If you or a loved one was exposed to Paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may qualify to receive compensation. The experienced Paraquat lawsuit attorneys at Cory Watson Attorneys can review your case at no cost and help you understand your options.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys to Handle Your Paraquat Claim
Our lawyers have more than 38 years of experience representing injured clients throughout the country. We have taken on some of the largest insurance companies and corporations in the nation, recovering more than $3 billion in total winnings for our clients.
You can rely on us to deliver personalized attention to your case, and we are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns as they arise.
An experienced product liability attorney from our firm can walk you through the steps of joining the Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL) and represent you throughout the process to help ensure you get your share of any settlement or court award.
Don’t delay in contacting us to begin the process of pursuing the compensation you need and the justice you feel you deserve.
What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat (paraquat dichloride) is a toxic weed-killing herbicide that is banned in 32 countries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has restricted the use of Paraquat to commercial applications by licensed users because of its toxicity. Paraquat’s main use is to control weeds and other invasive plants that have developed a resistance to other herbicides. Commercial farms, orchards, and plantations use it.
Paraquat typically comes in a bright blue liquid with a strong smell. Some products that contain Paraquat include Blanco, Devour, Gramoxone, and Firestorm.
What Are the Dangers of Paraquat?
As an effective weedkiller, Paraquat is highly toxic, and a small dose of 2.5 grams is enough to kill someone. Exposure can come from skin absorption, inhalation, and ingestion. If ingested, Paraquat can kill a person quickly, and no antidote can treat it.
One common result of Paraquat exposure is an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In fact, the Michael J. Fox Foundation claims that people exposed to Paraquat are up to 500 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s, depending on their level of exposure.
Paraquat works by breaking oxygen atoms in an organism’s cells, a process known as oxidative stress. When humans experience oxidative stress, the results are often damaging, irreversible, and even fatal.
Paraquat can damage the brain’s neurons, specifically dopamine neurotransmitters. The loss of dopamine can impair fine motor skills and resemble symptoms of Parkinson’s.
What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous disorder that affects body control, and it has no cure.
Symptoms may start gradually and may vary by person. However, some of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
- Tremors or rhythmic shaking, which usually start in the fingers and hands
- Changes in speech patterns and monotone speaking
- Slowed movement and muscle stiffness
- Balance and posture issues
- Loss of automatic movements, such as a decrease in eye blinking
People may also notice their handwriting has become smaller or it’s harder to write. Additionally, people can experience problems with thinking and emotional issues, such as depression.
Some may find it harder to chew or swallow, and the condition can affect bladder and bowel functions. Sleeping problems, such as waking up frequently or acting out dreams, affect many people with Parkinson’s.
Other complications can occur as well, so it’s important to see a doctor and get a thorough medical evaluation if you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of Parkinson’s, especially if you believe you were exposed to Paraquat.
Who Is at Risk for Parkinson’s Due to Paraquat Exposure?
As stated, the EPA has restricted the use of paraquat to licensed commercial users. Thus, people who have directly handled Paraquat run the largest risk of developing Parkinson’s and other serious conditions due to exposure.
They include:
- Paraquat manufacturing employees
- Paraquat dealers and sellers
- Paraquat mixers
- Employees who handle Paraquat
- Licensed Paraquat applicators
However, many others risk exposure due to their industry or proximity to places that use Paraquat, such as:
- Farmer and farm workers
- Groundskeepers and landscapers
- Property owners and residents close to farms or other areas that used Paraquat
Paraquat Lawsuits
Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Paraquat manufacturers since 2016. Defendants include Syngenta, Growmark, and Chevron Chemical, among others.
The lawsuits claim that the defendants knew of Paraquat’s dangers but failed to warn the public and industry regulators. Although the defendants have always denied liability or any wrongdoing, Syngenta settled several lawsuits in 2021 for nearly $188 million.
Due to the continuing number of lawsuits filed, many were consolidated into an MDL in the Illinois Southern District Court. The first bellwether trial, initially scheduled to begin October 16, 2023, has been pushed back several times. It will now likely begin sometime in 2024.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Compensation?
If you developed Parkinson’s disease and were previously exposed to Paraquat, you may qualify to take part in the Paraquat MDL and obtain compensation. However, you must consult an experienced product liability attorney as soon as possible.
A Cory Watson attorney can review your case at no cost and determine if you qualify.
We must establish a clear link between your Paraquat exposure and subsequent Parkinson’s symptoms or any other health issues you may have in order for you to recover.
Some steps you must take include:
- Document Your Exposure: Keep records of when and how you were exposed to Paraquat. Note any symptoms or health issues you have experienced since the exposure.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare professional to document your health condition and establish a link between Paraquat exposure and any health issues you may experience.
A Cory Watson attorney can evaluate your claim to determine its viability, and may assess factors such as the extent of your injuries, the circumstances of your exposure, and any other available evidence.
If you qualify, your attorney can explain the steps to join the Paraquat MDL, and they may offer an estimate of the compensation you could receive.
When Should I Contact an Attorney?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. For one, the longer you wait to establish a link between your Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s symptoms, the harder it is to document evidence to support your claim.
You must also keep in mind that every state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against the person or entity that caused your injuries—in this case, a product manufacturer.
Over the past two years, thousands of cases have joined the MDL, and more than 200 new cases were added between October and November 2023 alone. Many more will likely join in the coming months. It’s vital you
contact an attorney today for a free evaluation of your claim and advice on how you can take part in the MDL to get the compensation you need.
Contact Cory Watson Attorneys Today
The experienced Paraquat lawsuit attorneys at Cory Watson Attorneys are here for you and your family. If you handled Paraquat or lived near a farm or other industrial area that used the product and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease, you should contact us right away.
Our attorneys will sit with you and evaluate your claim to determine if you qualify. If so, we can explain how you may join the MDL and the steps you need to take to establish a strong link between your Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s diagnosis to improve your chances of getting maximum compensation.
Call us today at (205) 328-2200 or contact us online to receive your free consultation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so it will cost you nothing for us to represent you. We will only accept a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf.