Paraquat Lawsuit
If you were exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease, you could qualify to file a paraquat lawsuit. Learn why at Legal Help Advisor.
The use of paraquat dichloride and its byproducts is, in fact, controversial. This is due to the possible links between its use and a higher risk to develop Parkinson’s disease, as established by numerous studies and medical evidence. With this in mind, there is no wonder why many countries banned its use.
But in the United States, it is still authorized for restricted use. The permission to use it was recently renewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are restrictions, but not a ban. To name a few of these limitations:
- Handling. Paraquat must be handled by a trained and licensed applicator.
- Packaging. This product shouldn’t be transferred to a food, drink, or any other kind of container.
- Storing. This chemical can’t be stored in or around residential neighborhoods.
- Locations. Paraquat must never be used near educational institutions, home gardens, playgrounds, or golf courses.
- Application. Since paraquat is extremely toxic, the EPA had to set new rules regarding aerial applications.
Nevertheless, all those measures don’t seem to be enough to prevent the harmful consequences posed on agricultural workers, neighbors, and consumers.
The EPA website says it straightforwardly: it states that paraquat is highly toxic and that there isn’t an antidote.
Who Has Filed Paraquat Lawsuits?
- Agricultural workers including farmers, paraquat applicators, growers
- Pickers and landscapers
- People who live near farmland sprayed with paraquat
- Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or developed PD symptoms and
consumed medications.
Currently, applicators spray it before planting or harvesting in many kinds of crops, such as corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and peanuts. This product kills weeds, grass, and anything that stands in the way of crop development. The problem is that while it does, it poisons everything around, from air to animals to people.
Side effects in humans
As stated before, paraquat is a highly toxic chemical that could seriously affect the health of those who work with, live nearby and even those who eat the fruits and vegetables sprayed with it. One of the most serious consequences of paraquat exposure is Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative condition that gradually impairs those affected and has no cure.
Besides Parkinson’s, there are other side effects related to its use and direct exposure. If swallowed, paraquat produces strong gastrointestinal symptoms and pain in the mouth and throat, leading to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as damage to the lungs and liver, among others. This could also lead to dehydration and many other harmful consequences, as explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This may be me: Do I qualify for a paraquat lawsuit?
At the time, paraquat lawsuits are mostly filed by people who had long-term exposure to the chemical and now live with Parkinson’s Disease. They claim that manufacturers failed to warn them about the risks of exposure to paraquat.
The allegations are supported by scientific studies and medical evidence that have shown connections between paraquat exposure and the development of this degenerative and uncurable condition.
Therefore, if you were directly or indirectly exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s or another illness, you are entitled to demand manufacturers’ and distributors’ financial compensation.
To date, more than 2,000 paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated in Illinois federal court, while waiting for the first bellwether trial, scheduled for July 2023.
The required evidence to file a paraquat lawsuit
At the current time, there are both paraquat class-action lawsuits as well as individual claims. Currently, if you are a potential plaintiff and want to file for the multi-district litigation suit (MDL), you will be required to fill out a questionnaire. To complete this task, a specialized paraquat lawyer may be helpful to understand it, as well as to explain to you what evidence you need to gather.
Regarding that point, initially, you must be able to show that you were somehow exposed to paraquat and that you have Parkinson’s.
The best attorneys for the job are mass-tort attorneys since they have experience working on these types of cases. In any case, contact us so we can evaluate the case.
Compensation for Injuries
Filing a lawsuit may help secure compensation to pay for costly medical bills, lost wages and other expenses due to past and future care. You may also receive compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering as well as loss of quality of life.
Possible paraquat settlements
Predicting the amount each plaintiff could receive for compensation at a paraquat settlement is not easy, because it depends on many factors. Those variables include how many people are part of the lawsuit and how bad or advanced the disease is. But it also depends on other factors.
The number could be also estimated (but not exactly calculated), by taking into account how many days/months the affected individual missed from work, which medical expenses -present and future- are taking place and other financial consequences of reduced mobility caused by Parkinson’s.
To know more about the class-action paraquat lawsuit, leave us your comments and questions here, and a legal advisor will contact you soon.
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If you developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for financial compensation. File your claim today. Book a consultation session with us to get your claim assessed for free. Legal help advisor is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
