National Paraquat Lawsuit Lawyers

Pursuing Paraquat Lawsuit Settlements

If you worked with paraquat or lived near a farm and have developed paraquat Parkinson’s disease, you may be entitled to compensation in the form of lawsuit settlements.

What Are Paraquat Settlements?

A paraquat settlement is reached when the plaintiff and defendant determine a fair financial figure for the extent of injuries in your case.

When both parties are unable to reach a paraquat settlement, your case is tried before a jury in court, who decides the fate of your case with a verdict.

Fill out the form on this page to find out if you may have a case.

What Is Paraquat Poisoning?

First used in the 1960s, paraquat dichloride (more commonly known as paraquat) is a highly toxic herbicide used commercially to prevent weed and grass growth near farms and crops. In fact, paraquat is so toxic that a single sip can be lethal — and there’s no known antidote.

Paraquat poisoning can occur if an individual:

• Inhales or ingests paraquat
• Comes into contact with sprayed plants
• Gets paraquat on their skin
• Mixes, loads, or applies paraquat

Because of its high toxicity, paraquat purchased in the U.S. has several safeguards added to it to help prevent people from accidentally consuming it.

These safeguards include a:

• Blue dye to distinguish it from beverages
• Chemical agent that induces vomiting if drank
• Strong odor for caution

When purchased from outside of the U.S., paraquat may not have these additional safeguards, making accidental consumption a greater risk. But these precautions don’t help those who were exposed to paraquat on the job or who live or lived near a sprayed area.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and believe it may have been caused by paraquat poisoning, McKay Law may be able to help you. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

What Is Paraquat Used For?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified paraquat as a “restricted-use pesticide,” which means paraquat is not allowed to be used recreationally. Paraquat can only be used commercially by licensed applicators.

Paraquat is used as an herbicide and weed killer to prevent the growth of weeds and grass near crops on large and small commercial farms, estates, plantations, and orchards. Sold under the brand names Gramoxone and Ortho Paraquat, paraquat is a common alternative for weeds that have become resistant to glyphosate, an ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup.

Despite the known dangers of this toxic chemical, paraquat is still one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world.

Paraquat Exposure and Poisoning Symptoms

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide, and paraquat poisoning can occur after even brief exposure, though prolonged exposure often results in more severe injuries and even death. Exposure or ingestion of paraquat can lead to many health risks, including an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Immediate side effects of paraquat exposure include:

• Breathing difficulties or failure, potentially resulting in death
• Coma
• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Elevated heart rate
• Gastrointestinal distress (like nausea, diarrhea or bloody stool, and vomiting)
• Muscle fatigue or weakness
• Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
• Seizures

Paraquat poisoning can also result in more serious long-term health effects, like:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Atypical Parkinson’s
• Multiple system atrophy
• Progressive supranuclear palsy

If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s after being exposed to the herbicide paraquat, you may be entitled to compensation. Get a free legal consultation today to see if you may have a case.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Caused by a loss of neurons and the dopamine neurotransmitters they produce, Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that worsens over time, causing a variety of both motor and non-motor symptoms to gradually appear.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, there are some treatment options available that may help lessen some of these symptoms.

Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Motor symptoms refer to any symptoms that affect your movement or motor skills, like walking or controlling your body.

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by some of the following motor symptoms:

• Bradykinesia (slowness in voluntary movement and reflexes)
• Impaired balance or postural instability
• Limb rigidity or stiffness (resistance to passive movement)
• Resting tremors (shaking movement when the muscles are relaxed)

Over time, people with Parkinson’s may experience difficulty walking and talking.

Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

For those with Parkinson’s disease, the non-motor symptoms of their disorder can often be more disruptive to their day-to-day than their motor symptoms.

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Apathy
• Cognitive impairment
• Constipation
• Depression
• Insomnia or other sleep behavior disorders