Lawsuits Regarding Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Injuries

In recent litigation involving Paraquat, plaintiffs are actively seeking financial compensation for damages related to Parkinson’s disease. These lawsuits allege a strong link between the development of this debilitating condition and extensive exposure to the Paraquat herbicide.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a widely utilized herbicide that has been available on the market since 1962. It is primarily employed for killing weeds and serves as a drying agent for crops post-harvest. Due to its potent chemical makeup, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that anyone involved in mixing, loading, or using Paraquat must complete an approved training program. This herbicide is classified as a restricted-use substance because it possesses a high potential for severe poisoning or accidental misuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Paraquat is considered more harmful than the vast majority of other herbicides currently in use.

The toxicity of this chemical is severe and can manifest through absorption into the skin, ingestion, or inhalation. Medical associations have linked exposure to serious health issues, including birth defects, various forms of cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. While a Mercer criminal lawyer might deal with violations of state regulations, these specific cases fall under civil personal injury law regarding toxic exposure. This chemical is generally applied directly to the leaves of weeds to kill them. It is sprayed immediately before crops are planted and is also frequently used in the USA and Mexico to eradicate marijuana plants.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that typically impacts individuals during their middle or later years of life. This condition affects the body’s motor systems, leading to symptoms such as tremors in the arms and legs, impaired balance and coordination, rigid limbs, and generally slow movement. It is a chronic and progressive disease. While patients can find some relief through various medical therapies, there is currently no permanent cure.

If you or your loved ones have a history of using Paraquat for an extended period and are already showing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, we encourage you to contact the Logue Law Group. Unlike a case that requires a Mercer DUI lawyer for traffic violations, these cases require deep knowledge of environmental toxins and liability. Our experienced Cleveland Paraquat lawyers are prepared to assist you with your damage claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Critical Facts About the Paraquat Lawsuit

Several studies and events have paved the way for current litigation. In an experiment conducted in the 1980s in Southern California, researchers revealed that MPTP, a heroin contaminant with a chemical structure very similar to Paraquat, can cause significant neurological issues. Specifically, it destroys dopamine neurons, which causes Parkinson’s disease.

Later, in 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that individuals are exposed to significant risks at the time of mixing, loading, and applying the herbicide, as well as during the post-application period. Crucially, this exposure is not limited to the workers directly handling the chemical; it also affects residents living in the vicinity of the farms where the herbicide is utilized. Navigating these regulations can be as complex as the work done by a Mercer criminal lawyer in the justice system, requiring specialized attention to detail.

Research continued to mount in 2009 when the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that the risk of disease increases for those living within 1,600 feet of where the herbicide is sprayed. In 2014, the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology published detailed information regarding environmental toxins and Parkinson’s disease. This study not only established Paraquat as a cause of Parkinson’s disease but also revealed that pesticide applicators exposed to Paraquat are twice as likely to contract the disease compared to the general population. In a 2016 announcement, the EPA discussed their re-evaluation of Paraquat and its potential link to Parkinson’s. While you might consult a Mercer DUI lawyer for local court matters, understanding these federal agency evaluations is key for toxic tort claims in Pennsylvania.

On July 24, 2017, the EPA received a crucial letter from the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council. Every member signed this document, stating facts that demonstrate a clear connection between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. The council urged the EPA to cancel the registration of Paraquat entirely. The letter also outlined the inevitable and steep expenses that an affected individual must bear, including:

• $26,400 annually for the care of a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
• $19.8 to $26.4 billion in economic burden for the country.
• Significant costs for programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

Following this, in October 2017, a major lawsuit was filed against the manufacturing companies Syngenta and Growmark. This was filed on behalf of agriculture workers and farmers citing exposure to Paraquat and the subsequent onset of Parkinson’s disease.If you are seeking justice because you or a loved one has developed signs of Parkinson’s disease following exposure, please reach out to us at 412.389.0805. A dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer from our team isn’t just for defense; our group has the expertise to take care of your injury claim effectively.