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Liberty Caller Editorial Team

PARAQUAT Settles – But at WHAT Cost?

Syngenta agrees to settle thousands of Parkinson’s disease lawsuits linked to its controversial paraquat weedkiller without admitting any wrongdoing, leaving many victims and attorneys questioning whether justice has truly been served.

At a Glance

  • Nearly 6,000 lawsuits claim Syngenta’s paraquat herbicide causes Parkinson’s disease
  • Syngenta has settled “certain claims” but maintains paraquat is safe and denies liability
  • Settlement amounts are estimated between $100,000-$150,000 per case
  • Internal documents suggest Syngenta may have known about health risks
  • Critics argue that trial delays and settlement terms may not adequately compensate all victims

Legal Battle Over Toxic Herbicide

The legal fight against agricultural giant Syngenta has reached a turning point as the company moves to settle thousands of lawsuits claiming its paraquat weedkiller causes Parkinson’s disease. As of April 2025, nearly 6,000 cases remain pending in courts across America, with the first lawsuits dating back to 2017. The litigation has grown steadily, with approximately 7,300 suits filed by 2023, forcing the federal court system to consolidate cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of Illinois.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies paraquat as “restricted use,” meaning only licensed applicators can legally handle it. This classification acknowledges its extreme toxicity – ingestion of even small amounts can be lethal. Those most commonly affected include agricultural workers, farmers, and residents living near treated farmlands who may be exposed through direct contact, inhalation, or proximity to treated areas.

Settlement Terms and Company Position

While moving to settle numerous claims in both federal and California courts, Syngenta maintains a firm position denying any connection between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. The company previously settled some claims for $187.5 million in 2021, with current settlements estimated to pay between $100,000 and $150,000 per case. Industry observers note that Syngenta likely aims to avoid the costly and protracted legal battles that Bayer faced with its Roundup litigation.

Despite Syngenta’s denial of any causal link, scientific studies have shown significant increases in Parkinson’s risk with paraquat exposure. The first bellwether trial in the MDL is scheduled for October 14, 2025, though numerous delays have frustrated plaintiffs. A Philadelphia case is expected to proceed at the end of May, potentially providing insight into how juries might view the evidence against Syngenta.

Critics Question Settlement Process

Many attorneys representing plaintiffs outside the MDL have expressed frustration at being excluded from settlement discussions. This has raised concerns that the current agreement may not equitably benefit all affected individuals. Some legal experts worry about the justice of the settlement in light of allegations that Syngenta may have known about paraquat’s potential health risks for years and attempted to influence scientific research on the topic.

The settlement negotiations occur against a backdrop of continuing paraquat use across American farmland. While many other countries have banned the herbicide due to safety concerns, it remains widely used in the United States. For victims of Parkinson’s disease, the legal process offers potential compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished quality of life, but many face strict deadlines for filing claims and navigating complex legal requirements.

Impact on Farming Communities

The controversy surrounding paraquat extends beyond courtrooms into rural communities where the herbicide has been a common agricultural tool. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. For agricultural workers diagnosed with the condition, proving the connection between their work exposure and their illness presents significant challenges, despite growing scientific evidence supporting the link.

Organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation and Michael J. Fox Foundation provide resources for those affected by the disease, but many rural victims face limited access to specialized medical care. The settlement, while providing some financial relief, comes too late for many patients who have already suffered for years with a debilitating condition. As the legal process moves forward, many in agricultural communities continue to call for stricter regulations or outright bans on paraquat to prevent future cases.

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