If you or a loved one has developed Parkinson’s disease due to exposure to paraquat, you may be considering filing a lawsuit to seek financial compensation for damages. This blog post will provide an overview of what to expect when pursuing a paraquat Parkinson’s Disease lawsuit. We will also discuss pertinent information such as medical evidence, legal strategy, and the potential benefits of working with paraquat Parkinson’s Disease attorneys.
Paraquat Defined
Paraquat is a popular herbicide used widely around the world. This dangerous chemical has been linked to Parkinson’s Disease, and as such, many countries have banned its use. Unfortunately, companies that produce or distribute these dangerous products have failed to take responsibility for their potential health risks, resulting in numerous lawsuits filed by people affected.
In the U.S., particularly among agricultural workers and those in landscaping, paraquat exposure is linked to both Parkinson’s Disease and acute poisoning. Although other countries have completely banned the use of paraquat in fields and commercial farms, it is still legal and sold in the United States, where it is available as a liquid with different levels of potency. The US Environmental Protection Agency has labeled paraquat as “restricted use” meaning that only licensed applicators can utilize it.
In order to keep people from accidentally consuming this toxic herbicide, the form marketed in the United States has a blue dye added to it. This makes it less likely to be confused with beverages such as coffee. There is also a strong odor added as another warning sign and an agent that causes vomiting if consumed. Paraquat from outside of the United States may not have these same safeguards in place.
How Can One Be Exposed to Paraquat?
Any individual or family member who has been exposed to paraquat and developed a related condition like Parkinson’s Disease may be eligible to pursue legal action. As mentioned, those who are the most at risk for adverse effects include agricultural laborers and landscapers, as well as those who lived or worked near paraquat fields for extended periods of time.
If mixed with food, water, or other beverages, paraquat can be easily ingested without a person’s knowledge. For example, if the form of paraquat used does not contain safeguard additives like a dye or vomiting agent, people might not realize their food or water has been contaminated. Activities such as prolonged skin exposure to a concentrated version of paraquat or having pre-existing damage to one’s skin greatly increase the likelihood of being poisoned.
Medical Evidence in a Paraquat Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit
Can you file product liability lawsuits for paraquat poisoning? Yes, but it will be important to prove that paraquat was the direct cause of your injuries. Doing so requires gathering and presenting medical evidence which includes the results from any lab tests you have undergone, such as urine and blood samples.
When filing a paraquat Parkinson’s Disease lawsuit, medical evidence is one of the most important components. Your attorney will need to review your medical records and consult with doctors who can verify that paraquat exposure caused the disease. The legal team will also need to review the relevant laws and regulations related to paraquat in your state.
Examples of medical evidence that lawyers might utilize include:
- Medical records, including disease symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
- Expert testimony from medical professionals
- Toxicology reports proving the link between paraquat at Parkinson’s
- Testimony from former employers or colleagues about the use of paraquat in the workplace
Paraquat Settlement Amounts
The amount of damages awarded to a plaintiff in a paraquat Parkinson’s Disease lawsuit depends on the severity of their symptoms and the cost of medical bills. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for reckless or careless behavior.
To maximize the chances of obtaining a fair settlement, it is important to work with an experienced paraquat Parkinson’s disease attorney. Your lawyer will be able to identify all possible sources of compensation and fight for your legal rights.
In January 2021, an Illinois crop duster who says he was made ill by a toxic weed killer used in farming sued the manufacturers and distributors of the substance.
The plaintiff alleged that long-term exposure to the chemical caused him to develop kidney disease and Parkinson’s, and named Syngenta AG and Syngenta Crop Protection, Chevron, Phillips Chemical, and Growmark as defendants in the suit.
The Paraquat lawsuit was filed by an individual who worked on farms from 1969 to 1981 and repeatedly came into contact with the weed killer, both through skin exposure and inhaling it as it was being sprayed. The plaintiff was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and kidney failure in 2019.
Paraquat Parkinson’s Disease Attorneys in California
Paraquat poisoning is real — and California residents are at risk for it.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease after being exposed to this toxic chemical, you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim. The experienced personal injury lawyers from Ayuda California can provide the dedicated and knowledgeable representation you need as we fight against the companies accountable and assert your right to maximum compensation.
We understand the complex legal process and are dedicated to helping you seek justice. Our paraquat lawyers will fight for your rights, answer all of your questions, and work hard to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.
The Ayuda California team speaks English and Spanish. We are here to help you and your family. Let our experienced attorneys file a paraquat lawsuit and fight for you.
