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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

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

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