Paraquat Mass Torts
Paraquat is a toxic chemical used commercially to kill weeds and types of grass. It has been shown to have serious health side effects that can cause significant damage. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Get help to file your mass tort paraquat lawsuits. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is a Paraquat lawsuit?
A Paraquat lawsuit is a claim for financial compensation for a person who has suffered physical harm because of exposure to the herbicide Paraquat. It is a civil claim for personal injury damages because of the dangers of Paraquat. The victim may receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of quality of life, suffering, diminished life expectancy, and other losses.
Is Paraquat a mass tort?
Yes, Paraquat is a mass tort. With the wide use of the chemical since the 1950s and exposure to thousands of people, there are many potential victims who may have valid legal claims. The Center for Biological Diversity reports 27 known deaths and at least 200 incidents of harmful exposure in the United States alone. These victims may allege similar claims and legal theories. The claims may involve multidistrict litigation to consolidate proceedings and increase efficiency.
How does Paraquat work?
Paraquat can alter cell chemistry to the point that it can result in cell damage or death through a process called oxidative distress. When specific dopamine neuron cells in the brain are damaged or lose their ability to properly function, it may result in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that can lead to uncontrollable shakiness, stiffness and the general deterioration of the patient’s motor function and movement abilities. There is currently no cure of the disease but paraquat antidote treatments are available that may help lessen some of the motor and non-motor functions of the individuals affected by paraquat Parkinson’s commercial product uses.
What compensation is available for a Paraquat mass tort claim?
A victim may claim the following compensation in a Paraquat mass tort claim:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Travel for medical care
- Cost for dependent family care
- Physical suffering
- Mental injuries and emotional anguish
- Compensation for decreased life expectancy
Victims may claim an exhaustive list of economic damages as well as pain and suffering compensation. Because of the extreme harm caused by the herbicide, compensation amounts may be high to fairly reflect the harm resulting to the victim.
How do I get compensated for Paraquat exposure?
To receive compensation for Paraquat exposure, the following circumstances must be present:
- There has been exposure to Paraquat. The exposure may be recent or in the past.
- You suffer illness or death because of the exposure.
- Damages resulted, including economic losses; you may also claim pain and suffering.
- You initiate a lawsuit to claim financial compensation.
You may have representation from an attorney throughout the litigation process.
What is a Paraquat settlement?
When the parties agree to resolve a claim, they agree to a Paraquat settlement. A Paraquat settlement is an agreement where the defense voluntarily agrees to make a payment to resolve the claim without going to trial. Both parties must agree and sign the agreement.
What is the average settlement for Paraquat?
Litigation proceedings will determine the average settlement for Paraquat. Each victim may receive a settlement based on actual losses and damages. Because of the serious, and varying, injuries that may result from Paraquat exposure, it is hard to place an exact dollar amount on settlements. To learn more about your potential settlement value please speak with a Paraquat lawyer. It is important to note that the exact settlement value is not known until the cases are finalized. Exact amounts may not be known if settlements are confidential.
What is Paraquat poisoning?
Paraquat short term poisoning can occur for many reasons – in contrast to long term health issues which are linked to Parkinson’s disease. Short term poisoning can occur if you:
- Inhale or ingest paraquat
- Come into contact with sprayed plants
- Get paraquat on the skin
- Mix, load or apply paraquat
What are the common Paraquat poisoning symptoms?
- Breathing difficulties or failure, increasing your risk of death
- Elevated heart rate
- Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody stool)
- Muscle fatigue
- Seizures
- Coma
What are the long-term health issues of Paraquat poisoning?
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy, and
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
According to a study published in 2012, people with certain genetic variations, when exposed to paraquat, are 11 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, making them more at risk than others.
Parkinson’s disease affects your motor symptoms or your ability to walk, move or control body movements at will. Over time, people with Parkinson’s disease may experience difficulty walking and talking.
What are the common motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
- Slowness in the voluntary movement and reflexes (Bradykinesia)
- Impaired balance or postural instability
- Resistance to passive movement
- Limb rigidity or stiffness
- Resting tremors (shaking movement when the muscles are relaxed)
Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other paraquat side effects include:
- Constipation
- Apathy
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
- Sleep behavior disorder (insomnia)
Is Roundup in Paraquat?
Roundup — also known as glyphosate — and paraquat are both herbicides, but they contain different chemicals.
Paraquat is more poisonous than glyphosate and is 28 times more acutely toxic, according to a report by the Pesticide Action Network. Because of its toxicity, paraquat is banned in several countries and is a restricted use herbicide in the United States.
Unlike paraquat, Roundup has no restrictions on use and anyone can purchase and use it, including homeowners. EPA considers glyphosate’s toxicity to humans to be low.
Several people have sued the makers of Roundup because of its link to cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Who Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Anyone who has been exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease may decide to file a claim, but contacting a lawyer is the only way to be sure you qualify.
Some types of paraquat exposure are more difficult to determine than others, but an experienced attorney can help prove your case.
People who may qualify to file a paraquat lawsuit include:
- Agricultural workers including farmers, licensed paraquat applicators, growers, pickers and landscapers
- People who live near farmland sprayed with paraquat
- Anyone who works around commercial weed killers and pesticides
We’re here to help you file your mass tort paraquat lawsuits. Contact us today for a free consultation and secure rightful compensation. Call today for help!