Paraquat exposure increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. This is a well-known fact to manufacturers who continue to distribute and sell the herbicide without providing adequate warning. Unfortunately, not even certified applicators are immune to health complications from exposure to the toxic herbicide. If you are a victim of the vice, it is imperative to contact a product liability attorney to become a member of a class action lawsuit or file a personal injury lawsuit against Paraquat manufacturers.

You qualify as a victim if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following direct exposure caused by using the toxic herbicide on your farm. Individuals exposed to herbicide applicators, tank fillers, chemical mixers, or living close to farming communities are eligible for compensation. Receiving a fair settlement will help cushion you and your loved ones from the expenses and overall impact of living with a debilitating disease.

Understanding the Impact of Paraquat Exposure

Paraquat dichloride, simply referred to as paraquat, is a weed killer effective in preventing the growth of unwanted plants around crops. It is also a deadly substance to humans, and ingesting just a few drops of it can cause death.

Over the years, this controversial herbicide has been sold by various manufacturers under the following names:

  • Firestorm
  • Blanco
  • Bonedry
  • Gramoxone
  • Para-Shot 3.0
  • Cyclone SL 2.0
  • Paraquat Concentrate
  • Helmquat 3SL
  • Devour

According to statistics, exposure to the herbicide can cause a range of health concerns, the most severe being Parkinson’s disease. A report by the UPAC (Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council) revealed that prolonged paraquat exposure poses a 200 to 600% risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

While the substance was prevalent in the 1960s, it is today banned in 32 countries, including the EU and China.  It is still in circulation in the United States, although it is restricted to commercial use only. There has been a drastic increase in the use of the highly toxic herbicide over recent years. The greatest victims are farmers, farmworkers, and people living near industrial farms.

The only way to reduce the risk of paraquat poisoning is for certified applicators to undergo specialized training before handling the toxic herbicide. Additionally, manufacturers need to add components like a strong odor or chemical agent that ensures anyone who ingests the toxin vomits immediately.

The above mentioned are merely safety measures, although they do not guarantee 100% protection from the effects of paraquat exposure. You may still be exposed to the chemical through:

  • Accidental ingestion
  • Inhaling droplets
  • Coming into contact with paraquat applicators or sprayed plants
  • Skin absorption
  • Penetration through abrasions or cuts

Beyond debate is that paraquat poses unreasonable health risks to users and those exposed unintentionally. Once it enters the body, it causes oxidative stress, leading to cell degeneration and death. Even minimal levels of paraquat exposure can cause oxidative stress leading to the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Other health concerns commonly caused by prolonged paraquat exposure include:

  • Atypical Parkinson’s
  • Multiple system atrophy
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy

If you or your loved one is a victim of paraquat exposure, you need to seek legal assistance immediately. We can help you file a claim and seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and wrongful death.

Relation Between Paraquat And Parkinson’s Disease

Paraquat is officially one of the deadliest herbicides in the current market. It is responsible for the poisoning of roughly 100 people each year, and it caused 27 deaths in the U.S. between 1990 and 2014. While limited exposure increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease, prolonged exposure can cause death.

Parkinson’s disease is linked with debilitating symptoms that only worsen over time. Even though the ailment is mainly caused by genetics, 1 in 10 people is exposed to it when they contact harmful agrochemicals like paraquat.

According to researchers, exposure to paraquat increases the production of particular oxygen that harms the cellular structure leading to Parkinson’s disease. The overwhelming amount of evidence scientists have gathered even makes paraquat a common chemical used to create Parkinson’s disease symptoms artificially when running animal tests.

Parkinson’s disease affects the brain and may cause behavioral and psychological problems. For instance, patients are prone to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, memory loss, fatigue, cognitive issues, and apathy. Depending on the progress of the disease, patients may appear permanently angry or depressed and exhibit physical symptoms like a hunched-over appearance, drooling, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, loss of smell, and chronic pain.

Some of the common symptoms of paraquat-induced Parkinson’s disease include:

  • Arm and leg tremors when resting
  • Difficulty walking because of limb stiffness and rigidity
  • Impaired balance and coordination
  • Slower reflexes
  • Cognitive impairment

Parkinson’s disease has no cure. However, treatments are effective in managing the ailment and easing its symptoms. Without prompt and proper treatment, the symptoms may escalate to:

  • Seizures
  • Chronic throat and mouth pain and soreness
  • Chronic muscle fatigue
  • Gastrointestinal distress causes nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stool
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Elevated heart rate and breathing trouble
  • Death

What To Do If You Have Been Injured Due To Paraquat Exposure

Again, paraquat has no known antidote. This makes preventing exposure and receiving the proper training before handling the herbicide necessary. If you suspect involuntary exposure, here are essential steps to take:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Paraquat poisoning can cause death. This makes it imperative to take action immediately if you suspect exposure. You could begin by doing the following:

  • Remove your clothes without pulling them over the head
  • Place the clothes in a polythene bag and dispose of them responsibly
  • Shower thoroughly from head to toe using soap and water
  • Take 10 to 15 minutes to wash your eyes with plain water if your vision is blurry or you experience pain or a burning sensation.

