Lawsuits on Paraquat and Parkinson Disease Injury

Plaintiffs are filing lawsuits against Paraquat manufacturers, seeking damages for Parkinson’s disease they believe is linked to prolonged exposure to the herbicide.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a potent herbicide used since 1962 to control weeds and dry out crops after harvesting. Due to its high potential for misuse or poisoning, its use is restricted. Anyone who mixes, loads, or applies Paraquat must complete a training program approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Paraquat is significantly more toxic than many other herbicides. Its toxicity can result from ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin and has been linked to severe health issues, including birth defects, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

It is typically sprayed on the leaves of weeds. In the USA and Mexico, it has also been used to eliminate marijuana plants and prepare fields right before new crops are planted. If you’re facing legal issues related to this, a New Castle criminal lawyer can provide guidance.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that typically affects individuals in their middle to late years. It primarily impacts the motor system, leading to symptoms like tremors in the arms and legs, impaired balance, rigid limbs, and slowed movement. As a chronic and progressive condition, medical therapies can offer relief but do not provide a permanent cure.

If you or a loved one has been frequently exposed to Paraquat and are now experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, consider seeking legal advice. The team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group, including our experienced New Castle DUI lawyer, is prepared to assist you with your claim for damages.

Things to Know About the Paraquat Lawsuit

• 1980s: An experiment in Southern California discovered that MPTP, a heroin contaminant with a chemical structure similar to Paraquat, could destroy dopamine neurons and cause neurological problems resembling Parkinson’s disease.
• 1997: The EPA acknowledged that individuals handling Paraquat face exposure risks during mixing, loading, application, and even post-application. This risk extends beyond direct handlers to residents living near treated farms.
• 2009: The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study indicating that individuals living within 1600 feet of where Paraquat was sprayed had an increased risk of developing the disease. A New Castle DUI lawyer can help you understand your legal rights in various situations.
• 2014: The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology published research on “Environmental Toxins and Parkinson’s Disease.” This study not only linked Paraquat to Parkinson’s but also found that pesticide applicators exposed to it were twice as likely to develop the disease as the general population.
• 2016: The EPA announced it was re-evaluating Paraquat due to its potential connection to Parkinson’s disease.
• 2017: On July 24, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council sent a letter signed by all its members to the EPA, presenting evidence of the strong link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. The council urged the EPA to cancel Paraquat’s registration.

The letter highlighted the significant financial impact of the disease:

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

In October 2017, a lawsuit was filed against manufacturers Syngenta and Growmark on behalf of farmers and agricultural workers who developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat. Our group includes knowledgeable professionals like the New Castle criminal lawyer team who can handle complex cases.

If you believe you or a family member has developed Parkinson’s symptoms due to Paraquat exposure and you are seeking justice, please contact us at (330) 992-3036. Our New Castle Paraquat lawyer in Ohio is ready to manage your claim and fight for your rights.