Paraquat Herbicide Lawsuit

Paraquat Herbicide

Research studies have shown that direct or indirect exposure to Paraquat herbicide can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by as much as 250%. Those who have worked in the agricultural industry and who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or are currently experiencing symptoms of the disease may be entitled to compensation.

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The first lawsuits against Paraquat manufacturers pertaining to Parkinson’s disease risk were filed in October 2017 in Illinois. Farmers and agriculture workers in other states have since commenced legal actions. Our Paraquat lawsuit lawyers are working on these cases for farmworkers nationwide.

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Jinks Crow is here to serve you and help in any way they can to get you the legal relief you deserve. Our attorneys will work with you to develop a plan and determine the best course of action for you and your case. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. 

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What is Paraquat Herbicide?

Paraquat is a fast-acting, non-selective contact weed killer. The same chemical reactions that make Paraquat so effective at killing weeds and grasses also make this herbicide extremely toxic for farmers and farmworkers.

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How does Paraquat herbicide cause Parkinson's disease?

When someone is exposed to Paraquat, the chemical can cause damage to nerve cells inside the brain, which can lead to Parkinson’s disease. Even a single molecule of Paraquat is enough to cause a chain reaction inside the body that can lead to Parkinson’s. For this reason, the EPA requires a special license just to purchase Paraquat. More than 50 countries worldwide have banned Paraquat because of the health risks associated with this weedkiller. Dozens of other countries have placed severe restrictions on the use of Paraquat.  Yet despite these dangers and the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s, millions of tons of this dangerous herbicide are still sprayed on crops, fields, and orchards in the U.S. each year.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra don’t produce enough of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Not having enough dopamine is what causes the movement symptoms that distinguish Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, limb rigidity, and gait problems.  Although it is a movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease can bring about non-movement symptoms that include cognitive impairment, depression, sleep disorders, and constipation.

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Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder. This means the disease gets worse over time. Although Parkinson’s disease is incurable, its symptoms are treatable. Data from some clinical research trials suggest that there is hope to slow Parkinson’s disease progression through early intervention, although there’s not enough data to “conclusively demonstrate” that this is possible.

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Types of Paraquat Herbicide

One of the most popular herbicides containing paraquat in the United States is Gromoxone SL 2.0 Herbicide, manufactured by Syngenta. Other Paraquat herbicide trade names include:

• Para-SHOT

• Helmquat

• Parazone

• Firestorm

• Ortho-Paraquat

• Quick-Quat

• Devour

• Blanco

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The paraquat manufacturers named in lawsuits so far include Syngenta, Growmark, and Chevron U.S.A, Inc.

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What to Do if You've Been Exposed to Paraquat Herbicide & Developed Parkinson's Disease

Those who believe that they have been harmed as a result of exposure to Paraquat should know that:

• They may be able to seek compensation for all their damages, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a general decline in their quality of life.

• There are deadlines to file toxic exposure lawsuits and in-depth investigations that must be performed, so the sooner they get started, the better.

• They will need the help of an experienced lawyer to prove that exposure to the herbicide is what caused Parkinson’s disease.

• There are no out-of-pocket costs for those clients for whom we initiate a claim. The consultation is free, and legal representation is offered on a contingency basis, meaning if there is no recovery, there is no fee. 

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For licensed applicators and other agricultural workers who developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to paraquat, financial compensation can help provide the care needed. That, in turn, will help provide the best quality of life. 

 

Please contact us at 888.297.9592, or complete the contact form below. There is no cost or obligation.