Unfortunately, the above steps may only ensure you survive the exposure. You may still face a high risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Be sure to visit your physician immediately after cleaning up and explain what happened.

Acquaint Yourself With the Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system, and most patients may take a while to notice any symptoms. Unfortunately, the condition worsens over time, and patients progressively experience more debilitating symptoms.

Here are the symptoms to expect if you have paraquat-induced Parkinson’s disease:

  • Tremors and shaking often start in the fingers or hands — It is also common for patients to experience tremors in a single limb, even when resting.
  • Rigid muscles are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease — Patients experience muscle stiffness on various body parts and may suffer from a limited range of motion and joint pains. Other symptoms allied with stiff muscles include fine motor difficulties such as trouble writing legibly.
  • Patients may also experience slowed movements, a concern known as bradykinesia — You may find yourself taking longer to get to a seating position, and your steps may also be shorter. This concern may make it challenging or time-consuming to carry out day-to-day duties.
  • Challenges in performing automatic movements are also common symptoms — For instance, a patient may not blink smoothly, or the hands may not move as intended when walking.
  • Parkinson’s disease can cause a stopped posture because of trouble standing straight — Ultimately, this may contribute to balance problems, especially as the disease progresses.
  • Patients may also experience changes in their speech — Some begin to slur their words, pause before speaking or speak in whispers.

Consult With a Skilled Paraquat Exposure Attorney

You must make two essential calls once you notice the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease following paraquat exposure. First, you must call your doctor to begin treatment. Again, Parkinson’s disease has no cure, although proper treatment can improve the symptoms and delay the ailment’s progression. Second, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Investigating a paraquat exposure claim is a challenging process. You need an attorney with the proper knowledge and resources to enhance your chances of filing a successful claim.

Here are two components necessary for qualifying for a paraquat exposure lawsuit:

  • Proof of paraquat poisoning — You will need to prove that you were exposed to paraquat by purchasing a product that lacks adequate warning. Poisoning may also occur if you live close to a farm or facility that uses the chemical or you are a commercial farm worker. If you are unsure how to prove your case, an experienced personal injury attorney may provide helpful insight.
  • Proof of the relation between paraquat poisoning and your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis —As aforementioned, you must not underestimate the importance of seeking medical attention right after you suspect paraquat exposure. Your records can help prove that you accidentally ingested or came into contact with the toxic herbicide.

Know the Right Lawsuit to File: Class Action or Multidistrict Litigation

It is easier to navigate the legal world with a paraquat exposure attorney on your side. One of the essential tasks of the expert is to help you decide the best cause of action. To do this, you must first understand the type of claim you are eligible for and the reasons behind filing your lawsuit.

Victims of paraquat exposure must first understand the critical differences between MLDs (multidistrict litigation) and class action lawsuits. The former happens when a group of people files a claim together against a paraquat manufacturer. The latter involves people filing individual lawsuits against the liable party.

In a class action lawsuit, your attorney will file one case and have a selected number of plaintiffs actively involved. The involvement of the rest of the members may be minimal or entirely unnecessary. However, every plaintiff will receive a settlement after winning the case. The amount of compensation received may highly depend on the number of people in the class action.

On the other hand, multidistrict lawsuits represent each member individually. It merely involves many people filing a case against one part for similar or related reasons. These actions bog down the court and increase the pressure on a judge to ensure prompt justice. One judge will oversee the multidistrict lawsuits down to the settlement hearing. However, the cases remain individual suits, and different plaintiffs will receive varying settlements depending on the damages suffered.

Know the Compensation to Expect

Paraquat is a legal product in the United States, although it is restricted to commercial use. Generally, individuals can sue paraquat manufacturers for involuntary exposure to poisoning, mainly because of the lack of adequate warning about the neurological risks caused by the herbicide. If you are eligible for paraquat exposure compensation, it is necessary to know the kind of settlement to expect.

Whether you are filing a mass tort or multidistrict litigation, the exact amount to expect in compensation cannot be predetermined. Typically, the payment awarded may depend on the following:

  • Proof of paraquat poisoning
  • The degree of damages suffered by each plaintiff

A skilled lawyer will ensure that your lawsuit has maximum winning chances. The inherent risks of health concerns allied with paraquat exposure are well known, and most suits have a fair winning chance as long as your paperwork is in order. Some of the damages you recover include:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

You may qualify for a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies following paraquat poisoning. In this case, compensation must include end-of-life expenses that may consist of funeral costs. Enlisting an experienced lawyer will ensure that you have the best chances of receiving fair compensation.

Find a Product Liability Attorney Near Me

If you or your loved one has contracted Parkinson’s disease following paraquat exposure, you may qualify for compensation. While there are no guarantees, you have nothing to lose by filing a claim. At Consumer Alert Now, we work on a contingency fee basis and can review your case to inform you whether you have a legal claim. A successful lawsuit can help you secure a settlement that makes your life a tad easier despite all the financial losses, physical and emotional pain allied with the debilitating disease. Please contact us at 800-511-0747 for a free, no-obligation paraquat case evaluation.