A Louisiana man has sued two companies, claiming he was harmed by exposure to the weed killer Paraquat.
Richard Hardee of Vermilion Parish filed his complaint in federal court against Syngenta Crop Protection and Chevron USA.
"After repeated and consistent Paraquat exposure, Plaintiff suffers from neurological injuries consistent with Parkinson’s disease," the complaint states. "Plaintiff’s neurological injuries have continued and progressed over time. Plaintiff suffers these injuries at present and will continue to suffer these injuries into the future."
In 1964, Chevron entered into a licensing agreement with ICI Limited, which owned the U.S. patent for Paraquat. Since then, Syngeta has formulated, distributed and sold Paraquat for use in the United States, including in and for use in Louisiana, the suit says..
Hardee had "repeated and consistent Paraquat exposure" in Louisiana, the lawsuit states.
"Paraquat products have been used in the U.S. to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses before the planting of more than 100 field, fruit, vegetable, and plantation crops, to control weeds in orchards, and to dry plants before harvest," the lawsuit states. " Paraquat products were commonly used multiple times per year on the same ground, particularly when used to control weeds in orchards and in farm fields where multiple crops are planted
in the same growing season or year."
Hardee seeks damages of greater than $75,000, plus attorney fees.
He is being represented by Korey Nelson and Amanda Klevorn of Burns Charest in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana case number 6:23-cv-01493