Paraquat Multidistrict Litigation

As the number of claims filed continues to multiply, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has ordered all paraquat lawsuits to be consolidated. The paraquat multidistrict litigation, MDL No. 3004, will be administered by the Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation’s decision indicates that paraquat lawsuits are rapidly building momentum and could soon develop into a mass tort.

How Is Multidistrict Litigation Beneficial?

When personal injury or product liability cases affect large numbers of plaintiffs, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation can implement special pretrial proceedings known as multidistrict litigation. In which multiple claims sharing common legal issues are provisionally combined and moved to a district court. The chosen district court supervises the discovery and pretrial litigation for the group of cases. Multidistrict litigation helps conserve resources while supporting consistent court rulings for different claims involving similar matters of law. By eliminating duplicate discovery demands, depositions, and other pretrial procedures, they help streamline cases. Upon completion of pretrial proceedings, several lawsuits may be designated to serve as bellwether trials. The judgments from the bellwether trials often serve as a basis for possible settlement amounts in the remaining claims. Unsettled lawsuits are transferred back to be tried at the courts of original jurisdiction. While the issues surrounding the plaintiffs’ injuries are similar, the injuries can vary in severity. Thus, multidistrict litigations provide victims with an opportunity to address the nature of their damages independently.

Why Are So Many Lawsuits Being Filed Against Paraquat Manufacturers?

Nearly 100 paraquat lawsuits have been filed against two main defendants, Syngenta and Chevron, throughout the country. Paraquat is an acutely toxic herbicide that increases the probability of suffering from Parkinson’s disease by up to 600 percent. Research published by the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed that paraquat exposure within 1,600 feet of a dwelling amplified the risk of developing Parkinson’s by 75 percent. A dose of only 2.5 grams of the chemical is enough to kill an average person. For far too long, paraquat manufacturers have recklessly exposed hundreds of thousands of innocent Americans to a chemical so treacherous that it has been banned in more than 30 countries. The current paraquat multidistrict litigation is a crucial step toward answering vital questions regarding how this could have happened and ensuring that the damage caused by paraquat finally ends.

Get Advice On Filing Your Paraquat Lawsuit From A Distinguished Justice Advocate

Have you, or someone close to you, suffered severe consequences to your health after being exposed to paraquat? Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his elite team of multidistrict litigation attorneys are dedicated to demanding justice for paraquat exposure victims. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s veteran lawyers take great pride in helping clients successfully navigate through the entire personal injury process from start to finish. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. offers free, no-obligation case evaluations and consultations. We are available twenty-four-seven by calling 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form.