In addition to a significant risk of potentially fatal poisoning, the herbicide paraquat may put users at an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. If you worked with this toxic plant killer and now have a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, you may be able to hold the herbicide manufacturer responsible.
Recovering financial compensation to help you pay for your medical treatment, care, and support may be possible. You should speak with our team to review these claims for free today to learn more.
How Strong Is the Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?
Those exposed to paraquat or another herbicide, rotenone, had a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a study from The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Those who used paraquat or rotenone received Parkinson’s disease diagnoses around two and a half times more frequently than others who never had exposure.
Environmental Health Perspectives published this study in June 2011. Several other studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals also link the herbicide with the condition. This includes studies in:
Parkinson’s Disease Can be Costly to Manage
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nerve cells in the brain’s substantia nigra no longer produce enough dopamine, leading to symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Tremors or other uncontrolled movements
- Rigid limbs
- Gait and mobility issues
- Cognitive impairment
- Sleep difficulties
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Depression
With modern treatments, many people can manage Parkinson’s disease to the point that it does not decrease their lifetime. However, their quality of life, enjoyment, and activities are often significantly impacted.
As the disease progresses, they may require help with activities of daily living, mobility assistance, and other types of care and support.
How Dangerous is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical. In the United States, it is a “Restricted Use Pesticides” (RUP). Users must undergo training and become a certified applicator to use it. Those who are most likely to come into contact with this herbicide include:
- Farmers
- Growers
- Pickers
- Licensed applicators
- Others exposed through mishandling
In addition to the possible link to Parkinson’s disease, there is a real risk of poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), paraquat poisoning can occur via swallowing the chemical, inhaling it, or through skin exposure.
It Can Be Deadly
In some cases, paraquat poisoning can be deadly. The damage done depends on several factors, including:
- The level of exposure
- How the exposure occurred
- How long the exposure lasted
- Other health factors
It can cause injuries to the:
- Mouth, stomach, and gastrointestinal system when ingested
- Lungs when inhaled
- Liver and kidneys
This could mean that you have additional health concerns related to your paraquat exposure. You should discuss your history with this herbicide with your doctor. Your attorney may be able to help you make an appointment with someone well-versed in paraquat-related concerns if you work with a law firm to seek compensation.
Agricultural Workers with Parkinson’s Disease May Have Grounds for a Lawsuit
If you had occupational exposure to paraquat and now have a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, you should connect with our firm. We can review your legal case for free to determine if they believe you can pursue financial damages.
Our attorneys do not charge upfront legal fees. Instead, they work for a percentage of your recovery. This is known as a contingency fee.
As of May 2021, there are already lawsuits underway against paraquat manufacturers in several states. You may be able to seek compensation for the damages you suffered, as well. This could include:
- Medical bills, current and future
- Ongoing care and support costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages
- Wrongful death losses
There is also a chance this case could become multidistrict litigation (MDL) or class action. If this occurs, you should still speak with our firm to determine if joining the mass tort is the right option for you.
Talk to a Team Member from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Free
You can learn if you have a case against paraquat manufacturers today during your complimentary case assessment with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Our team provides consultations for agricultural workers with Parkinson’s disease. We are a contingency-fee personal injury firm, meaning we only get paid if we recover money for you.
You can count on our team to go the extra mile. We may be able to help you make appointments, get the medical care you need, and take other steps to get a more positive outcome for you.
Call 1-800-747-3733 now to learn more during your free case review.
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