Published March 15, 2026 · Parkinson's Lawsuit Help
Most claimants have never been part of a lawsuit before. Here is what to expect, in order, after you sign a retainer with paraquat counsel.
Intake and onboarding
Your legal team gathers identifying information, medical providers, employment history, and your account of exposure. This typically takes one to two phone calls plus a written questionnaire.
Records gathering
The firm sends medical-records requests to your providers and exposure-records requests to former employers, state agriculture departments, and EPA. This process takes weeks to months.
Plaintiff fact sheet
Court-supervised mass tort proceedings require a detailed plaintiff fact sheet — a sworn questionnaire about your medical and exposure history. Your lawyer will help you complete it. Accuracy matters; this document is used throughout the case.
Filing
Your case is filed in the appropriate venue. Filings are typically straightforward; complications, when they arise, usually involve venue or service-of-process issues.
Discovery
Discovery includes written interrogatories, document requests, depositions, and medical examinations. You will likely be deposed — your lawyer will prepare you. A defense medical examination may also be scheduled.
Expert reports
Both sides retain expert witnesses to address general causation (can paraquat cause Parkinson's) and specific causation (did paraquat cause this plaintiff's Parkinson's). Expert reports are exchanged and experts are deposed.
Mediation and settlement
Most cases settle. Settlement may be reached through court-supervised mediation or through individual negotiation. The Syngenta settlement framework provides one resolution path; individual settlement is another.
Trial
If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Trials in mass tort cases typically take 1–3 weeks. Most claimants attend; the lawyer handles the courtroom work.
Disbursement
After settlement or verdict, the qualified settlement fund or court-supervised allocation resolves liens, deducts fees and expenses, and disburses your net recovery.
Get a free case review
If you or a family member were exposed to paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, request a free case review. It takes 15 to 30 minutes by phone, costs nothing, and locks in your place while settlement options remain open. Check eligibility or call (717) 724-7503.