A new lawsuit has been filed alleging that a widely-used herbicide is linked to severe health issues, including Parkinson’s Disease. On June 27, 2024, Richard Schacca filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Chevron U.S.A., Inc., accusing the company of negligence and other charges related to its product Paraquat.
According to the complaint, Schacca was exposed to Paraquat while working as a groundskeeper in Hicksville, New York, from approximately 1976 through 1978. He mixed, loaded, and applied Paraquat via a hand sprayer and claims that he had no knowledge of the risks associated with exposure to the herbicide. The plaintiff alleges that Chevron U.S.A., Inc. failed to adequately warn users about the dangers of Paraquat, which he asserts led to his development of Parkinson’s Disease—a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and impaired balance.
The complaint details how Paraquat was designed to kill weeds but also creates oxidative stress that damages animal cells, including dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Schacca’s legal team points out numerous studies linking Paraquat exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease. For instance, a study published by Dr. Caroline Tanner in June 2011 found that Paraquat use plays a role in human Parkinson’s Disease and highlighted its public health significance due to its widespread use.
Schacca’s attorneys argue that Chevron U.S.A., Inc. was aware or should have been aware of these risks but continued to market and sell Paraquat without proper warnings or adequate safety testing. They accuse the company of negligence in designing, manufacturing, marketing, and distributing a product they knew could cause severe health issues. Additionally, they claim Chevron misrepresented the safety of Paraquat and concealed critical information from consumers.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $75,000 for medical expenses, emotional distress, physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished enjoyment of life caused by his exposure to Paraquat. The lawsuit demands judgment on several counts including negligence, strict products liability for design defect and failure to warn, and breach of implied warranty of merchantability.
This article was first published in Cook County Record.
