Overview of Paraquat Lawsuits

Paraquat is a deadly herbicide used on crops throughout the United States. The side effects from paraquat exposure can result in death or permanent impairments. As a result, numerous individuals have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer seeking compensation for injuries and damages caused by paraquat exposure.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a toxic chemical used to kill weeds. The weed killer has been widely used on crops in America since the 1960s. Because it is incredibly effective and costs less than other forms of weed control, paraquat is becoming more popular than other herbicides.

Because paraquat herbicide can be extremely dangerous and deadly, it is only available to commercially licensed users. In addition, users must complete an EPA-approved training program and become certified before using paraquat. 

How Does Paraquat Poisoning Occur?

Paraquat poisoning may occur by inhaling or ingesting the chemical. Skin exposure is another risk. The EPA requires steps to reduce the risk of accidentally ingesting paraquat. 

Paraquat approved for use in the United States must contain additives that help prevent accidental ingestion, such as odors, dyes, and vomiting agents. However, paraquat that is manufactured in other parts of the world may not have these additives. 

However, ingesting paraquat is only one way to be exposed to the deadly chemical. There is great concern that individuals living near farms that use paraquat could be exposed to the chemical. Exposure could increase their risk of developing Parkinson’s and other diseases.

Skin exposure is another way to be exposed to paraquat. Skin exposure is more likely to cause harm if the exposure is over a long period or the paraquat is a concentrated version of the product. Exposure to skin that has a rash, sores, or cuts could increase the risk of injury.

Inhaling paraquat can cause lung damage. According to the CDC, paraquat has been found in marijuana in the United States. 

In October 2020, the EPA proposed new measures to reduce the risk of injury or harm from paraquat exposure. But, unfortunately, these measures are unlikely to prevent all paraquat injuries and accidents. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning?

Exposure to paraquat can result in a variety of symptoms.

Signs of paraquat poisoning include:

Immediate medical care is required. Exposure to paraquat can be deadly. 

What Conditions Does Paraquat Cause?

Paraquat is linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Parkinson’s is a debilitating condition that impacts movement. Other signs of Parkinson’s Disease include a decrease in the ability to talk, walk, and perform simple tasks deteriorates over time. The person may have trouble chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. Eventually, the disease results in the person’s death. A study conducted by the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) found that exposure to certain pesticides increases the odds of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 2.5 times.

In addition to developing Parkinson’s Disease, exposure to paraquat may also increase a person’s risk of developing progressive supranuclear palsy. There is also an increased risk of developing multiple system atrophy, a progressive brain disorder that affects balance and movement.

What are the Long-Term Consequences of Paraquat Poisoning?

Individuals exposed to paraquat can develop a variety of injuries and diseases that could result in long-term impairments. A person who develops Parkinson’s Disease after being exposed to paraquat eventually requires 24/7 medical and personal care. 

Lung damage caused by inhaling paraquat could result in the permanent need for oxygen or other medical intervention. In severe cases, a person may require a lung transplant. 

The long-term consequences of paraquat poisoning depend on the level of exposure and the severity of the injuries. Paraquat lawsuits seek compensation for damages caused by paraquat exposure and poisoning.

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Paraquat Injury?

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease after exposure to paraquat or suffered injury from exposure to paraquat, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. 

Damages include, but are not limited to:

Each paraquat case is different. Therefore, you may be entitled to additional damages based on the facts of your case.

What is My Paraquat Injury Case Worth?

The value of your paraquat injury case depends on several factors. For example, individuals who are diagnosed with a debilitating, incurable disease may have damages that are worth more than an individual who sustained a paraquat injury that was curable and did not result in permanent impairments.

Because paraquat exposure often leads to severe injuries and permanent impairments, the value of damages in paraquat lawsuits tends to be very high.

Working with an experienced paraquat lawsuit lawyer is another factor that can impact the value of your case. These types of mass tort cases are incredibly complicated. 

You need a law firm with the resources and skills to investigate this type of personal injury claim. Attorneys who handle defective product claims have access to experts and other professionals who assist with the investigation. 

The key to winning a paraquat lawsuit and obtaining maximum compensation for damages is to build a strong case for liability based on evidence and scientific research. You need an experienced paraquat injury lawyer to do that for you. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Numerous lawsuits have been filed across the nation in state and federal courts alleging paraquat manufacturers are liable for damages caused by the deadly weed killer. The likelihood that many more paraquat lawsuits will be filed is high. 

A class action lawsuit has not yet been filed against paraquat manufacturers. However, a petition to create a paraquat MDL was filed and is pending. The first paraquat lawsuit was filed in 2017.

If you or a family member was exposed to paraquat and suffered harm or was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may be able to file a legal claim against the manufacturer. However, your time to file a paraquat lawsuit is limited by statutes of limitations. 

The deadlines for filing paraquat product liability lawsuits may vary by state. Therefore, if you suspect you sustained injuries because of paraquat exposure, you need to talk with a personal injury attorney immediately to avoid missing the deadline to file a paraquat lawsuit. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation 

Have you been exposed to paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease? If so, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Our nationwide paraquat injury lawyers can help.

At Rosen Injury Lawyers, our mass torts injury lawyers have over 75 years of combined legal experience and won numerous awards for their work as product liability attorneys. Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients.

You deserve to be compensated for the pain and suffering, financial losses, and other damages caused by negligent and reckless chemical companies. Contact our law office now to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced paraquat lawsuit attorneys.