To respond to the increasing demand for more food to sustain the growing global population, farmers often resort to herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides to ensure the likelihood that more of their crops will survive. However, the application of these chemicals is not without risk. One particularly potent weed-killing herbicide is paraquat. Although it is an effective weed killer, studies suggest that paraquat may cause serious adverse health effects, such as Parkinson’s disease. Over the years, people nationwide have filed paraquat lawsuits due to the substantial health consequences associated with the weed killer. Reach out today to learn more about how a paraquat lawsuit can benefit you.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals exposed to the herbicide paraquat who suffered lifelong injury or death. Lawsuits against the manufacturers of paraquat claim that exposure to the herbicide may lead to Parkinson’s disease. Speak to our talented legal team today to discuss the details of your paraquat lawsuit in a free consultation with one of our paraquat lawyers.
Paraquat is a toxic chemical widely used as an herbicide. Farmers use herbicides to kill weeds and other unwanted vegetation. Paraquat, first introduced in 1961, is one of the most popular herbicides. It is sprayed on corn, soybean, and cotton fields, among many other types of crops. Farmers also apply paraquat to remove moisture from crops before harvest. Current Paraquat manufacturers include Syngenta, Growmark, and Chevron U.S.A., Inc. While it remains legal in the United States, over 32 countries have banned paraquat due to its toxicity. Despite its potency, paraquat continues to gain popularity in the United States. However, paraquat is restricted to commercial use only and is not available for home gardeners in residential areas.
The Environmental Protection Agency warns the public that even one sip of paraquat can kill. The agency stresses the importance of labeled storage containers for the chemical. People who consumed paraquat suffered organ failure in a short amount of time. Direct contact and ingestion of paraquat prove extremely dangerous, if not deadly. However, research now links long-term exposure to paraquat to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Numerous studies propose that agricultural workers and farmers have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease after prolonged contact with paraquat. The United Parkinson’s Advocacy Council found evidence that prolonged exposure to paraquat can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 200-600%.
Furthermore, the American Journal of Epidemiology analyzed animal and cell models that indicated that pesticides trigger a neurodegenerative process that causes Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to pesticides within 500 miles of the subject’s home increased the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 75%. Additionally, in 2011, the National Institute of Health reported that people who used paraquat were 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than non-exposed individuals.
Paraquat destroys the body’s cells through oxidative stress. This process damages cells, proteins, and DNA, and may play an important role in the development of a range of conditions, like neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress can damage vulnerable structures inside brain cells and even cause cell death, which may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
In 2021, the EPA released stronger safety measures for paraquat. These new restrictions include:
Paraquat applicators and average citizens are at risk for paraquat injuries. Scientific studies link long-term paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition in which nerve cells located in the brain fail to generate enough dopamine. Lack of dopamine can result in tremors, rigidity, and balance problems. Parkinson’s disease also creates non-physical symptoms such as cognitive decline and depression. Most of these symptoms worsen over time and cause permanent disability and death.
Hundreds of individuals have filed lawsuits against paraquat manufacturers. Lawsuits allege farmers and applicators who directly apply paraquat may breathe in the toxic chemical, thus increasing their risk of Parkinson’s disease. Concerningly, paraquat may seep into groundwater, linger on produce, and drift from the application site. These factors affect nearby residential areas. Given the wide range of individuals vulnerable to paraquat exposure, attorneys estimate there may be nearly 35,000 possible cases.
There are hundreds of paraquat lawsuits pending in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Illinois, where numerous farmers suffered paraquat exposure. Lawsuits are also being filed in California and Illinois state courts as well. Whether you are an applicator or resident, one of our paraquat lawyers can determine if you have a potential claim.
Paraquat litigation continues to grow. As of November 2023, there were 4,986 paraquat lawsuits in the MDL.
If you worked with paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease, discuss your potential claim with a paraquat lawyer today.
If you or a loved one has developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of paraquat exposure, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
No one should endure life-long ramifications because a careless company neglected to disclose the health effects of its products. For many, Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that can disrupt their way of life. Our paraquat lawyers want to assist you in holding the manufacturers accountable for their reckless actions. Our team is on standby to speak with you about your potential paraquat lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page to speak with a paraquat lawyer.
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