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.
