Paraquat Herbicide Lawsuits
Recent research has linked paraquat herbicide exposure to Parkinson’s Disease. Meyers & Flowers is investigating and reviewing claims on behalf of farmers and agricultural communities who developed Parkinson’s Disease from the continued use of paraquat for weed and grass control. Since the 90s, numerous studies and clinical research have linked paraquat to an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease, and, in 2011, an analysis found that paraquat exposure increased the risk of PD by 250%.
The risks of paraquat exposure have been so well documented that it’s banned in 32 countries globally, including Switzerland and China (where paraquat is manufactured). It’s alleged that the Chinese-owned manufacturer Syngenta knew about the risks but failed to warn farmers, agricultural communities, and others affected by this toxic herbicide.
Recent studies have shown that besides an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease, ingesting or breathing small amounts of paraquat also lead to adverse health effects. Some of the most common side-effects and consequences of paraquat exposure include heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, lung scarring, respiratory problems, and more.
If you or someone you know shows signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease after using paraquat, our experienced injury lawyers would like to speak with you. Meyers & Flowers has a long record of winning million-dollar awards on behalf of clients, and we’re prepared to help you recover damages from the company that manufactured paraquat.
How Paraquat Harms You
Paraquat Dichloride (paraquat) is one of the most powerful and popular herbicides used for weed and grass control. According to a report by the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PANAP), it’s one of the most toxic herbicides to be marketed in the last 60 years. The CDC warns that even mild exposure to paraquat can lead to heart failure, coma, seizure, kidney failure, liver failure, and death. A teaspoon of concentrated paraquat is lethal even when inhaled.
Paraquat poisoning usually occurs through skin exposure or inhalation. If inhaled, paraquat can lead to lung and breathing problems. When paraquat enters the body (either through inhalation, direct consumption, or skin exposure), it quickly distributes to all areas of the body. It causes toxic chemical reactions throughout your body, including your kidneys, lungs, and liver, and the cells in your body accumulate the toxic chemical. Continued exposure leads to life-long consequences.
Paraquat Lawsuit & Parkinson’s Disease
Paraquat’s most dangerous consequence is that it increases your risk of Parkinson’s Disease, a chronic disorder that affects the neurons in your brain. Parkinson’s Disease has three tell-tale signs—slowness of movement, shakiness, and rigidity. There’s no treatment or cure to slow or stop this dangerous disease.
Victims of Parkinson’s Disease face severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, and financial problems. Medications for PD cost over $2,500, and surgical treatments may cost up to $100,000. Paraquat, the herbicide used by farmers, agriculture workers, and pesticide administrators, causes or accelerates this aggressive disease.
Since the 90s, numerous studies and clinical research have linked paraquat to an increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
2009: Research conducted by a renowned environmental toxin researcher, Beate R. Ritz, found that paraquat exposure dramatically increased the risk of PD.
2011: Environmental Health Perspectives, a journal associated with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, found that exposure to paraquat increased the risk of PD by 250%.
2017: Parkinson’s organizations in the national, state, and regional levels sent a letter to the EPA warning them of the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease.
Ongoing: Legal action is taken against China-based Syngenta and Growmark, the manufacturer of paraquat, on behalf of the farmers and agricultural workers who developed Parkinson’s Disease due to paraquat exposure.
The manufacturers of paraquat should have known of the risks associated with their product. They should have taken appropriate measures to warn the consumers. But they didn’t. The lawsuit against Syngenta and Growmark aims to help the victims recover damages and ensure that no-one else is harmed by paraquat in the future.
How We Can Help
At the law offices of Meyers & Flowers in Chicago, we have the expertise, resources, and experience to pursue legal action against large manufacturers of herbicides, such as Syngenta and Growmark. We have a long and successful track record, having won numerous million-dollar awards on behalf of clients harmed by various products.
If you or someone you know has developed Parkinson’s Disease due to paraquat exposure, we can help you recover damages. Your first step is a free consultation with our injury lawyers to determine if you have a case. Your consultation is free, and you don’t have to pay any fees until we win your case.
Please call us today to find out how our lawyers can help you.