Paraquat Parkinson's Disease Lawsuit
Popular herbicide linked to neurological disease.
If you or a loved one were exposed to the herbicide paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Contact the Kishish Law Group today for your free and confidential case evaluation by completing our contact form or calling us toll free at 1 (888) 609-4664.
A growing body of research has linked the commercial weed killer paraquat to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is an incurable neurological disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to die, leading impaired movement and other brain function.
Plaintiffs accuse the makers of paraquat of failing to warn them about the risks associated with using paraquat. If you or a loved one were injured by the use of paraquat, joining this lawsuit could help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. Pursuing a claim against the makers of paraquat can also encourage the herbicide industry to fully test their products before releasing them on the market and to stop selling dangerous products.
What is paraquat?
Paraquat is a widely used commercial herbicide. Paraquat, also known as "Gramoxone," is one of the most popular herbicides in the United States. It is commonly used to control weeds in a variety of crops, including cotton, peanuts, potatoes, soybeans, sugarcane, and vegetables, among others. Paraquat is highly toxic: a small sip of the weed killer can be fatal to humans. Because of its high levels of toxicity, paraquat is only available to trained certified applicators and is not approved for residential use.
Recent scientific research has suggested that exposure to paraquat outside ingestion of the product can cause many health problems, including Parkinson's disease. Though studies have not yet established a causal link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's disease, research has revealed that farm workers exposed to paraquat had a roughly twofold increase in the risk to develop Parkinson's disease. Studies have also suggested that paraquat exposure may be associated with impaired lung function, damaged immune systems, severe skin irritation and dermatitis, kidney damage, and reproductive dangers in both men and women.
These potential health problems have led many countries to ban paraquat outright. Over 40 countries have committed to phasing out the herbicide. Even the government of China, a country not typically known for its strict environmental regulations, said in 2012 that it would move away from the use of paraquat to protect people's lives.
Yet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently maintains that paraquat is safe when used properly. In the United States, herbicides and pesticides must undergo review by the EPA every 15 years. Paraquat went up for review in late 2019, and the EPA released draft reviews of its dangers. Despite the evidence suggesting a link between Parkinson's disease and paraquat exposure, the agency concluded that "the weight of evidence was insufficient to link paraquat exposure from pesticidal use of US registered products to [Parkinson's disease] in humans."
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes impaired movement and damages other brain function. Symptoms of Parkinson's start gradually and increase in severity over time. Symptoms can differ person to person and may be mild and start on a single side of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of the disease may include
- Tremors, often beginning in the hands or fingers
- Slowed movement, making simple tasks take much longer to complete
- Stiff muscles, making movement painful or limited
- Impaired posture or balance
- Decreased automatic movements, like blinking or smiling
- Changes in speech, including slurring, altered rate, hesitations, or speaking with a monotone
- Changes in writing, including difficulty writing and writing smaller than you used to
These initial symptoms can lead to more severe problems, including cognitive or memory problems; depression; problems eating, chewing, or swallowing; difficulty staying asleep; impaired sense of smell; pain; or fatigue.
There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but its symptoms can often be managed with treatment.
What does the paraquat lawsuit say?
Plaintiffs will likely pursue products liability claims against the manufacturers and distributors of paraquat. Typical claims allege that herbicide manufacturers failed to warn consumers about the inherent dangers of their products or failed to instruct them on how to avoid these dangers.
Do I have a paraquat injury case?
Contacting a lawyer is the best way to determine whether you have a paraquat case. The experienced staff and lawyers at the Kishish Law Group will listen to your story and walk you through your legal options. Our case evaluations are free and confidential. Contact us today to discuss your paraquat case by completing our contact form or by calling us toll free at 1 (888) 609-4664.
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Speak with a Paraquat Lawyer
If you were exposed to the herbicide paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you may be eligible for substantial compensation.
Reach out to Kishish Law Group immediately to find out your legal options.