Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and you used or were regularly exposed to Paraquat? Then you might be eligible to file a claim for financial compensation. Our team of attorneys are prepared to seek monetary damages for pain and suffering and to cover the cost of medical bills, and we may also be able to help you recover lost wages.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat (paraquat dichloride) is a toxic grass and weed killer linked with the development of Parkinson’s disease in humans. This herbicide is a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in the United States and available for commercial use only, which means that it can be bought and used only by certified and licensed applicators.
This herbicide is also marketed under a variety of other brand names, including:
- Blanco
- Bonfire Herbicide
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Gramaxone
- Helmquat
- Ortho-Paraquat
- Paraquat Concentrate
- Para-SHOT 3.0
- Parazone
- Quik-Quat
Since this product is commonly used in farming and agriculture, workers at the highest risk of Paraquat exposure include farmers, herbicide applicators, agricultural laborers, tank fillers, chemical mixers, and anyone living nearby in farming communities.
Thirty-two countries around the world have banned Paraquat because of the side effects and health dangers, including China and the European Union. The use of this herbicide is still occurring in the United States and is continuing to grow year over year.
The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council is researching the connection between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Strong evidence shows that the risk of a Parkinson’s diagnosis increases by 200 – 600% after chronic exposure to Paraquat.
Paraquat’s toxicity is so high that average occupational exposure can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. This neurological disease causes a deterioration of specific brain cells, causing gradual impairment of the brain’s ability to control motor functions. The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, impaired movement, muscle stiffness, and lack of balance.
The earliest study linking Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease was published in 2009 by the American Journal of Epidemiology. This study reported that the risk of Parkinson’s disease increased for people living within 1600 feet of locations where Paraquat was sprayed regularly.
In fact, Paraquat is so toxic that hundreds of suicide reports are linked to farmers drinking Paraquat – one sip has a 70% chance of killing a person.
The use of Paraquat started in the early 1960s, with a rapid increase in the last 20 years. As weeds become resistant to other herbicides, farmers must change products and increase applications to control the weeds. Now, Paraquat is the most commonly used type of RUH in the US, despite multiple findings of health issues as reported by the American Journal of Epidemiology, Environmental Health Perspectives, NIH, EPA, and more.
Should You File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one meets certain specific criteria, you might be eligible to receive compensation through a settlement or court case. If you fit the criteria below, please contact us to discuss your potential claims:
- An official diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
- Evidence of exposure to Paraquat
Contact Us to Discuss Your Paraquat Case
At Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C., we offer the experience you need if you would like to file a Paraquat lawsuit. Our law firm helps individuals and families who were exposed to Paraquat and have a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
With decades of experience and a proven track record, you can confidently know that you are working with the experts. Contact us to schedule a consultation to see if you qualify for a Paraquat claim: (504) 522-2304.
