Paraquat, known commercially as Gramoxone, is one of the most widely used industrial herbicides. It’s also one of the deadliest. In the short-term, one sip can kill you. Exposure over the years through inhalation or the skin can cause Parkinson’s disease. Manufacturers knew for years how toxic the herbicide was, yet they failed to adequately protect users from exposure.
Now farmers, agriculture workers, crop dusters, herbicide applicators, and others who were exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease are demanding justice and just compensation through paraquat lawsuits.
In product liability claims like paraquat, you can dramatically improve your financial compensation by retaining the services of an experienced paraquat lawyer.
What is the Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?
Paraquat is so dangerous 32 countries worldwide have banned or are phasing it out. The U.S. still uses paraquat, but regulators have restricted it to commercial use only. Its primary use is controlling grass and weeds in agriculture and non-agriculture sites. Farmers dump about 8 million pounds of paraquat on crops such as corn, peanuts, soy, strawberries, and others pre-harvest.
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health’s Environmental Health Sciences and the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center found that people exposed to paraquat were 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those not exposed to the herbicide.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified the primary route of paraquat exposure was during preparation, application, and post-application. Those who work with paraquat are considered at greatest risk of exposure and are required to take cautionary measures such as wearing heavy-duty chemical-resistant gloves, face shields, and respiratory protection.
The EPA also found that people who live near farms or crops where paraquat is sprayed risk exposure as well. In 2009, a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who live within about 1,600 feet of paraquat use had a 75% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Anyone who worked with paraquat, including farmworkers, crop dusters, chemical mixers, or tank fillers, as well as those who lived near crops dusted with paraquat, are at an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and may be eligible to recover compensation for their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, long-term care, lost income earnings, and more through a paraquat lawsuit. If you wish to move forward with a claim, you will need an experienced mass tort lawyer.
How Can a Paraquat Lawyer Help Me with My Claim?
A mass tort lawyer can help guide you through the legal process in the following ways:
Knowledge of mass tort litigation
Cases involving dangerous products often involve multiple plaintiffs with similar claims against the same defendant or defendants. Paraquat lawsuits target the many manufacturers who made—and continue to make this dangerous herbicide. When you bring a lawsuit of this nature, you need a lawyer with a deep understanding of the chemicals that make paraquat so dangerous, how it affects humans long-term, and all the legal intricacies of a mass tort lawsuit.
Resources and expertise
Mass tort attorneys can only be successful if they have access to substantial resources, such as medical experts and chemists who can speak to the science behind the chemicals in paraquat and how it contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
Be aware that manufacturers of these herbicides, like Chevron Chemical Company and Syngenta, have deep pockets and will go to great lengths to protect their profits. They have their own attorneys who they pay well to defend them. To compete against these corporations, you need lawyers with the experience and resources to fight them on even ground to ensure just compensation for plaintiffs.
Case assessment and strategy
During your free initial consultation with your lawyer, they will assess and analyze your case’s strengths and weaknesses. If your situation aligns with the mass tort context, and you choose to hire the attorney, your lawyer will develop a comprehensive legal strategy on your behalf. They will identify the jurisdiction best suited to file your paraquat lawsuit, collaborate with lawyers of other plaintiffs, and work hard to secure a favorable settlement for you and other plaintiffs involved in the litigation.
Negotiation skills
Lawsuits of this nature often involve negotiations with the legal team of the chemical companies and their insurance companies, posing notable challenges. Skillful negotiation is essential for attorneys to adeptly represent their clients and secure favorable compensation without resorting to lengthy and costly litigation. Given that different law firms may represent multiple plaintiffs, your lawyer must collaborate seamlessly with other attorneys, coordinating efforts, presenting a united front against the defendant, and bolstering the collective position of all plaintiffs involved.
Courtroom experience
Lawyers with courtroom experience are better equipped to handle the challenges that arise during trials. They have experience presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering compelling arguments. Moreover, they are well-versed in structuring their case, using persuasive storytelling techniques, and simplifying complex medical and scientific information to make it more understandable to the jury. These skills enhance their ability to navigate the trial process effectively and advocate strongly on behalf of their clients.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer for your Paraquat Lawsuit
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and degenerative condition that requires ongoing medical care. If you or a loved one was exposed to paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you deserve compensation for the harm these herbicide companies caused you. A dedicated mass tort lawyer can help.
Our law firm is not afraid to go up against big companies and fight for justice on behalf of our clients. Call us today at 866-467-0943 or complete our online contact form for your free consultation and let’s discuss your case.