Paraquat Lawsuit Lawyers

Paraquat Exposure & Parkinson’s Disease

Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide that is associated with Parkinson’s disease. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated restrictive use for paraquat based on its toxicity. Several studies have even linked frequent contact with the herbicide to the onset of progressive neurological deterioration, the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease.

Farmers and agricultural workers are most susceptible to paraquat exposure, but anyone who has frequently and/or consistently used paraquat may develop a related medical condition. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after prolonged exposure to paraquat, reach out to our team at Levy Konigsberg. We are recognized as one of the leading civil litigation law firms in the United States, with more than $3 Billion recovered for our clients and nearly 40 years of experience in product liability law. Our paraquat lawsuit attorneys provide personalized counsel and aggressive representation throughout the legal process and are prepared to do everything possible to secure the fair settlement or verdict you are owed.

Schedule a free consultation today; call (800) 315-3806 or contact us online.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a toxic chemical used in certain herbicides. It was first marketed for commercial use in 1961 and, currently, can only be used by commercially licensed applicators since it has been labeled by the EPA for “restricted use.”

Paraquat poisoning can occur via ingestion or skin exposure. To help combat the risk of poisoning, paraquat in the U.S. contains a blue dye to help distinguish it from other liquids, such as beverages. It also contains a strong, distinct smell, as well as an agent that induces vomiting.

Despite its toxicity, paraquat continues to be one of the most used herbicides in the world. In addition to being highly poisonous, it has also been associated with degenerative neurological illness, which is one of the indicators of Parkinson’s disease.

What Is Happening with Paraquat?

Several studies have reported that exposure to highly toxic pesticides, such as paraquat, in addition to rural living and farming work, is linked to an increased chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. A study in Nature Chemical Biology applied a gene editing technique to identify genes that that may lead to Parkinson’s disease after individuals were exposed to paraquat.

In another comprehensive study by Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), paraquat was found to be the most concerning insecticide among dozens of toxic chemicals. EHP determined that the production of reactive oxygen species causes oxidative stress and damages cells. Oxidative stress has been identified as a primary factor in nerve cell death in Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers have recognized paraquat as the chemical with the most data supporting a link to an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to paraquat was associated with a two- to three-fold increased risk over the general population.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and chronic neurodegenerative condition. The disease is characterized by impaired motor function, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive decline.

Some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Tremors, typically affecting one hand initially before becoming more widespread
• Slowed movements
• Stiffness and rigid muscles
• Difficulties with balance and/or posture
• Changes in speech patterns, such as slurring, speaking softly, or losing typical inflections
• Loss of or difficulty performing automatic movements, such as blinking
• Difficulty writing, especially with increased tremors

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, although certain treatments and medications can help improve patients’ symptoms and overall quality of life.

Paraquat Side Effects & Complications

Exposure to paraquat, whether through ingestion or skin contact, can lead to an array of serious and even life-threatening complications.

Some of the most common side effects of paraquat exposure include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Seizures
• Respiratory failure
• Coma
• Muscle weakness
• Organ failure
• Fatal poisoning

Prolonged paraquat exposure has also been linked to Parkinson’s disease, characterized by tremors, rigidity, impaired balance, and loss of automatic movements and speech, as well as other neurological symptoms.

Our Paraquat Lawyers Are Ready to Help

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or suffered any paraquat-related health conditions after prolonged or acute exposure, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your related damages. For years, paraquat manufacturers failed to warn consumers of the risks associated with the herbicide, including the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.

At Levy Konigsberg, we believe these manufacturers should be held accountable for the immense harm they have caused workers, families, and others exposed to paraquat. Although our offices are located in New York and New Jersey, our paraquat lawsuit lawyers are licensed to practice law in various states and we proudly serve clients nationwide. We have successfully secured more than $3 Billion in compensation for our clients, and we are prepared to aggressively advocate for your maximum recovery.

Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
• Loss of earning capacity due to disability or impairment
• Loss of future expected earnings and benefits
• Past, current, and future pain and suffering
• Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses

Contact our paraquat lawyers to review whether you or a family member may be entitled to financial compensation. We are currently accepting paraquat cases in all 50 states and are always available to take your call, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have. Our multilingual staff can assist you in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and several other languages; get in touch with us today to learn more.

Schedule an appointment with one of our paraquat lawsuit lawyers today by calling (800) 315-3806 or by contacting us online using the secure form on our website.