Paraquat Lawyer
If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after using Paraquat, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, among other related losses. There is no charge and no fee unless you obtain an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll-free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat (Methyl Viologen) is an herbicide used for the treatment of weeds and grass. It has been used since the early ‘60s. Because of how toxic this herbicide is, Paraquat is only applied, mixed or purchased by licensed Paraquat applicators. The CDC warns that Paraquat can be absorbed into the body through the skin, through cuts and abrasions and inhalation. While many of the dangers of Paraquat are warned about, some have not, which have led to serious, unexpected health issues.
What Further Dangers Come From Paraquat?
The manufactures of Paraquat have not adequately warned the public about the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease as a result of exposure to the herbicide. It is believed that the manufacturers either knew of these risks or should have known of them. There is evidence that Paraquat causes oxidative stress in cells. This phenomenon occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and accumulation of ROS (oxygen reactive species) and the ability to detoxify them all. For Paraquat, it is believed that this process of oxidative stress kills brain cells related to the production of dopamine, which then leads to Parkinson’s disease. The link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is so strong that scientists use the herbicide to induce the disease in animals for testing purposes.
Had the public been made aware of this serious side effect of Paraquat use, they would have likely chosen to not work with the chemical or take further precautions. It is for this reason that Paraquat lawsuits are being filed on behalf of victims who developed Parkinson’s.
What We Know About Paraquat Lawsuits?
Licensed Paraquat applicators all around the United States are filing lawsuits against the manufactures of Paraquat for developing Parkinson’s disease after they were exposed to the herbicide.
One such lawsuit was filed by a man in Illinois. He worked on farm fields for nearly two (2) decades. During these times, he regularly used and was exposed to Paraquat. As a result of this exposure, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. The lawsuit states that Chevron and Sygenta, two of the manufacturers of Paraquat, knew or should have known of these risks.
Another lawsuit was filed by a man who worked on farms in California. He, for years, applied, mixed and loaded Paraquat on these farms. The lawsuit states that the herbicide entered his system through various means and it attacked his nervous system, which was a substantial factor in his development of Parkinson’s disease.
The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Timeline
– 1980’s: The very first link was theorized that pesticides may increase the risk of Parkinson’s
– 1998: Neurology published a study stating that farmers were 170% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than the general public and pesticides may be to blame
– 1999: Brain Research published a study that showed, when exposed to Paraquat, mice lost neuronal cells. Increased exposure resulted in increased cell loss
– 2009: Environmental toxin researcher, Beate R. Ritz, stated that exposure to Paraquat radically increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease
– 2011: Environmental Health Perspective stated that exposure to Paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 250%
– 2012: Parkinson’s Institute published a study stating that people exposed to Paraquat were 11 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease
How do I know if I have a Paraquat Lawsuit?
The one thing you may be wondering is if you have a possible case against the manufacturers of Paraquat. Lawyers who file suit on behalf of clients look for specific criteria prior to filing. You may have a potential Paraquat lawsuit case if:
– You used Paraquat AND
– You are a licensed applicator of Paraquat AND
– You have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after your Paraquat exposure
If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may have a Paraquat lawsuit and should contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Contact an Experienced Paraquat Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one were exposed to Paraquat and were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost earnings, medical bills and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm works with experienced Paraquat Lawyers around the nation, who are ready to talk to you about your case. Call us today toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation