Parkinson's Patients Seek Multidistrict Litigation Status for Growing Number of Paraquat-Exposure Lawsuits

Rhea-AI Summary

Trial lawyers have requested the consolidation of lawsuits from Parkinson's disease patients linked to paraquat herbicides into a single federal case. With over 20 lawsuits filed, this multidistrict litigation (MDL) aims to enhance efficiency and expedite justice for affected individuals. The lawsuits involve companies like Syngenta and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., both accused of causing harm from paraquat exposure. Notably, paraquat has been associated with severe health risks and is banned in over 50 countries due to its dangers.

Positive

• Consolidation of over 20 lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) could expedite legal processes for plaintiffs.
• Increased public attention on the dangers of paraquat may lead to greater scrutiny of chemical safety regulations.

Negative

• Paraquat exposure is linked to Parkinson's disease, raising significant health concerns.
• Ongoing litigation may result in financial liabilities for Chevron (CVX) and Phillips 66 (PSX).

SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial lawyers representing a growing number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after exposure to paraquat-based herbicides have asked a federal judicial panel to consolidate their lawsuits under a single federal court. The request comes as new filings by the Fears Nachawati Law Firm bring the number of federal lawsuits to more than 20.

Grouping the lawsuits as multidistrict litigation (MDL) cuts duplication and allows lawsuits to proceed more efficiently, said Fears Nachawati co-founder Majed Nachawati. The legal team has asked the federal Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate the cases with Judge Edward Chen in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

"With a progressive neurological disease like Parkinson's, there's no time to lose," said Mr. Nachawati. "The efficiencies of multidistrict litigation cut duplication and provide the fastest way for these individuals to achieve justice."

Similar lawsuits have been filed in California, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri and West Virginia by Parkinson's patients exposed to paraquat products like Gramoxone. The lawsuits name Gramoxone-maker Syngenta (SZSE: 000553) and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., which manufactured and sold Gramoxone. Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., better known as CPChem, is a 50-50 joint venture between Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX). 

Paraquat's dangers have been documented for decades. The chemical is deadly if even a small amount is swallowed. Medical studies have established links between paraquat and Parkinson's, an incurable and progressive brain disorder that leads to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination.

"For too long, these companies have knowingly exposed tens of thousands of unsuspecting Americans to a chemical so deadly that it has been banned in more than 50 countries," said Fears Nachawati trial lawyer Bryan Fears. "These lawsuits are a critical step toward answering important questions about how this was allowed to happen and to make sure the damage caused by paraquat has stopped."

The case is In Re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3004.

Dallas-based Fears | Nachawati Law Firm represents individuals in mass tort litigation, businesses and governmental entities in contingent litigation, and individual victims in complex personal injury litigation. For the past three years, the law firm was ranked No. 1 nationally in product liability filings in federal court. For more information, visit https://www.fnlawfirm.com.

Media Contact:
Robert Tharp
214-420-6011
robert@androvett.com

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SOURCE Fears Nachawati Law Firm

FAQ

What is the status of the paraquat lawsuits involving CVX and PSX?

A request has been made to consolidate more than 20 lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) for efficiency.

How are Chevron and Phillips 66 connected to the paraquat litigation?

Chevron and Phillips 66 are part of a joint venture involved in the manufacture of paraquat products that have been linked to health risks.

What health risks are associated with paraquat exposure?

Paraquat exposure has been linked to Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder.

How many lawsuits have been filed against paraquat manufacturers?

There are currently over 20 federal lawsuits filed against manufacturers of paraquat products.

What is the purpose of the multidistrict litigation for paraquat cases?

The MDL aims to streamline the legal process by consolidating similar cases, thus reducing duplication and expediting justice for victims.