Houston Paraquat Lawsuit Lawyer

Lore Law Firm mass tort attorneys are evaluating claims from individuals who have developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to the herbicide Paraquat. 

Overview

For a long time, it has been known by scientists that Paraquat, also referred to as Gramoxone, is highly toxic. Paraquat is so toxic that even if a person ingests a single sip of the herbicide, it would be enough to kill an adult. In recent years, it has been revealed through evidence that repeated exposure to Paraquat in low doses may be linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. 

In more than 60 countries, the use of Paraquat is banned. Regardless of legal challenges and growing health concerns over the herbicide’s connection to the development of Parkinson’s disease, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not made significant moves to restrict its use in the United States. In fact, the use of Paraquat has increased in recent years. 

With the use of the herbicide Paraquat increasing in the country, the U.S., agricultural workers and farmers are facing a greater risk of exposure. There have already been countless lawsuits filed making claims that their exposure to Paraquat has led to their development of Parkinson’s disease. Their claims also state that the Paraquat manufacturer, Syngenta, failed to warn the public about the risks connected to exposure to the herbicide. 

FAQ

How Is Paraquat Commonly Used?

Paraquat is an herbicide widely used by farmers in the production of the following crops:

• Corn
• Soy
• Cotton
• Peanuts
• Wheat
• Almonds
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Sweet potatoes

Over the past decade, its use has doubled and is expected to continue to grow as a result of its effectiveness on superweeds that have become resistant to glyphosate (i.e., Roundup). Paraquat can also be used for the desiccation of crops like cotton prior to harvest. It has been reported that farmers apply more than 10 million pounds of Paraquat to their crops each year. 

The EPA classifies Paraquat as a restricted use pesticide due to its dangerous toxicity levels. In order to use Paraquat, farmers must be certified applicators who have undergone EPA-approved training. There are no homeowner uses for Paraquat, and it may not be applied in any of the following areas:

• Residential areas
• Around schools
• Parks
• Golf courses
• Playgrounds

If you lived in an area near farms that used the pesticide, you may still be affected by Paraquat and should contact one of our experienced paraquat mass tort lawyers. 

Is There a Connection Between Parkinson’s Disease and Paraquat Use?

According to scientific research, individuals who use Paraquat are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, people who live in areas where the herbicide is used are also at risk due to the fact that Paraquat can be carried by the wind into residential or populated areas. The company responsible for the pesticide has refused to acknowledge the potential risks and has exposed thousands of innocent people to a highly hazardous chemical for over a decade despite the numerous studies into the safety risks associated with Paraquat use. 

Is There Scientific Evidence of a Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?

There have been numerous studies that have linked the use of Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. In 2011, a large study of American farmers found that individuals who used Paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease when compared to those who had not been exposed to the herbicide. Data published by Louisiana State University shows evidence that an individual’s zip code and proximity to cropland where Paraquat is used correlates with their risk of developing Parkinson’s. 

It is believed by scientists that Parkinson’s is caused by a deficit of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies have shown that Paraquat can kill dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Inhaling Paraquat gives the pesticide a nearly direct pathway to the brain. Paraquat may also end up in the brain as a result of ingestion or skin exposure. The CDC has stated that once Paraquat enters the body, it is distributed throughout the entire body. 

Who Is at Risk of Developing Parkinson’s From Paraquat Exposure?

Farmers and agricultural workers who work directly with the herbicide Paraquat have the greatest risk of being exposed and developing Parkinson’s disease as a result. Exposure is likely to occur by:

• Loading or mixing Paraquat
• Spraying Paraquat
• Maintaining tanks and equipment used to spray Paraquat
• Spending time in fields where Paraquat was sprayed

It should be noted that exposure to Paraquat is not limited to those who work in farming and agriculture. Evidence has found that due to the fact that Paraquat is an airborne chemical, it may drift from the application site into nearby communities. For the people who live in agricultural areas, Paraquat may contaminate: 

• Ground or well water
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Grains

If you have suffered as a result of Paraquat contamination, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and losses.

What Is the Paraquat Lawsuit? 

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to the pesticide Paraquat, The Lore Law Firm can help you secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

What Might a Paraquat Settlement Include?

Syngenta, the manufacturer of Paraquat, has been aware of the risk of their product but failed to disclose this information to the public. Individuals who suffer from Parkinson’s disease require consistent treatment to increase their quality of life. This treatment can be highly costly without receiving any compensation. By holding Syngenta responsible for their negligence, you may be eligible to collect compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Suffering damages warranted by your situation

If you are unsure what compensation you may be eligible to collect, contact a Paraquat lawyer for help. 

Who Qualifies for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you suffer from Parkinson’s disease as a result of being exposed to Paraquat, you may be able to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for your losses. Those who have been exposed to Paraquat as a result of being a farmer or licensed pesticide applicator may also qualify for a paraquat lawsuit against Syngenta. 

Does Roundup Contain Paraquat?

Roundup has been found to contain dangerous chemicals. However, it does not contain Paraquat. 

Get Help From a Houston Paraquat Exposure Lawyer Today

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to the herbicide / weed killer Paraquat, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered as a result. To get help with your Paraquat lawsuit, contact a Houston paraquat attorney at The Lore Firm by filling out this contact form or calling (713) 782-5291 for a free and confidential review.