Lawsuits on Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Injury

In the lawsuits filed against Paraquat, plaintiffs are seeking compensation for Parkinson’s disease, a condition linked to prolonged exposure to the Paraquat herbicide.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a popular herbicide that has been on the market since 1962. It is primarily used to kill weeds and serves as a drying agent after harvest. Anyone who mixes, handles, or loads Paraquat must first complete a training program approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This herbicide carries restrictions because it has a strong potential for poisoning or misuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Paraquat is more dangerous than many other herbicides. Its toxicity can take hold through skin absorption, swallowing, or breathing it in. Exposure has been linked to birth defects, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. If you have suffered after handling this chemical, a Warren OVI attorney can review your situation.

Paraquat is generally applied directly onto leaves to destroy weeds. Farmers spray it just before planting crops, and it is also used to eliminate marijuana plants throughout the USA and Mexico.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that tends to develop during a person’s middle or later years. It attacks the motor system, leading to tremors in the arms and legs, poor balance and coordination, stiff limbs, and slowed movement. Because the condition is both chronic and progressive, medical therapies may offer temporary relief, but they cannot provide a permanent cure.

If you or someone you love has used Paraquat for an extended period and is now showing signs of Parkinson’s disease, reach out to us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Our experienced Warren criminal lawyer can guide you through filing your damage claim.

Things to Know About the Paraquat Lawsuit

During a study in Southern California in the 1980s, researchers discovered that MPTP—a heroin contaminant with a chemical structure similar to Paraquat—could trigger neurological problems by destroying the dopamine neurons responsible for Parkinson’s disease.

In 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that mixing, loading, and applying the herbicide, along with the period after application, exposes the people who handle it. This exposure does not stop with those who work directly with the chemical; it also reaches residents who live near the farms where the herbicide is sprayed. For families affected by this exposure, a knowledgeable Warren OVI attorney can explain the legal options available to them.

According to a 2009 report in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the risk of developing the disease rises for people who live within roughly 1,600 feet of an area where the herbicide is applied. In 2014, the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology published findings on Environmental Toxins and Parkinson’s disease. This study not only confirmed Paraquat as a cause of Parkinson’s disease but also showed that pesticide applicators exposed to Paraquat face twice the risk compared to the general public. Then, in a 2016 announcement, the EPA discussed its re-evaluation of Paraquat and its possible connection to Parkinson’s disease.

On July 24, 2017, the EPA received a letter from the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council. Every member signed the document, presenting facts that demonstrate a clear link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. They also called on the EPA to cancel the registration of Paraquat. If you believe this chemical has harmed your health, a dedicated Warren criminal lawyer can help you pursue accountability.

The letter also outlined several unavoidable expenses that affected individuals may have to shoulder:

• $26,400 for the care of a single Parkinson’s disease patient
• A national economic burden ranging from $19.8 to $26.4 billion
• Costs tied to programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability Insurance

In October 2017, a lawsuit was filed against the manufacturing companies Syngenta and Growmark. It was brought on behalf of agricultural workers and farmers who developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat.

So, if you are searching for justice because you or a loved one has developed the warning signs of Parkinson’s disease, come to us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. You can reach out to us at (330) 791-8104, and our committed Warren OVI attorney will take care of your claim.