Paraquat Parkinson’s Lawyer
Growing evidence suggests a clear link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. The widely used herbicide was branded and sold under the names Gramoxone and Ortho Paraquat. Exposure to Paraquat may result in a significant increase in the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries if you worked with Paraquat, Gramoxone, or Ortho Paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s disease. The Willis Law Firm is currently accepting clients who have suffered on behalf of the dangerous herbicide. Contact a Paraquat attorney and file a lawsuit today to protect your rights and file a claim for your injuries and damages.
Table of Contents
Paraquat Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting between 1% and 2% of the population over 65 years of age. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, chronic brain disease or disorder that causes shaking, stiffness, difficulty walking, speech disorders, and progresses in intensity over time. The American Academy of Neurology reports a 2 to 3-fold increase in risk of developing Parkinson’s disease when exposed to specific types or classes of pesticides or herbicides, including Paraquat.
Researchers have linked and attribute exposures of at least 20 days to Paraquat causing a significant increase in risk to developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers in studies even use Paraquat or paraquat dichloride in lab research on mice to induce Parkinson’s disease. It is believed Paraquat creates oxidative stress in human cells, which damage and kill certain brain tissue associated with the production of dopamine. Decreases in dopamine levels can lead to Parkinson’s disease and many patients with Parkinson’s take dopamine medications to combat the falling levels. Paraquat is also structurally similar to MPP+, which is a known inducer of Parkinson’s disease in primate brain cells that was sold under the name Cyperquat furthering the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is an organic compound that was developed and first sold at the start of the 1960’s. It is a powerful herbicide that is extremely toxic in small doses. In the USA, it is one of the most widely used herbicides as it is fast-acting and non-selective. It kills green plant tissue on contact and prevents photosynthesis. While it was first synthesized in 1882, the herbicidal properties of Paraquat were not discovered and recognized until the mid 1950’s. Paraquat was then manufactured and sold under the trade name Gramoxone. Other names for Paraquat include: Ortho Paraquat, Paraquat Concentrate, Blanco, Cyclone SL 2.0, Firestorm, Helmquat, Bonedry, Devour, and Para-Shot.
In the United States, approximately 10,000,000 pounds of Paraquat are used in agriculture annually. While ongoing campaigns are taking place worldwide to permanently ban the use of the chemical, but it is a cheap and effective herbicide. In fact, some countries like India have blocked the listing of paraquat as a hazardous material while it is totally banned in European Union, South Korea, and many other countries.
Now Paraquat is being linked to Parkinson’s disease and renewed efforts to ban the herbicide from agricultural use are taking place in the USA. The Environmental Protection Agency reviews chemicals such as herbicides every 10 to 15 years to determine if they should remain in use around the country. New science suggests the EPA could act soon and ban Paraquat usage soon, joining dozens of other developed countries.
Paraquat Side Effects
Paraquat is a toxic weed killer and herbicide that does not discriminate. It is lethal at low doses and has been banned by many countries around the world due to its toxicity. Unfortunately, manufacturers failed to warm the licensed applicators and associated workers about the devastating side effects Paraquat can cause after exposure. Some immediate signs of Paraquat exposure are pain and swelling in the mouth and throat. Other signs of Paraquat poisoning after ingestion include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Large amounts of paraquat can be lethal leading to acute kidney failure, heart failure, liver failure, and respiratory issues. In fact, worldwide, a large majority of Paraquat fatalities are attributed to suicides. According to the EPA, “one small sip can be fatal and there is no antidote.”
Who is Eligible for a Paraquat Lawsuit or Claim?
After reading, you may be wondering exactly “Who is affected by Paraquat?” If you know you had Paraquat exposure working in agriculture as restricted use licensed applicator of Paraquat or worked alongside a licensed applicator of Gramoxone or Ortho Paraquat and several years later have now developed Parkinson’s disease, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers, Syngenta, Syngenta Crop Protection, Chevron, and responsible Paraquat distributors. Parkinson’s disease is not usually immediately diagnosed. If you were a farmer, lived on a farm, worked as a flagger or flag man, mixed Paraquat or were an applicator and you suspect you are suffering symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you should consult a movement disorder specialist to confirm a diagnosis.
Why do I need to file a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Across the United States, farmworkers and others exposed to Paraquat with serious side effects are contacting lawyers to learn their legal rights to file a Paraquat lawsuit against the manufacturers of Paraquat for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, Parkinson’s disease treatment, loss wages and loss of enjoyment of life and other legal damages. Call us to learn more about whether an individual Paraquat lawsuit or a Paraquat Class Action Lawsuit is right for you and your situation. The call to our offices is free.
Talk to an Experienced Toxic Tort Lawyer About Your Rights to a Paraquat Lawsuit
Manufacturers of paraquat herbicides failed to warn farm workers and others exposed to Paraquat about the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The Willis Law Firm is reviewing and filing individual Paraquat lawsuits on behalf of those who are now suffering a debilitative disease after being exposed to the toxic product.
If you worked in agriculture as an applicator, flagman for a crop duster, or know you had prolonged exposure to paraquat in another way and now are suffering from Parkinson’s disease, contact an experienced lawyer today. The Willis Law Firm can provide you a free and private consultation to answer any questions and quickly determine if a Paraquat lawsuit is right for you and your family. Do not delay. Fill out the form on this page or call us today at 1-800-883-9858.