Are you one of the thousands of people exposed to the toxic herbicide Paraquat? If so, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit. You may be able to receive significant compensation as part of a Paraquat lawsuit settlement. Typical Paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts can vary. But because harm from Paraquat exposure can be significant and long-lasting, settlement amounts can also be significant, ranging into six figures.
Paraquat products are some of the most widely used weed killers in the United States. Paraquat use and exposure have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, among other ailments. At the D’Amore Law Group, we’ve helped clients to understand their rights in Paraquat litigation. With over 30 years of experience in product liability cases, we work with clients every step of the way.
What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat dichloride (known as Paraquat) is a toxic weed killer used in agriculture, primarily on commercial farms. Farmers, agricultural workers, and people living close to commercial farms are most vulnerable to Paraquat exposure. However, many other types of people have been exposed over the years. Paraquat has been used in U.S. agricultural practices for over 50 years. As researchers have done more research on Paraquat, negative information has come up. As a result, over thirty countries, including all E.U. countries, have banned the use of Paraquat. The U.S., however, has not taken any steps to limit or ban its use.
Paraquat also has serious negative effects on human health. One such effect is the link between Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.
Paraquat Exposure
Agricultural workers are most vulnerable to Paraquat exposure, but others can be exposed to Paraquat too. Some of the ways that you might encounter Paraquat include:
- Inhalation—in addition to inhaling the chemical when it is sprayed on fields, some smokable plants like tobacco and marijuana have traces of Paraquat on them;
- Eating or drinking—while Paraquat has a powerful taste and something to make you vomit mixed into it, small amounts still routinely mix into the food and water supply; or
- Skin contact—while farmworkers who apply Paraquat to fields are most at risk, others may still come into skin contact with food products heavily soiled with Paraquat.
Ten years ago, in 2011, Agricultural Health Study researchers discovered that Paraquat exposure was associated with Parkinson’s disease. People who came into contact with Paraquat were more than twice as likely to get the disease as someone with no exposure to Paraquat. Other research has since confirmed these findings.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was made aware of the link between Paraquat exposure and people subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by 2019. Manufacturers, however, did nothing to warn the public of the risk. The Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease connection raises serious concerns for human health. It also raises the questions:
- Why hasn’t this harmful toxin been banned yet?
- How long have manufacturers known about this link between Paraquat and nerve disease?
- What consequences will this potential deception have on Paraquat lawsuit settlement amounts?
Answering these questions may help to bring hope to families suffering with Paraquat injuries. These answers may also help to finally ban the use of this toxin in the U.S.
What Is a Paraquat Settlement?
Manufacturers of Paraquat products may have known about the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s. This means that companies who manufactured and sold Paraquat can be held liable for selling a dangerous product without proper warnings.
Individuals who used or were exposed to Paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s may be entitled to significant financial compensation. The most well-known Paraquat product is Syngenta’s Gramoxone. Other brand names for Paraquat products include:
- Ortho-Paraquat,
- Devour,
- Blanco,
- Paraquat Concentrate,
- Helmquat 3SL,
- Bonedry,
- Cyclone SL 2.0,
- Firestorm, and
- Para-Shot 3.0.
If you know that you used or came into contact with any of these products, you may be entitled to financial compensation for injuries from that exposure.
Why File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Do you think you were exposed to Paraquat? Are you showing signs of Parkinson’s disease and have concerns that Paraquat may have caused your illness? It’s important to decide whether you should file a Paraquat lawsuit and seek a Paraquat settlement. Speaking with an experienced products liability attorney can help you make the decision.
If you think you have developed Parkinson’s disease due to Paraquat exposure, you may face significant medical bills. Parkinson’s disease is a lifelong degenerative neurological condition. You may require expensive treatments or need to take lower-paying work to accommodate your disability. Filing a Paraquat lawsuit can allow you to be compensated for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost quality of life, and lost wages.
What Are Typical Paraquat Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
So with all this information in mind, what can you expect from filing a Paraquat lawsuit? Exact settlement amounts are confidential, and the compensation you can expect will depend on your individual case and the extent of your injuries. Hiring an experienced products liability lawyer like the team at D’Amore Law Group can help you achieve your preferred outcome.
How Can the D’Amore Law Group Help?
With over 30 years of experience in advocating for injured clients, we can help you understand how to navigate a Paraquat lawsuit. Contact us today to discuss a potential Paraquat lawsuit. We’re eager to help you and your family get the compensation you deserve.
