Published March 20, 2026 · Parkinson's Lawsuit Help
Paraquat exposure in the Pittsburgh region was driven less by row crop agriculture than by industrial vegetation management — railroads, utility easements, industrial sites, and pasture management on farms in surrounding counties.
Rail right-of-way
Major rail operators in western Pennsylvania used paraquat for decades for vegetation control along rail right-of-way. Track workers, maintenance crews, and pesticide applicators contracted by rail operators had documented paraquat exposure.
Utility easement maintenance
Electric utility easements throughout western Pennsylvania were maintained with herbicides, including paraquat. Contractor crews and direct-hire utility employees had repeated exposure.
Industrial site vegetation control
Steel, coal, and chemical industrial sites in the Pittsburgh region used paraquat for ground maintenance. Maintenance crews and contracted applicators had documented exposure.
Surrounding agricultural counties
Greene, Washington, Beaver, Butler, and Westmoreland counties have agricultural operations where paraquat was used. Pittsburgh-area residents who worked in agriculture in surrounding counties have viable paraquat claims.
Medical care
UPMC and Allegheny Health Network operate movement disorder programs in the Pittsburgh region. Specialist evaluation is available locally for paraquat Parkinson's claimants.
Where to file
Pittsburgh-area paraquat claimants can file in Philadelphia under the consent-by-registration doctrine. The Philadelphia program is widely viewed as the higher-value forum.
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.