Our North Carolina Paraquat Lawyer Helps Clients Nationwide
Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed across the United States by farm and agricultural workers who developed Parkinson’s Disease from exposure to the herbicide Paraquat. In September 2021, all the federally filed Paraquat lawsuits were consolidated into MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) in the Southern District of Illinois for pre-trial proceedings. The primary defendants include Syngenta, the manufacturer of Paraquat, and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., the company that had a license to make and sell Paraquat in the United States, under the brand name Gramoxone. If you’ve used Paraquat and experience declining health issues, you should explore your options and hire a North Carolina Paraquat lawyer at our firm. Paraquat claims are a nationwide matter, and no matter where you live, our attorneys can represent you.
History of Paraquat
Paraquat is a toxic chemical that is one of the most widely used commercial herbicides used in the United States for weed and grass control. It was first produced for commercial purposes in 1964 and has been used for decades to control weeds and invasive grasses in more than 100 crops, ranging from corn to cotton. Due to its high toxicity, it is currently banned in more than 30 countries, including China. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Paraquat as “restricted use”, meaning that it should only be used by individuals who are licensed operators.
Who is at Risk for Side Effects from Paraquat
Workers who apply, mix or load the weed killer are at most risk of exposure, but the EPA has also warned that individuals who live near farms may be at risk. While most of the science supporting adverse health effects has focused on adult workers, a recent French study found an association between Paraquat exposure during pregnancy and prenatal developmental defects. The CDC warns that swallowing, inhaling, ingesting or skin exposure to Paraquat may result in adverse short and long term health effects.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
For years, scientific studies have linked pesticide exposure to severe adverse health effects, including Parkinson’s Disease. In 2019, a review of scientific literature found that Parkinson’s Disease occurrence was 25 percent higher in participants exposed to Paraquat. The study also indicated a higher incidence in Parkinson’s in those that were exposed for longer periods. In October 2020, the EPA proposed additional protections to reduce exposure to Paraquat but did not recommend banning the product.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s, include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty walking
- Balance issues
- Trouble speaking
- Tremors
- Muscle Stiffness
- Cognitive changes
Parkinson’s Disease is a debilitating, degenerative disease with no known cure. Eventually, it can leave you unable to work, take care of your family, or simply enjoy your life. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease due to Paraquat exposure, a North Carolina Paraquat lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
With decades of product liability experience, the lawyers at Martin & Jones are here to assist those who have developed Parkinson’s or other symptoms as a result of exposure to Paraquat. If you or your loved one suffered injuries from exposure to Paraquat, we recommend that you contact our office immediately to schedule your free consultation with an experienced North Carolina Paraquat lawyer. Even if you live out of state, our attorneys can schedule a virtual meeting and still pursue your claim.
Does RoundUp Contain Paraquat?
RoundUp does not contain Paraquat, though it is used for the same purposes. Since 2018 Monsanto has paid millions of dollars to settle lawsuits claiming RoundUp’s main ingredient, glyphosate, caused Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma. Though the RoundUp lawsuits you’ve heard about in the news for years are similar, the two products contain different ingredients that have different harmful effects.
Other Illnesses and Health Conditions Linked to Paraquat
As mentioned above, recent studies have suggested that the health risks associated with Paraquat extend beyond those who work directly with the chemical. In addition to Parkinson’s Disease, Paraquat is believed to carry an increased risk of cancer and birth defects for those who live near farms or are otherwise indirectly exposed. The bottom line is that if you are in poor health and believe that it may be due to Paraquat exposure, a North Carolina Paraquat lawyer can review your case and determine whether you have a claim.
A North Carolina Paraquat Lawyer Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Whether it is cancer, birth defects, or Parkinson’s Disease, you may be entitled to compensation if you or a family member has suffered health issues due to Paraquat exposure. A North Carolina Paraquat lawyer from our firm can help you get the following types of compensation.
- Compensatory Damages — including current and future medical bills, lost income (both current lost wages as well as future expected earnings) and any other out-of-pocket expenses as a result of your illness
- Non-Economic Damages — including loss of enjoyment and pain and suffering
- Punitive Damages
As you may be eligible for a variety of damages, it’s best to consult with an experienced North Carolina Paraquat lawyer who will know how to evaluate this portion of your claim so that you are fairly compensated.
Multidistrict Litigation is Proceeding Now, So We Welcome Clients Nationwide
At this time, there are approximately 300 plaintiffs who have joined in suing the manufacturers of Paraquat, seeking compensation for their health issues as a result of their exposure. The multidistrict litigation allows claimants to pool their resources and coordinate efforts, reducing the cost of pursuing a claim. However, time is of the essence if you want to pursue compensation for your illnesses if you believe that you have a claim. If you have questions about whether you have a claim, the best thing to do is contact our North Carolina Paraquat lawyer as soon as possible. No matter where you’re located, we’re here to help.
How Many Paraquat Lawsuits are There?
As of May 2021, at least 20 Paraquat lawsuits were filed throughout the United States, according to U.S. Right to Know, a nonprofit investigative research group specializing in human healthcare concerns. These lawsuits are filed by law firms like ours that accept Paraquat health claims. If you worked with Paraquat and have since developed serious health concerns, our law firm has the capabilities to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Is the Paraquat Settlement Legitimate?
Yes, the Paraquat lawsuit is legitimate. There is no fee to talk to our North Carolina Paraquat lawyer about your potential exposure and to file a lawsuit costs no money. We work with clients nationwide who are suffering every day due to their exposure to Paraquat. It’s our job to help you get compensation for your injuries and hold manufacturers accountable.
Additional Information and Resources
- In August 2021, the United State Environmental Protection Agency added stronger safety measures after evaluating hundreds of toxicity studies linking Paraquat with adverse health outcomes, including Parkinson’s Disease: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-finalizes-new-stronger-safety-measures-pesticide-paraquat
- CDC provides guidance on avoiding short term and long term Paraquat poisoning: https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/paraquat/basics/facts.asp
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