Paraquat Lawsuit For Parkinson's Disease
- May 2
- 6 min read
If you or a loved one in has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease due to paraquat exposure, you may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit that can provide financial compensation. Our mass tort attorneys attorneys are currently handling new lawsuits for victims of Parkinson’s disease in all 50 states and can assist you immediately.
The herbicide paraquat has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, and a growing number of people are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers. Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical that is used in agriculture and landscaping. While it is effective at killing weeds, it can also cause serious health problems in people who are exposed to it. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to paraquat have a greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease, and the symptoms of the disease can appear years after exposure.
On this page you'll learn how paraquat exposes causes Parkinson's, the latest information from the Center of Disease Control, the legal framework involved in these lawsuits, and how to determine if you qualify to file a case here in Texas.
What is paraquat?
Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as “paraquat,” is an herbicide (plant killer) used to kill weeds and grasses. Paraquat is more popularly known as Gramoxone, which is well known commercial end-use product manufactured by Syngenta, a Swiss agrochemical company. The herbicide known to be extremely toxic, but is an important tool for the control of weeks in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, but does not have a homeowner purpose and is not included in any product registered for household applications. Due to the potentially dangerous effect to humans that come in contact with Paraquat, the US Environmental Protection Agency restricts the use of the chemical to only by people who are licensed applicators.
Paraquat works by causing cell death in plants. It is absorbed through the leaves and then translocated to the roots, where it damages the cells. This results in the death of the plant. Paraquat is a highly dangerous chemical, and it can be dangerous to humans if it is inhaled or ingested. People that ingest a even a sip of Paraquat die 70% of the time. Symptoms of paraquat poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause organ damage and even death. For this reason, it is important to use caution when handling products that contain paraquat.
Why are people filing Paraquat lawsuits?
Paraquat is a toxic chemical that has been linked to Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to paraquat are far more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who are not exposed. The product is so dangerous that in 2007 the EU banned paraquat as the exposure to workers was too high. The exact mechanism by which paraquat causes Parkinson's is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the generation of free radicals. Resent research from the National Toxicology Program provides exposure to the free radicals (highly reactive molecules) in Paraquat leads to cell damage and inflammation which damages the dopaminergic neurons responsible for producing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is essential for normal brain function, and a deficiency can lead to impaired movement and cognitive function.
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease typically begin gradually and worsen over time. The most common symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance. Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, treatment can help relieve some of the symptoms. Paraquat is a dangerous chemical that can have serious health consequences. If you suspect that you have been exposed to paraquat, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Although Paraquat has been used across the world for more than 50 years, there is no medical treatment available to directly address its health effects. Paraquat poisonings is generally more frequent in rural areas and is even known to impact people in living in the areas around commercial farms that use the product.
Unfortunately, Paraquat is still used heavily throughout the United States. Although many hoped that the EPA would step in and eliminate widespread usage of the Paraquat, farmers have started to use the product less more recently due to the crop yields becoming more resistant against the herbicide product.
Who is eligible for a Paraquat lawsuit?
You may have a legal claim against a Paraquat manufacturer in Texas if you were:
Exposed to paraquat, and
Subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
Even if you were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease years ago, your claim is not time barred. You should contact a mass tort law firm today that is filing claims related to Paraquat expose. You deserve answers and compensation for how Parkinson's has impacted, and will continue to impact your life and you can file the claim for free.
How do I file a lawsuit related to Paraquat exposure?
To file a lawsuit related to Paraquat exposure, call 866-434-0014 and an attorney can file your claim today.
At Sneed & Mitchell LLP, we take care all aspects of the claim filing process. Many victims of Paraquat exposure suffer different symptoms, but the claims process generally involves our mass tort attorneys engaging the following actions:
Gathering medical evidence to support what you're family experienced
Learning of how the chemical exposure has impacted your life
Filing a Paraquat lawsuit to obtain compensation for you
Updating you on new Paraquat news
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed was exposed to paraquat chemicals and developed Parkinson's disease, contact us today as you may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit and obtain a settlement. A paraquat settlement will include compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Paraquat Exposure and Poisoning Symptoms
Paraquat exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. Symptoms of paraquat poisoning depend on the route and severity of exposure and can range from mild to life-threatening.
Immediate side effects
After inhaling a disruptive amount of weed-killing herbicide people often experience coughing, dehydrations, elevated heart rate, impaired balance, resting tremors, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Skin contact with paraquat may cause redness, swelling, and blistering. If ingested, paraquat can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Other immediate symptoms include non-physical effects such as confusion.
Long-term effects
In more severe cases, Paraquat exposure can cause life-threatening health conditions such as kidney failure, gastrointestinal disease, coma respiratory collapse, Parkinson's disease, Atypical Parkin's, Bradykinesia, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, liver damage, renal failure, or death. Studies have also shown that paraquat also increases the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, including lung cancer and melanoma. Given the potentially fatal effects of this herbicide, it is important for people who work with paraquat to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure.
What products is paraquat found in?
There are many brands of Paraquat on the market today, and some were previously available in the United States but no longer sold today. Paraquat has been commonly used in the United States since the 1960s.
Brands of herbicide containing Paraquat include:
Gramoxone
Roundup
Ortho Nutsedge Killer
Scouts Turt Builder
Parazone
Quick-Quat
Para-Shot 3.0
Helmquat 3SL
Cyclone SL 2.0
Firestorm
Crisquat
Dexuron
Para-col
Devour
Bonedry
Blanco
Esgram
Ortho Paraquat CL
Tota-col
PP148
Garmixel
Pillarxone
AH 501
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to paraquat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The best way to prevent paraquat poisoning is to avoid exposure altogether. If you must work with the herbicide, be sure to wear protective clothing and work in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after working with paraquat, and store the herbicide in a safe place where children and animals cannot reach it.
What type of compensation can I get in a Paraquat Settlement?
The amount of compensation you can receive in a Paraquat settlement
Several factors separate one child's case from another, including;
the severity of the condition
the extent of medical treatment
surgery costs
medical bills
economic expenses
ongoing medical complications
future medical needs
level of disfigurement
pain and suffering
emotional trauma
lost wages experienced by the parents
punitive damages, if possible
What is the average settlement for paraquat?
The exact amount that each individual plaintiff will recover depends on a variety of factors including severity of injury, level of Roundup exposure, and the type of cancer involved. However, legal experts expect that these settlements will pay out an average of $100,000 to $150,000.
