protection?
• Where did you buy it, and do you remember a dealer or co-op?

Records that may still exist

• Pesticide applicator licenses and renewal records from your state
• Purchase records from farm supply dealers or co-ops
• Farm tax returns, crop insurance records and farm program papers
• Old notebooks, calendars or spray logs kept by you or a family member
• Statements from neighbors, coworkers or custom applicators

A note on federal spray records

For years, a federal USDA rule required certified private applicators to record restricted-use pesticide applications and keep those records for two years. According to University of Illinois Extension, USDA rescinded that rule effective July 11, 2025.

State rules and other federal rules may still require similar records. If you or your family kept spray logs in the past, look for them. They can be valuable in paraquat lawsuits even if they are old.

Living With Parkinson’s on the Farm

A Parkinson’s diagnosis changes daily life for the whole family. Whatever you decide about paraquat lawsuits, your health and safety come first.

Tell your doctors about your pesticide history

Let your neurologist and primary care doctor know which pesticides you used, for how long and how. This is part of your medical history. It can also help your doctors understand your risk factors.

Adjusting farm work safely

Parkinson’s can affect balance, grip and reaction time. Talk with your care team about which farm tasks are still safe, such as driving equipment, climbing ladders or working near livestock. Physical, occupational and speech therapy can help many people stay active longer.

Help for families and caregivers

Spouses and adult children often take on more work on the farm and at home. It is okay to ask for help. The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) is free and offers information in English and Spanish. It can also help you find local health professionals and support groups.

When distance is a barrier

Rural families may live far from a movement disorder center. Ask your doctor whether some visits can be done by video. Keep a symptom diary between visits, so you can make the most of each appointment.

What to Expect After Joining Paraquat Lawsuits

Signing on with a law firm is only the beginning. Knowing what usually comes next can help your family plan and avoid surprises as paraquat lawsuits move forward.

Early paperwork

Your law firm may ask you to sign forms so it can request medical records from your doctors and hospitals. It may also ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire about your farm work, your health and your family history. In MDL cases, this is often called a plaintiff fact sheet.

Answer as fully and honestly as you can. If you are not sure about a date or product, say so. Your firm can help you look for records to fill the gaps.

Medical updates

Parkinson’s changes over time. Let your law firm know about new symptoms, new medicines, falls, hospital stays or a move into assisted living. These updates help keep your file accurate.

Depositions and interviews

Some people in paraquat lawsuits are asked to give a deposition. This means answering questions under oath while a court reporter records what is said. Your law firm should help you prepare and explain what to expect.

If Parkinson’s makes it hard to travel or speak for long periods, tell your firm. Arrangements such as breaks or a nearby location may be possible, depending on the court.

Settlement decisions

If an offer is made, your firm should explain the terms in plain language and how they apply to you. You have the right to ask questions and take time to think before deciding. Do not let anyone rush you into signing papers you do not understand.

Staying patient

Large paraquat lawsuits can take years, and much of the work happens out of sight. Long quiet periods are common. It is reasonable to ask your firm for a status update every few months.

Keeping your file in order

• Keep copies of every form you sign and every letter you receive.
• Write down the date and topic of each call with your law firm.
• Store farm records and medical papers together in one safe place.
• Let a trusted family member know where these papers are kept.

These simple habits can make a big difference if paraquat lawsuits move quickly after a ruling or settlement.

Questions to Ask a Law Firm About Paraquat Lawsuits

If you are thinking about a claim, a participating law firm may review your history and answer your questions. It is fine to take notes and ask for things in writing.

• Would my case be filed in the federal MDL or in a state court, and why?
• What records do you need from me, and how can you help find older ones?
• If a group settlement is offered, how will you explain my choices?
• What happens if I opt out of a settlement?
• How do other pesticides I used affect my claim?
• What deadlines may apply in my state, and when did they start?
• How do your fees and costs work?

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for news before asking questions. Filing deadlines vary by state and claim type.
• Throwing out old farm papers, receipts or tax records during a move or cleanup.
• Guessing at brand names or years. It is better to say “I am not sure.”
• Signing papers about a settlement before you understand your options.
• Trusting ads that promise a fixed payout. No one can promise an outcome in paraquat lawsuits.

Families acting for a loved one

If your loved one has Parkinson’s and finds it hard to manage calls and paperwork, a family member can often help. Some families use a power of attorney so one person can speak for the patient. If your loved one has died, a spouse, child or estate may be able to continue or bring a claim, depending on state law.

Paraquat lawsuits can take time, and the process may feel slow. Keeping records safe, staying in touch with your law firm and leaning on your support network can help your family through each stage.

Frequently asked questions

How Direct2Attorney can help

Direct2Attorney connects farmers, farmworkers and rural families with participating law firms that review paraquat claims. If you have Parkinson’s disease and a history of paraquat exposure, a firm may review your case for free and explain whether you may qualify. Learn about paraquat lawsuits.

Paraquat lawsuits have given many farm families a voice. Asking questions is a first step toward getting answers for yours.

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.