Paraquat, the very popular herbicide sold under brand names Gramoxone, Parazone, and Firestorm, has been used on crops throughout the U.S. since the 1960s. However, many lawsuits are now alleging that exposure to this toxic chemical can cause Parkinson’s disease in farmers as well as other agricultural workers.
Paraquat has always been popular because it can easily clear fields of unwanted weeds and grasses. Unfortunately, paraquat is extremely toxic. In fact, ingesting paraquat can cause fatal, multiple organ failure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “one sip can kill.”
There is no known antidote for paraquat poisoning. Because of its toxicity, the U.S. requires several safeguards to keep people from ingesting it.
What You Need to Know About Paraquat
Around 32 different countries have banned the herbicide, including the European Union. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has yet to ban the chemical, its use is entirely restricted to licensed, trained applicators.
This has led to several manufacturers facing lawsuits filed by individuals who claimed that their Parkinson’s disease directly resulted from paraquat exposure. Lawyers across the U.S. are accepting cases.
The Lawsuits
Many of the current lawsuits state that manufacturers failed to warn the public of the exposure risks that come with paraquat. Many have said that they deserved to know about how Parkinson’s and paraquat intertwine. They also state that paraquat products are defective in design, among many other claims.
According to one specific complaint, paraquat came with absolutely no warnings that exposure could cause neurological damage.
The Paraquat lawyers at Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident & Injury Lawyers, based in Florida, have been on the front lines of this issue since it began and are currently accepting new clients who had significant exposure to paraquat and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease.
Because the makers of Paraquat are a multi-billion dollar corporation, victims need legal representation with the monetary resources to take on such a large organization. Though based in Florida, Sibley Dolman Gipe handles cases nationwide and are a recommended resource if you believe your Parkinson’s came from paraquat use.
How Paraquat is Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
The link between paraquat and Parkinson’s is extremely controversial, though the chemical’s toxicity isn’t disputed.
A few studies have pinpointed a direct link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. One study, ound that people who used or came into contact with paraquat and another pesticide called maneb had an increased risk of Parkinson’s. In fact, the risk increased around 600 percent. The Agricultural Health Study found an increased risk of Parkinson’s in farmers who directly used this toxic herbicide.
In the last ten years in particular, Parkinson’s disease research has shown that farmers and people with direct contact with paraquat or who live near where it is used are far more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
The Bottom Line
If you worked with paraquat or lived near a farm that does and you developed Parkinson’s, you may pursue compensation. To obtain it, you need to file a lawsuit against the makers of this highly toxic herbicide. It is then, and only then, that you will see justice and compensation. Visit DolmanLaw.com for more information on your next steps in filing a claim.
