Paraquat dichloride is an agricultural herbicide commonly used by individuals and businesses in farming and other commercial activities to eradicate weeds and other unwanted plant growth. It was first used over 100 years ago, but has been readily available as a commercial product since the early 1960’s. It kills green plant tissue on contact, and it has been a very prominent herbicide that has been adopted by farms around the world, with millions of tons used worldwide.
However, there are health concerns associated with the use of the herbicide, so much so that it has been banned in numerous countries. If even a sip is ingested, it causes toxic chemical reactions to occur in almost all areas of the body, with particular damage in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. This can cause serious long-term issues, even if treated quickly, and can even cause death.
In addition to short term effects if the user ingests Paraquat, there are suspected links to other effects due to long term exposure as well, even if that exposure only occurs through skin absorption. Academic journals in the US published evidence of a link between exposure to the herbicide and the emergence of Parkinson’s disease and a number of other chronic health problems.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Paraquat and have subsequently experienced health issues, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you now. Our injury attorneys have significant experience in helping clients who have been affected by the herbicide. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or you can read on to find out more.
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When was Paraquat taken off the market?
Although Paraquat was designated a Restricted Use Pesticide by the EPA in 2016, meaning it can only be used in agricultural and commercial settings and only applied by certified specialists, it remains on sale today. In fact, in the last decade, more Paraquat has been used in the US than at any other time. This increase has taken place despite over 50 other countries and areas, including China and the European Union, having already banned its use completely.
Are Roundup and Paraquat the Same thing?
No. While both are used to control unwanted plant growth, Paraquat is a much more aggressive herbicide than Roundup, and is often used in cases where Roundup fails to deal with the problem.
What is dangerous about Paraquat?
There are multiple studies that link exposure to Paraquat with the onset of Parkinson’s disease. A 2011 study found that those exposed to the herbicide were 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease than those who had not, and Paraquat is one of very few toxins that scientists use to produce animal models of Parkinson’s for research into the disease.
Who Qualifies for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one have been exposed to Paraquat and then subsequently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may qualify for a lawsuit.
The majority of people who are eligible for a lawsuit are agricultural workers like farmers and other farmworkers. Additionally, chemical mixers, tank fillers, and herbicide applicators who have been exposed to Paraquat may be eligible for a lawsuit. Finally, those who live around a farming community where Paraquat is used may also have a claim.
Despite Paraquat’s toxicity, only individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to the herbicide may file a lawsuit.
What Can You Recover for a Paraquat lawsuit?
Those who file a lawsuit and are awarded a settlement may recover the cost of the medical bills incurred during treatment for Parkinson’s disease. In addition, they may recover lost earnings from being unable to work, emotional damages, pain and suffering, and other financial costs that have been incurred.
How a PI Lawyer can help
A lawyer can help establish if you have a case against the manufacturer of Paraquat. for costs and damages and bring that action to court on your behalf.
If you’ve suffered from Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat, Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you can help you seek compensation. We work on a contingency basis; we don’t get paid unless you get paid. When you’re ready to move forward with your claim, please contact our office, conveniently located in your area.
Leveraging our 20+ years of winning claims against goliath insurance companies, we know how to move heaven and earth to get you fairly compensated for your unbearable loss. We know that only then will you be able to close this painful chapter and start a new one, stronger and bolder than before.
