If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease as a result of paraquat herbicide exposure, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses in a lawsuit against the company that made and sold the product.
O’Connor & Partners, PLLC is evaluating claims from individuals who were exposed to paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Please contact us online or at (845) 303-8777 for a free consultation. Our paraquat lawsuit attorneys serve the Hudson Valley area, including Kingston, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie, New York.
What Is Paraquat?
Commonly known simply as “paraquat,” paraquat dichloride is an herbicide designed to kill weeds. It was first used in the 1960s to prevent grass and weed growth near crops and farms. Due to its high toxicity, it is restricted to commercial use only. The substance is so toxic that just one small sip can be fatal to humans. There is currently no antidote.
The toxic herbicide is associated with numerous side effects, including Parkinson’s disease. The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council reports that chronic exposure to paraquat can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 200 – 600%.
Despite being banned in 32 countries, including China and the European Union, paraquat has not been banned in the United States. In fact, paraquat’s continued use in the U.S. has increased in recent years. Farmers and agricultural workers are at the highest risk for exposure, but those who live near industrial farms may also be at risk.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to paraquat, you may be able to seek damages in a legal claim to help your family cover the costs of lost wages, medical treatments, and more.
What Is Paraquat Poisoning?
Although many herbicides have been linked to serious health risks, paraquat has been referred to as the “deadliest pesticide on the market,” responsible for about 100 poisonings every year. Paraquat poisoning can occur after only brief exposure, potentially leading to a variety of health issues, including an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Ingestion or prolonged exposure can lead to death.
Paraquat poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to paraquat by:
- Coming into contact with sprayed plants
- Inhaling or ingesting paraquat
- Mixing, loading, or applying paraquat
- Getting paraquat on the skin
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings and provided information about paraquat because it is “more toxic and presents a greater risk from exposure” than other pesticide products.
What Are the Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning?
The immediate symptoms of paraquat poisoning include:
- Seizures
- Swelling and pain around the throat and mouth
- Weakness or muscle fatigue
- Gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, bloody stool, diarrhea, and nausea
- Elevated heart rate
- Dehydration
- Confusion
- Coma
- Breathing difficulty or failure, possibly leading to death
The long-term effects of paraquat poisoning include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Multiple system atrophy
What Are the Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder caused by a loss of neurons and the dopamine neurotransmitters they produce. The disease progressively worsens over time.
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may exhibit some of the following motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms:
- Shaking movement when the muscles are relaxed (resting tremors)
- Limb rigidity or stiffness
- Postural instability or impaired balance
- Slow reflexes and voluntary movement (bradykinesia)
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Constipation
- Cognitive impairment
- Apathy
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are certain treatment options available that can lessen some symptoms.
How Can a Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney Help?
Makers of herbicides and other chemicals have an obligation to provide products that are reasonably safe and free from defects. If a product harbors inherent risks of harm, the manufacturer must also give sufficient warnings.
When manufacturers fail to fulfill their duties, they can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their products. If you’ve been harmed by paraquat exposure, you may be eligible to recover damages for your current and future:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one due to paraquat poisoning, you may be able to pursue compensation for end-of-life expenses, such as funeral and burial costs, and other financial and emotional burdens that result from your tragic loss.
You Have a Limited Time to Pursue a Claim. Call Our Paraquat Lawsuit Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one have been exposed to paraquat and were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or other health problems, contact O’Connor & Partners, PLLC today online or at (845) 303-8777 to discuss your case for free with a paraquat lawsuit lawyer. Our firm proudly serves the Hudson Valley area, including Kingston, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie, New York.
There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney and your case will be handled on a contingency basis, meaning you owe nothing unless a successful outcome is achieved in your case.