Statute of Limitations
2-year statute of limitations for personal injury with discovery rule. The clock starts when the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Illinois Product Liability Act and Consumer Fraud Act provide additional causes of action.
2028-06-30
Where to File in Illinois
Illinois is uniquely significant because MDL 3004 is consolidated in the Southern District of Illinois (East St. Louis) before Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel. All federally filed paraquat cases nationwide are coordinated through this court. State court claims can also be filed in the circuit court of the county where the plaintiff resides or where exposure occurred. Madison County and St. Clair County (Metro East) have historically been active jurisdictions for mass tort litigation.
Exposure in Illinois
Source: USGS Pesticide Use Estimates
Source: Illinois Dept of Agriculture
Source: USDA Census of Agriculture
Your Legal Team
Robert Langston
Partner — Toxic Tort & Agricultural Litigation
East St. Louis, IL
Robert Langston has spent over two decades representing individuals harmed by toxic chemical exposures, with a particular focus on agricultural workers and rural communities. His background in agricultural science provides a foundation for understanding the complex exposure pathways and farming practices central to paraquat litigation. Robert has been involved in MDL 3004 since its formation in June 2021 and has personally represented over 200 paraquat Parkinson’s plaintiffs. His proximity to the Southern District of Illinois, where the MDL is consolidated, gives him direct access to the court proceedings and settlement negotiations. He has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in toxic tort litigation.
Education
- J.D., University of Illinois College of Law
- B.S., Agricultural Science, University of Illinois