Paraquat Hearing Gives Insight on Settlement Discussions

As Plaintiffs continue to wait on a potential settlement, a recent hearing held on October 14, 2025, before Chief District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel gave some insight on the settlement talks in the Paraquat Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3004). The primary purpose was to address the Court's concerns regarding a planned videoconference organized by attorney Aimee Wagstaff, which the Court suspected might undermine the ongoing MDL settlement process.

While both the Court and counsel were purposely vague about settlement details, the hearing did provide some insight about the current settlement negotiations.

Ms. Wagstaff argued that she was receiving numerous calls from frustrated plaintiffs' lawyers who lacked information about the settlement. The videoconference was intended as a forum to share information and help lawyers advise their individual clients.

MDL lead counsel had a different perspective, with co-lead counsel Khaldoun Baghdadi stated that leadership hosted a webinar on September 18, attended by 263 plaintiffs' lawyers, which addressed every "conceivable question" regarding settlement terms and informed consent.

As things stand settlement negotiations are ongoing.