Paraquat Lawsuit
At the Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch, we have spoken to many clients that have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and wonder if they may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit. There have been multiple studies that indicated that exposure to herbicides that contain paraquat may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease, leading to victims around the country pursuing legal action against manufacturers for damages, including medical expenses, loss of present and future wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How Dangerous Is Paraquat?
Paraquat has been around since 1962, an herbicide ingredient that has been touted as being quick-acting and cost-effective for grass and weed control. However, there are also dangerous risks involved in its use that manufacturers failed to disclose to consumers. In fact, paraquat is so dangerous, it has been banned in more than 30 countries.
But not here in the United States. Its use has increased, actually doubling in a four-year period, between 2013 to 2017, when paraquat use reached more than 10 millions pound each year.
Several companies, including Syngenta and Chevron Chemical Company, market the herbicide under the following brands:
- Blanco
- Bonedry
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Gramoxone
- Helmquat 3SL
- Paraquat Concentrate
- Para-Shot 3.0
Exposure to Paraquat
There is such a high risk of paraquat poisoning, the government requires that only people who are certified through a special training program are allowed to work with the chemical.
Despite the warnings and the requirements of certifications, there is nothing that protects certified paraquat applicators from paraquat side effects. Even when all precautions are put in place, a trained individual working with a paraquat herbicide can be exposed by
- Accidental ingestion
- Breathing droplets through airways, nose, or mouth
- Penetration through any abrasions or cuts
- Skin absorption
If the paraquat enters the body, there can be oxidative stress, causing cells to degenerate and die. Oxidative stress is also one of the main factors in Parkinson’s disease. In fact, multiple studies have found such a strong link between paraquat and Parkinson’s, that researchers use paraquat to artificially create symptoms of the disease in animal test subjects for Parkinson’s disease studies.
This is also why a person who worked with paraquat and subsequently develops Parkinson’s disease should consult with an attorney about filing a paraquat lawsuit.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease triggered by paraquat may be experienced by the victim long before there is an actual diagnosis of the disease. These symptoms include:
- Balance and coordination issues
- Rigidity and stiffness, making it difficult to move
- Slowness in movement
- Tremors in arms and legs when resting
Any of these symptoms indicate that something is wrong and the individual should immediately seek out medical attention.
Contact Our Office Today
To learn more about whether you qualify for a paraquat lawsuit in Georgia, call the Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to schedule a confidential consultation and find out what type of legal recourse you may have. We will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Compensation For Your Paraquat Lawsuit
Filing a paraquat lawsuit is a legal recourse available to individuals who have suffered harm due to exposure to the herbicide paraquat dichloride, as a Georgia paraquat lawsuit lawyer from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch knows. Paraquat is a widely used agricultural chemical known for its effectiveness in weed control. However, it has been linked to serious health risks, including Parkinson’s disease and other severe health complications. Those who believe their health has been adversely affected by paraquat exposure may choose to pursue legal action to seek compensation for their damages.
The compensation that individuals may be eligible to receive for filing a paraquat lawsuit can vary based on several factors, including the extent of their injuries, the strength of their case, and the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed.
- Medical Expenses: Individuals who have been exposed to paraquat and subsequently developed health issues may incur substantial medical expenses. Compensation sought could cover costs related to hospitalization, doctor’s visits, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments needed to manage their condition.
- Lost Wages and Income: If exposure to paraquat results in severe health complications that hinder a person’s ability to work, they may seek compensation for lost wages and potential loss of future earnings. This can include both past income they were unable to earn due to their condition and future income they are projected to lose.
- Pain and Suffering: Your Georgia paraquat lawsuit lawyer knows that exposure can lead to significant physical and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life resulting from the illness.
- Loss of Consortium: If a person’s relationship with their spouse or family members has been adversely affected due to their health condition caused by paraquat exposure, they may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and love from their loved ones.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer of paraquat is found to have acted recklessly, negligently, or maliciously in producing and marketing the product without sufficient warnings, punitive damages might be awarded. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Legal Fees and Costs: Plaintiffs may also seek compensation for the legal fees and costs associated with filing and pursuing the lawsuit. This includes attorney fees, court filing fees, expert witness fees, and any other expenses related to the legal process.
- Settlements: Many lawsuits are resolved through settlements before reaching a trial. In such cases, the defendant may agree to provide compensation to the plaintiff in exchange for dropping the lawsuit and not pursuing further legal action. Settlement amounts can vary widely and are usually negotiated between the parties.
It’s important to note that the outcome of a paraquat lawsuit can depend on numerous factors, including the strength of the evidence and the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed. If you believe you have been harmed due to paraquat exposure, it’s recommended to consult with a member of our team who specializes in toxic tort or personal injury cases. They can provide you with personalized guidance on your legal options and the potential compensation you may be eligible to receive based on the specifics of your situation. Reach out to The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to see how our trusted Georgia paraquat lawsuit lawyer can help you.
