A Highly Toxic Herbicide 'Paraquat' and Related Lawsuit: Everything You Need To Know

Paraquat use in corn fields in Ocotal, Nicaragua. (Photo: Alba Sud Fotografia)

Paraquat Lawsuit is being filed by people who were exposed to the paraquat herbicide and suffered from severe complications, including Parkinson's disease. Paraquat is a widely used herbicide for grass and weed control.

As per the studies, paraquat contains certain chemicals, exposure to which may be linked to health disorders affecting humans like Parkinson's disease—a common neurological ailment. People who were adversely affected by paraquat or families of those who died thereafter can pursue a claim for compensation under the paraquat lawsuit.

However, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not you are eligible for pursuing a claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the herbicide. Here's a brief guide to help you learn all the crucial aspects surrounding the paraquat lawsuit and other litigation. This will assist you in getting a better understanding of your options.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic defoliant used for selective removal and control of weeds in the croplands or lawns. Studies register paraquat as one of the most widely used herbicides in the world.

Paraquat was first produced for commercial purposes in 1961 and is available only to commercially licensed users. It is primarily available as a blue-dyed liquid in various strengths.
Exposure to the Paraquat

There are various ways through which one can be exposed to the paraquat, suggests the Central of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), including:

• Paraquat can easily get mixed with food, water, or other beverages. Hence, if any safeguarding additive, such as dye, odor, or vomiting agent is not used, people do not recognize that the substrate is contaminated. And perhaps end up consuming it.
• Through ingestion or swallowing the chemical.
• If inhaled, paraquat can cause poisoning, which leads to lung damage.
• Paraquat poisoning can also occur through skin exposure for a prolonged period. This involves a concentrated version of paraquat or occurs through the skin with injuries like cuts, sores, or severe rashes.

Herein, the licensed commercial agents are most likely at the risk of exposure to this deadly chemical. Since 2000, around 24 death cases have been linked with accidental ingestion and exposure to paraquat. Concerning this call for action, the Environmental Protection Agency decided to take certain preventive measures against the poisoning caused by ingestion and exposure to various herbicides.

Risks associated with the use of Paraquat

If a person ingests a considerably large amount of paraquat, he/she is likely to experience severe pain and swelling of the mouth and throat. Following this, other symptoms may include gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. And this can often lead to low blood pressure, dehydration, and electrolyte aberrations.

Likewise, ingesting a small to medium amount of paraquat may result in the development of adverse health issues in the run of several days to several weeks. Herein the effects can lead to kidney failure, lung scarring, and heart failure.

However, the signs and symptoms may not necessarily be associated with exposure to the paraquat chemical. 

The link between Paraquat and Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder wherein the brain cells gradually start degenerating and die. The early symptoms of the disease include stiffness, tremors, impaired balance, and coordination slowness, extreme feebleness in the movements. With the progression of the disorder, the effects can worsen with swallowing and speaking difficulties. Meanwhile, one may even develop non-motor symptoms.

Studies have proposed a possible link between exposure to herbicides and pesticides to the increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggest that the neurological effects of paraquat (and the other herbicides) might contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. 

Paraquat Lawsuit claims

In October 2017, a lawsuit was filed against the manufacturers of the paraquat. It was formulated on behalf of the agricultural workers who were exposed to the herbicide and developed Parkinson's disease.

The plaintiffs asserted the fact that they were unaware of the serious health hazards associated with the use of paraquat—produced by Syngenta and Growmark.

Was there any approach for the settlement?

There seems to be no scope for the paraquat lawsuit settlement in the meantime or in the near future. However, some product liability cases can settle early, heeding the claims process.

The paraquat lawsuit attorney claims that the results are never guaranteed, in any case before the jurisdiction. And there's no way past results can determine or predict future outcomes.

Why reach out to a Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney?

The manufacturers of any herbicides or other chemicals are responsible for providing safe, non-defective products that are not unreasonably harmful. If there are any risks associated with the use of a product, the manufacturer must propose adequate warnings to its buyers.

In case a manufacturer fails to perform this duty, it could be held liable for the injuries and other damages caused by the herbicide.

Herein, an experience paraquat lawsuit attorney can help you cover reimbursement for:

• For your medical bills
• Lost regular wages
• For the pain and suffering

Besides, the families of the dead may be eligible for compensation for the funeral expenses and the hardships after the loss of a loved one.

How to find a competent Paraquat Lawsuit lawyer?

Now, if you have decided to hire a lawyer for the paraquat lawsuit, it comes to finding an experienced lawyer for your case proceedings.

Finding the right lawyer is no daunting task if you know what questions to ask. Following this, here are some tips to help you with your search:

• Locate around your network: Ask around your family, friends, or colleagues for an attorney that they'd recommend for your case. You can also ask any lawyer of your acquaintance for someone who can aid you with some legal help in your field of concern. This can assist you in narrowing down to a reputed lawyer for your case — and the best thing is that you’d have someone to vouch for their experience. While at it, also dive into the customer reviews and testimonials of the lawyer in order to comment on their reliability.
  
  
• Browse through all the accessible options: Do some attorney research at the databases providing you information about the practice areas, location, and disciplinary records of various lawyers. Meanwhile, you can also refer to your state's attorney directory—a list of all the lawyers in your area.
  
  
• Questions to ask before hiring a lawyer:

1. What experience does the lawyer hold concerning your types of legal issues?
2. How long have they been in practice?
3. Do they have any special certifications?
4. What is their fee structure? Will there be any additional costs included with the lawyer fees?
5. Are they willing to provide references from other clients?

While at it, note that you only get a limited time period to file a lawsuit for an injury or pursue a claim. Therefore, it is well-advised to not delay any course of action. Make sure you pay heed to the situation in hand and promptly get along with a reliable paraquat lawyer to seek professional assistance. This will ensure that your rights are safeguarded, and you can proceed with the claim without any hassle.

So, this was everything — in a nutshell — you must know about a paraquat lawsuit. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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