Paraquat has been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one contracted Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat, call the attorneys at Jacobson Injury Lawyers today for a free attorney consultation. We will help you obtain all the required records and documents so that we can file a Paraquat claim on your behalf. If you do not win your Paraquat case, you will not pay legal fees or case expenses. There is no risk – talk to a licensed attorney at Jacobson Injury Lawyers today about your Paraquat case.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a chemical herbicide widely used for weed and grass control. Known for its high toxicity, it’s often used in agriculture to clear fields before planting crops, for weed control in orchards and plantations, and for desiccating (drying) crops before harvest. Paraquat is quick-acting and non-selective, meaning it will kill most green plant tissue on contact.
Paraquat is Highly Toxic
Paraquat is highly toxic – ingesting even a very small amount can cause someone severe poisoning. Since 2000, there have been 17 deaths, three involving children, caused by accidental ingestion of Paraquat. Paraquat exposure through occupational use such as working on farms causes harm slowly because Paraquat enters the body through contact with the skin or inhalation of Paraquat droplets during application. However, Paraquat is highly toxic regardless of how someone is exposed to Paraquat. There is no safe amount of exposure to Paraquat.
Paraquat causes harm by wreaking havoc on the cellular level. Specifically, Paraquat causes oxidative stress which destroys neurons that produce dopamine which is a neurotransmitter. And because Paraquat destroys neurons, people exposed to Paraquat have a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. Research conducted on Paraquat users shows that people exposed to Paraquat have a 250% increased risk of contracting Parkinson’s disease.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which cause unintended or uncontrollable movements of the body. The precise cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. However, medical literature widely acknowledges that environmental factors, specifically exposure to known toxins such as Paraquat, can trigger the disease.
There are four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: (1) tremors which are usually manifested as a rhythmic back and forth motion; (2) rigidity or muscle stiffness where muscles remain constantly tense and contracted. (3) slowness of movement that can make it difficult to perform simple tasks (i.e., Bradykinesia) and (4) impaired balance and/or posture changes. There are also other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking, emotional changes, fatigue and/or problems sleeping.
Many people that have been injured after being exposed to Paraquat develop symptoms of Parkinson’s without having a formal Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. If you have been exposed by Paraquat and have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, contact the lawyers at Jacobson Injury Lawyers today. A skilled attorney with experience in identifying Paraquat toxicity will provide you with a free consultation. If Paraquat exposure is anticipated to be involved, Jacobson Injury Lawyers will coordinate an evaluation by a medical professional.
Does the Paraquat Manufacturer Know It is Toxic?
The makers of Paraquat know that Paraquat is toxic. Many countries have banned Paraquat because it is a known toxic chemical. This includes but is not limited to all countries in the European Union, China, and Brazil. Paraquat is also banned in Switzerland which is the home of Syngena, the largest manufacturer of Paraquat. However, Paraquat is legal in the United States and all of its territories.
Even though Paraquat is highly toxic, the United States permits Paraquat use provided that certain limitations and precautions are exercised. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating the use of Paraquat. The EPA requires that Paraquat users undergo specific training and obtain certification before they can purchase or apply Paraquat. When a user is mixing or applying Paraquat, the person is required to wear protective clothing and equipment. Paraquat is also restricted to commercial use and then may only be used for certain types of crops and in specified areas. Additionally, Paraquat is subject to strict packaging and labeling requirements, including the use of color-coded containers and prominent warnings about Paraquat toxicity.
Although the EPA strictly regulates Paraquat, it has not always imposed the same restrictions. Paraquat was first synthesized in 1882. However it was not until the early 1960s that Paraquat was commercially available for agricultural use. Accordingly, there was a long period of time where Paraquat use was less regulated, causing many Paraquat users to suffer substantial and lasting harm. Still, the manufacturers of Paraquat are likely responsible for the harm.
Who is Responsible and Why
The manufacturers of Paraquat and thus the primary targets of litigation are Syngenta and Chevron. Syngenta is a company based out of Switzerland (but owned by a Chinese company) and Chevron is headquartered in California.
The Paraquat lawsuits claim that Chevron and Syngenta knew about the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease but that the companies failed to adequately warn consumers. The first lawsuit was filed in Missouri in 2017. Since the first lawsuit was filed, hundreds of other claims were filed alleging that Paraquat caused them to contract Parkinson’s. The cases are centralized in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) which is a legal procedure designed to decide common matters when there are common questions among cases. There are more than 5,000 Paraquat cases in the Multi-District Litigation.
Who Qualifies for a Paraquat Claim?
Preliminary qualification for a Paraquat claim depends on the unique facts and circumstances of each claim. Call the Jacobson Injury Lawyers today for a free attorney consultation. A qualified attorney will discuss your exposure to Paraquat, the conditions surrounding your exposure to Paraquat, your medical condition, the timing of the onset of symptoms and other relevant factors to determine if you qualify. There is never a fee to determine if you qualify for a Paraquat claim. And if you qualify, you will not pay legal fees or court costs until you win your case. Call today because your time to file a Paraquat case is limited.