A disturbing discovery has linked Parkinson’s disease to the potent herbicide paraquat dichloride. There is a growing concern from many of you who may have been exposed to the possibly fatal chemical compound over which specific products contain paraquat.
Our paraquat lawsuit lawyers are looking into these allegations, and are ready to support you in your quest for the justice and compensation that you are entitled to. Zanes Law Injury Lawyers will analyze your claim during a free consultation and work your case with no upfront cost to you.
In the meantime, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions regarding paraquat. Reviewing this information will help you understand more and determine whether you or a loved one would be eligible to file a paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit.
In This Article
What Are the Trade Names for Paraquat Products?
Which Manufacturers Use Paraquat?
Who Is at High Risk of Exposure to Paraquat?
How Does Paraquat Toxicity Happen?
What Are the Criteria to Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
How Much Compensation Is the Average Paraquat Lawsuit Worth?
Is There a Class Action for Paraquat?
How Can a Lawyer Prove Negligence Against Paraquat Manufacturers?
Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Paraquat Exposure?
What Are the Trade Names for Paraquat Products?
Paraquat products have been in circulation in the United States since the 1960s. However, most of these products are no longer on the market today. Globally, paraquat herbicides have gone under such names as:
- AH 501
- Bai Cao Ku
- Bonedry
- Blanco
- Crisquat
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- Devour
- Dexuron
- Esgram
- Firestorm
- Garmixel
- Gramoxone
- Gramuron
- Helmquat 3SL
- Ortho Paraquat CL
- Para-col
- Para-Shot 3.0
- Parazone
- Pillarxone
- PP148
- Quick-Quat
- Tota-col
- Toxer Total
Which Manufacturers Use Paraquat?
You may not be aware that you were exposed to paraquat. There is a chance that you’ve come into contact with this harmful herbicide if any of your products came from these manufacturers:
- Adama Group
- Altitude Crop Innovations
- Chevron Chemical Company
- Drexel Chemical Company
- Helm Agro
- Innvictis Crop Care
- Sinon USA
- Syngenta
- United Phosphorus
If you still are unaware if you’ve had exposure, the product tends to have a blue tint and a pungent, distinguishable smell. A paraquat lawsuit lawyer will help you get connected to a medical specialist who can identify if you have had an encounter with it, and are susceptible to further harm.
Who Is at High Risk of Exposure to Paraquat?
Since paraquat dichloride is a restricted use pesticide (RUP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that anybody applying it complete special training and receive a license before using it. Therefore, those with the highest risk of exposure include:
- Farm laborers and owners
- Cropdusters
- Herbicide application workers or tractor operators spraying paraquat
- Homeowners and those attending school within close vicinity to paraquat-using farms
More specifically, products containing paraquat are commonly used in the Midwest region on the following crops:
- Clover
- Corn
- Cotton
- Soybean
- Wheat
How does Paraquat Toxicity Happen?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), paraquat is more harmful than other herbicides. Even a few drops of paraquat dichloride in the stomach could be lethal.
Products that contain paraquat can be absorbed into the skin, through inhalation, and also by ingesting the chemical. Small to moderate doses of paraquat can cause short-term side effects such as:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Edema
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Heart failure
What Are the Criteria to Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
If you fit one of the following descriptions, you might be eligible for a paraquat lawsuit:
- You applied, loaded, mixed, or otherwise came into contact with paraquat while holding a valid license
- You came into contact with paraquat due to groundwater contamination, agricultural overspray, or paraquat drift
- You were given a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis after coming into contact with paraquat
The requirements for a paraquat claim are particularly strict, and these instances can be very challenging to prove. It is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable paraquat lawsuit lawyer right away for a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.
How Much Compensation Is the Average Paraquat Lawsuit Worth?
If our legal professionals assess that you are qualified to file a paraquat claim, you will be given monetary compensation for the following:
- Medical costs associated with receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
- Lost wages or income
- Diminished hearing capacity suffering from your diagnosis-related pain
When submitting your claim, these aspects will be taken into account if Parkinson’s disease has significantly reduced your quality of life or life expectancy.
Is There a Class Action for Paraquat?
For each claim that is brought forward against paraquat manufacturers, many of them are grouped into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This procedure divides the discovery process and associated costs, streamlines the initial bellwether trials, and assures that each case remains distinct in terms of its own facts and merits.
These lawsuits may involve numerous distinct paraquat herbicide producers, and we are committed to holding businesses accountable for any proven negligence or malfeasance.
How Can a Lawyer Prove Negligence Against Paraquat Manufacturers?
In paraquat litigation, it is alleged that Syngenta and Chevron, among others, knew about the chemical’s possible dangerous effects yet neglected to notify customers. The lack of warning affiliated with products containing paraquat breaches product liability laws.
A huge debate has resulted from the EPA’s decision to maintain the use of paraquat, with groups like the Michael J. Fox Foundation aggressively advocating for a ban in the United States due to the chemical’s link to Parkinson’s disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after being exposed to this hazardous substance, filing a paraquat lawsuit may be the best option.
Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Paraquat Exposure?
We advise you to get in touch with our office as soon as possible if you think you’ve been exposed to products that contain paraquat. New clients are now being accepted into the paraquat MDL, and the skilled attorneys at Zanes Law would be honored to represent you.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation right away to learn more about your legal options for paraquat. If we are hired to represent you, we will not collect any fees for legal services until after your settlement is won.