Numerous Cases Filed Against Syngenta Over Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease due to the use of Paraquat, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent manufacturer. Currently, there are 157 cases across the country about to be heard in both state and federal courts. The lawsuits allege that Syngenta, the Chinese-owned chemical company based in Switzerland, knew about the risk of Parkinson’s but gave no warning to consumers. Other defendants in the lawsuit are Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP and Chevron USA.
Syngenta and Chevron Deny Accusations
Paraquat has been used in this country since the 1960s but is banned in 30 other countries around the world. Parkinson’s is an incurable and debilitating disease. The disease makes it difficult for a sufferer to control their movements and leads to tremors in many cases. Syngenta, which has sold Paraquat for over 50 years, insists its product is safe.
Introduction of Paraquat into the United States
Despite scientific evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson’s, the defendants deny liability. The use of a paraquat-based weed killer dates back to the early 1960s. At that time, Chevron had an agreement with Imperial Chemical Industries. The company used a paraquat-based chemical called Gramoxone.
Lawsuits
The first trial case, Hoffman v. Syngenta, was set for May 10 in Illinois. The lawyer said that he had documents that proved Syngenta knew about the link to Parkinson’s for decades and made no move to warn customers. The plaintiffs are residents of Illinois who were exposed to the pesticide along with their spouses. It is rumored that a settlement might be in the works for this case, but that has not been confirmed by legal representatives.
Federal Lawsuit
A federal judge has been chosen in the Illinois Southern District to coordinate the lawsuits. In June 2021, a U.S. judiciary panel approved the consolidation of the lawsuits. The multidistrict litigation that involves 77 cases with possible add-ons in 16 districts is pending. Scientific and regulatory issues are part of the cases. The reason for consolidation is to reduce repetitious discovery, monetarily reduce the strain on the plaintiffs and avoid pretrial rulings at odds with one another. U.S. Judge Nancy Rosenstengel set the first trial for November 15, 2022.
Case Settlements Started
Settlements are beginning in the Paraquat cases. On June 18 in California, a notice of settlement was announced. This is for 16 parties in multiple cases who agreed to a settlement.
How an Attorney Can Help
Your attorney can help you find a resolution. This is a critical factor in any case. However, when the defendant is a multinational company, it becomes more demanding and complex. Your attorney should have the experience and resources to do this effectively. At our firm, we work hard to ensure that clients receive the compensation they deserve. No one should pay both physically and financially for another’s negligence.
Olinde Law Firm
The Olinde Law Firm have 28 years of experience dealing with large corporations that harmed our clients whether it is a defective device, pharmaceutical side effects, drug interactions or defective earplugs. Call us at (800) 587-1889 to schedule a free case review. You can also reach out to us online. If you used Paraquat and developed Parkinson’s, you have the right to file a defective product lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve.