The toxic weedkilling herbicide Paraquat has been linked by scientists to extremely increased rates of Parkinson’s Disease and other health-related issues. If you or someone you love has been exposed to Paraquat and has developed health issues or died as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The New Orleans Paraquat Attorneys at Morris Bart are prepared to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options with a free consultation today.
What Is Paraquat?
For many years in the United States, Roundup has been the most well-known and preferred herbicide available for both residential and commercial uses. However, over time some weed and pest strains have become resistant to Roundup, creating the need for alternative herbicides. For this reason, Paraquat quickly became a very popular alternative. Recent reporting shows more than 7 million pounds of Paraquat has been applied to over 15 million acres in the US alone.
Paraquat is one of the most toxic herbicides marketed in the United States in the last five decades. In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency classifies Paraquat as a “restricted use” substance, meaning those who purchase it must be licensed applicators. Even so, any farmers, agricultural workers, or anyone who may have had exposure to Paraquat may be affected.
For a free legal consultation with a Paraquat Parkinson’s lawyer serving New Orleans, call 800-537-8185
Has There been a Recall on the Paraquat?
No. At this time, there has been no recall of Paraquat, even though many countries worldwide have banned its use. Paraquat has been banned in the United Kingdom and across the European Union since 2007.
Parkinson’s and Paraquat
Unfortunately, while there are several adverse effects Paraquat may have on the health of those exposed, the most common among them is an extremely increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Common symptoms of Paraquat-induced Parkinson’s include:
- Tremors in limbs while at rest
- Rigidity and stiffness
- Balance and motor skill reduction
- Decrease mobility
Other Signs of Paraquat Exposure
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), other signs of Paraquat exposure can also include:
- Accelerated heart rate
- Coma
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid in the lungs
- Organ failure, including heart, liver, and kidney
- Scarring of the lungs and/or esophagus
- Seizures
If you are suffering from any of the listed symptoms and have been exposed to Paraquat herbicides, contact your physician immediately. Once you have had a medical evaluation to ensure your condition is stable, an experienced Paraquat injury lawyer can help you review your legal options. The attorneys at Morris Bart will be happy to review any Paraquat case for free and can help you understand what your legal options are.
Click to contact our New Orleans Defective Product Lawyers today
How Is Paraquat Absorbed?
While licensed applicators are trained in using hazardous substances, recent studies show that Paraquat can enter the body even with proper precaution. Common methods of transmission include:
- Accidental ingestion
- Inhalation
- Absorption through skin contact
- Contact with laceration or break on the skin
Paraquat is often quickly absorbed by the body once contact is made. Absorption through direct skin contact is often lower; however, a laceration or other skin damage can significantly increase this. Once absorbed into the body, Paraquat attacks lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—much like in non-paraquat-induced Parkinson’s disease cases.
Paraquat is also a highly toxic substance. As little as a sip of Paraquat could kill a healthy person outright, and applicators have reportedly died within hours of spraying diluted Paraquat from a compromised device or spilling solutions containing Paraquat.
The Morris Bart law firm is currently representing victims of Paraquat victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and elsewhere across the United States. If you have any questions about your legal options, call us now for your free legal consultation.
What Is the Status of the Paraquat Lawsuit?
The Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated all the existing Paraquat litigation into MDL 3004 under Judge Nancy Rosenstengel in the Southern District of Illinois in June of 2021. This is considered a positive step for those involved, as this will effectively speed up the litigation process by eliminating the need for each case to go through its own settlement or trial steps. Additionally, Judge Rosenstengel already has extensive experience with the ongoing Paraquat litigation, which further benefits victims of Paraquat.
Have You been Exposed to Paraquat?
If you feel that you have been exposed to Paraquat and have suffered any adverse health effects, call the Morris Bart law firm to speak with a Paraquat lawyer for a free consultation. Our attorneys are prepared to discuss the details of your exposure and the impact it has had on your health and explain what legal options may be available to you. Learn more about our office locations throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, or call us today!
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
