Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuits

Farm owners, workers, and those living in agricultural communities may be exposed to a wide range of toxins. Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals can have a wide range of serious health effects. One of the latest concerns in this area is the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.

Paraquat is widely used to kill weeds, grasses, and other vegetation on commercial farms. It is extremely poisonous to humans, with inhalation and ingestion of toxic amounts frequently resulting in death. Now, ongoing research suggests that long-term exposure to even extremely small amounts of paraquat can put individuals at risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that impacts mobility, muscular function, and much more. People with Parkinson’s often face permanent impairment as the disease progresses.

If you have been exposed to Gramoxone or another paraquat herbicide and you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Kogan & DiSalvo can help. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed against various manufacturers of paraquat herbicides, and our mass tort attorneys are prepared to help you with your case.

Were You Exposed to Paraquat?

Because of the dangers associated with paraquat, use of the chemical is tightly controlled. Only licensed applicators are permitted to handle paraquat, which is usually administered as an herbicide spray on commercial farms.

No matter how much care licensed applicators use in administering paraquat, droplets of the chemical can hang in the air. Applicators, farm workers, and others can be exposed via:

• Inhalation of paraquat particles
• Ingestion of foods and drinks contaminated with paraquat
• Buildup of paraquat on clothing and skin

In the short-term, those who are exposed to paraquat in these ways may experience symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, sinuses, and airways. Small amounts typically do not result in the acute symptoms of paraquat poisoning, which is a medical emergency. However, exposure to minute amounts of paraquat over a period of time results in an accumulation of the toxin within the body. This can lead to Parkinson’s disease later in life.

Paraquat exposure is not confined to the farms where it is commonly applied. Those who live and work near these farms may also be at risk of Parkinson’s disease if the chemical is dispersed by the wind.

Do You Have Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease starts slowly. One of the most common early symptoms is a slight shaking of one hand (known as a tremor). Tremors may be barely noticeable at first, only becoming apparent when your hand is at rest.

Over time, you may experience worsening symptoms like the following:

• Reduced range of motion
• Slowed and more difficult movements (especially noticeable when walking, rising from a sitting position, etc.)
• Fatigue
• Loss of balance
• Changes in facial expression
• Trouble with involuntary motions such as swallowing, blinking, etc.
• Cognitive difficulties such as memory loss, trouble concentrating, and impaired thinking and judgment
• Depression

In later stages, people with Parkinson’s disease may be unable to walk without support. They may require assistance with everyday activities.

Parkinson’s disease has no cure. Medications, lifestyle changes, and (in some cases) surgery may alleviate the symptoms, but most patients will experience a loss of independence and quality of life.

Do I Have a Paraquat Claim?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease that may be related to paraquat exposure, the first question in identifying your legal rights is to determine how and when you came into contact with paraquat. The attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo can help you by:

• Reviewing your work history
• Assessing where you currently live and where you have lived in the past for paraquat exposure
• Reviewing your medical records

Not all cases of Parkinson’s disease are caused by exposure to paraquat. However, if the evidence suggests that you had significant exposure to toxic herbicides, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer of the chemical.

Paraquat is sold under multiple brand names by multiple manufacturers, including:

• Gramoxone (manufactured by Syngenta)
• Bonfire (manufactured by United Phosphorus Limited, now called UPL)
• Firestorm (manufactured by UPL)
• Quik-Quat (manufactured by Drexel Chemical Company)
• Blanco (manufactured by Altitude Crop Innovations, LLC)
• Bonedry (manufactured by Sinon USA)
• Parazone (manufactured by AMVAC Chemical Corporation)
• Helmquat (manufactured by HELM Agro)
• Para-Shot 3.0 (manufactured by Sharda USA)
• Devour (manufactured by Innvictis)

We believe that these and other manufacturers of paraquat weed killers were aware of the dangers posed to the public. Therefore, the companies responsible for Parkinson’s disease and other adverse effects stemming from paraquat exposure should be held accountable.

Find Out If You Have a Case

Parkinson’s disease can take an enormous toll on patients and their families. In addition to the physical and emotional challenges, the treatment of Parkinson’s often involves significant financial expense.

If paraquat exposure led to your or a loved one’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, you should not have to face these burdens by yourself. Kogan & DiSalvo is your partner in pursuing fair compensation for all of your losses.

Unlike many law firms, our team has the skills, experience, and resources to handle the complexities of mass tort litigation. We are closely monitoring the developments in lawsuits filed against the makers of paraquat herbicides, and we encourage anyone who may have been exposed to contact our team as soon as possible to begin building your claim.

Kogan & DiSalvo serves clients nationwide from multiple offices in Florida. For a free consultation, please call (561) 375-9500 today.