Weitz & Luxenberg attorney Jared Scotto was recently named a 2023 New York Law Journal Distinguished Leader. The award honors lawyers with great performances, while…
Read More“Paraquat is a toxic chemical that is widely used as an herbicide (plant killer), primarily for weed and grass control,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This chemical is highly poisonous. (1)
Paraquat dichloride is “registered in the United States since 1964 to control weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural use sites. It is also applied as a pre-harvest desiccant on some crops including cotton,” states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2)
Syngenta, an agricultural company, is the manufacturer of Gramoxone, the most commonly used brand of paraquat.
According the EPA, “All paraquat products registered for use in the United States are Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), which can only be sold to and used by certified applicators (and applicators under their direct supervision). There are no homeowner uses and no products registered for application in residential areas.” (3)
To load, mix, or apply paraquat, U.S. residents must be specially trained, beyond just receiving their Restricted Use Pesticide applicator license.
“Many countries have already banned paraquat due to its acute pulmonary and cutaneous toxicity.” Other countries have instituted highly restrictive measures because paraquat is so dangerous. (4)
In the U.S., paraquat is classified as “restricted commercial use.” People must obtain a license to use the product. (5)
Paraquat exposure is hazardous. In particular, exposure to the pesticide puts people at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease “is a progressive neurodegenerative condition.” One key risk factor is exposure to toxic chemicals. (6)
Paraquat can damage your body when it touches the lining of your mouth, your stomach, or your intestines. (7)
If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to paraquat, you may be entitled to compensation.
Get a Free Case Review“Breathing in paraquat may cause lung damage and can lead to a disease called paraquat lung.” Long-term exposure can lead to scarring of your lungs, called pulmonary fibrosis. This medical condition makes it hard for you to breathe. (8)
You can become ill if paraquat comes into contact with a cut on your skin. Paraquat may also damage your kidneys, your liver, and your esophagus (the tube that food moves through from your mouth to your stomach). (9)
You may die if paraquat makes a hole in your esophagus. You may also die if you develop severe inflammation of the area surrounding the major blood vessels and airways in the middle of your chest. (10)
“Paraquat is highly toxic. One small sip can be fatal and there is no antidote.” (11) So, if you swallow paraquat, you can die.
Generally speaking, “Licensed applicators of paraquat are the people most at risk for exposure.” (12)
You can be poisoned by paraquat by ingesting or inhaling it. (13)
You also may be poisoned if you absorb paraquat through your skin. Usually, poisoning occurs when your skin has been exposed for a long time, if the paraquat mixture is highly concentrated, or if paraquat comes into contact with an area of your skin that is not intact. Paraquat can get into your body more easily through sores, cuts, or severe rashes. (14)
“Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder.” Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person. The symptoms typically come on gradually and worsen over time. The rate the symptoms worsen also varies. (15)
As the disease progresses, you may find it harder to walk and talk. You may also experience mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, fatigue, memory difficulties, and depression. (17)
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and were exposed to the harmful weed killer paraquat, consult with an experienced attorney specializing in complex, national consumer protection law.
“Paraquat is so dangerous that it is banned in 32 countries. This weed killer is not banned in the United States, but its use is heavily restricted. Corporations creating products containing toxic chemicals that put people at risk of illness or make people seriously sick should be held accountable,” insists Robin L. Greenwald, head of Weitz & Luxenberg’s Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit.
If you have Parkinson’s disease and were exposed to paraquat, a lawsuit can help get the compensation you deserve.
(833) 544-0604If you have Parkinson’s disease and were exposed to paraquat, seek guidance from a recognized law firm. The firm you choose should have experience going up against the corporations that market and distribute dangerous products.
Weitz & Luxenberg is one such firm. We go after large national companies for exposing our clients to toxic chemicals, and we get them the compensation they deserve.
According to Ms. Greenwald, “My team has gone up against companies like the makers of paraquat before. These corporations need to be brought to justice when they show callous disregard for human health, and cause pain and suffering of their employees. These companies should compensate you for causing you to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Filing a lawsuit is the way to force them to do so.”
Our attorneys are prepared to evaluate your case and take appropriate legal action based on your specific circumstances. Plus, we have a solid history of winning cases involving exposure to toxic substances.
