Paraquat Lawsuits
Paraquat is an herbicide that was widely used in farms and home gardens in recent decades. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “Paraquat is an herbicide that has been linked to Parkinson’s. It is a widely used commercial herbicide in the U.S. and banned in 32 countries, including the European Union and China. Paraquat, along with another pesticide, rotenone, is routinely used in research as one of the ways to induce and study parkinsonism in animal models of Parkinson’s Disease.”
There’s no doubt about it—Parkinson’s disease and paraquat have a clear link. Here, we’ll explore an overview of lawsuits against paraquat, the link between paraquat and Parkinson’s, how to decide if you may be eligible to participate in the Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit, and what to do if you’re ready to take action and may be entitled to financial compensation.
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Overview of Paraquat Lawsuits
Lawsuits against Chevron USA and Syngenta Corp, the companies associated with the manufacture and sale of paraquat, have been grouped into a multi-district litigation (MDL). In an MDL, each plaintiff’s case is considered individually, even though many people have the same chief complaints. This is different from a class-action lawsuit. In an MDL, each plaintiff is issued a decision with a payout specific to their case. In a class-action lawsuit, each plaintiff gets the same payout.
Research studies and government agencies informed the makers of paraquat of the potential consequences of their product, but the company continues to sell it. While paraquat is currently only available for commercial use, this does not protect farm employees, farmers, and those who live near areas in which paraquat is used and who suffer from exposure.
People who qualify for participation in the MDL against the makers of paraquat may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and more. Care for Parkinson’s disease can cost more than $26,000 per year, placing a significant financial struggle on people with the disease and their families. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after using the herbicide paraquat, it’s important that you get in touch with an attorney to learn about the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Does paraquat cause Parkinson's disease?
A 2009 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology stated that people who experienced paraquat exposure due to living within 1,600 feet of an area in which the herbicide was used were 75 percent more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than someone who did not reside in an area near paraquat use.
Parkinson’s disease is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This means that it can be hard to tell whether a chemical like paraquat is solely responsible for the development of Parkinson’s. Even if you have some of the genetic factors that increase the likelihood of Parkinson’s disease, paraquat may be the tipping point that leads to your diagnosis.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it is smart to talk with your doctor about the potential causes of your condition. Your doctor may be able to help determine whether paraquat was a factor in the development of the disease.
Who can file a paraquat claim?
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and significant exposure to paraquat are required to file a claim in the MDL against the parent companies of paraquat. If you think you may be eligible for inclusion in the lawsuit, you must reach out to a paraquat lawyer right away, as you will need to file your claim within the statute of limitations to be eligible for compensation.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s after paraquat exposure and is unable to advocate for themselves, reach out to our paraquat lawyer as soon as possible to discuss how you can fight for compensation on their behalf.
Our Paraquat Lawyers are Here to Help
If you or a loved one has been affected by paraquat, you don’t have to fight the symptoms of Parkinson’s alone. Sonstein Law is here to help you understand your legal options. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
