Mass Tort Case: Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

Are you living with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat? You are not alone. Studies have found a concerning link between Paraquat and an increased risk of early-onset Parkinson’s disease.

If you are suffering from the devastating effects of this toxic chemical, you may be entitled to compensation from the makers and sellers of Paraquat.

At Onward Injury Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected by Paraquat exposure. Our Bloomington Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and are ready to provide you with compassionate support and legal representation.

Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

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What is Paraquat, and Where is It Used?

Paraquat is a toxic herbicide widely used in US commercial farming since the mid-1960s. The health risks associated with this chemical have led more than 30 countries to ban it completely—including China, the current owner of the principal manufacturer, Syngenta.

In the US, it’s restricted to licensed applicators, but exposure can occur for those working in agriculture or nearby farms.

Paraquat has been sold under different brand or product trade names.

Gramoxone is the most common brand name, but other products contain Paraquat:

• Ortho-Paraquat
• Helmquat 3SL
• Parazone
• Bonfire Herbicide
• Bonedry
• Devour
• Cyclone SL 2.0
• Blanco
• Par-Shot 3.0
• Quik-Quat
• Firestorm

Acute exposure to Paraquat can cause malfunction of many organs, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Ingestion of even small amounts can result in death. Chronic exposures over a long period have also been found to have adverse health consequences, including the increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Why Are Paraquat Lawsuits Being Filed?

Paraquat lawsuits aim to hold the manufacturers and distributors of Paraquat accountable for producing and promoting a product linked to serious health risks.

Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the potential health hazards associated with Paraquat’s use and failed to provide adequate warnings and safety measures, putting them at unnecessary risk.

Scientific studies have also suggested a correlation between Paraquat exposure and the development of Parkinson’s Disease, further supporting the claims being made in the lawsuits. By filing these lawsuits, individuals seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their exposure to Paraquat.

How to Tell if You’ve Been Exposed to Paraquat

Licensed Paraquat applicators are at the highest risk of exposure to the chemical. However, you can still be exposed even if you don’t work directly with the herbicide. Those most vulnerable include farmers, landscapers, residents of rural areas, and individuals who work near professional-grade pesticides.

Immediate symptoms of Paraquat exposure can appear within hours of exposure and include:

• Skin irritation or burns if exposed directly
• Respiratory distress if inhaled
• Eye irritation if the chemical contacts the eyes

Long-term effects of Paraquat exposure include lung damage, kidney failure, heart complications, and Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms. With this in mind, if you suspect exposure to Paraquat or experience any of these symptoms, get medical attention promptly. Inform your healthcare provider about potential Paraquat exposure to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Who Qualifies to File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after exposure to Paraquat, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit. You should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to assess your case.

You may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit if:

• You used, sprayed, or came into contact with Paraquat.
• You worked at a company that used Paraquat.
• You live near farms where Paraquat was sprayed.
• You were otherwise exposed to the herbicide.

Contact us today to explore your legal options and seek compensation for your condition.

When Will the Paraquat Lawsuit Be Settled?

The Paraquat Lawsuit is ongoing, with dedicated Paraquat lawyers nationwide filing claims for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other related conditions. These lawsuits are being consolidated in the Paraquat MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

Within the Paraquat MDL, more than 3,400 lawsuits have been filed. Bellwether trials are scheduled for Summer 2023 to gain insights into potential settlement amounts. Bellwether trials involve a small group of cases selected from the larger pool of similar lawsuits to be tried first. They serve as practice runs to anticipate future outcomes. As the bellwether trials progress, we may better understand potential Paraquat settlement amounts.

How a Parquat Lawsuit Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been exposed to Paraquat and believe you may be entitled to compensation, our Bloomington Paraquat lawyers at Onward Injury Law are here to help. We understand your challenges and offer a free consultation to assess your case.

Our experienced legal team will listen attentively, explain the process, and guide you. There are no fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.