Are you an agricultural worker or farmer who’s faced a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis after exposure to paraquat herbicide? Was one of your family members diagnosed with this disease after working with this dangerous chemical?

Our law firm is here to help you understand your rights and explore compensation options. Numerous studies have established a connection between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease, leading to thousands of lawsuits against its manufacturer, Syngenta.

With decades of experience in representing injury victims, our firm has successfully recovered millions for our clients. Our defective product lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation, working on a contingency basis – meaning we only get paid if you receive compensation for medical care and other damages. Reach out today to learn how we can assist you with the legal process.

Request your FREE case review today. Call (800) 518-0508.

Am I Eligible for Compensation?

There are many questions we need to answer before we can determine if you may have a valid case for compensation. This includes your medical diagnosis, how you were exposed and how long you were exposed.

Paraquat is heavily regulated and can only be used by licensed applicators. That is why paraquat lawsuits are often filed by people who worked in commercial gardening/landscaping, on farms or as groundskeepers. You may have absorbed this substance through your skin, such as through a cut or rash. Paraquat may have also gotten into something you drank or contaminated food that you ate. Some victims inhaled paraquat, which may have damaged their lungs.

Paraquat is known by various brand names, as this substance is an active ingredient in many herbicides, such as:

• Firestorm
• Helmquat
• Para-SHOT
• Blanco
• Parazone
• Ortho-Paraquat
• Devour

Paraquat is one of the most frequently used herbicides in the country, as it is sprayed on more than 100 different crops. It is mainly used to control weeds and grass.

If you have questions about possibly pursuing a case, call Lynch Law Firm, PC today. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive legal support, ensuring that all aspects of your case are carefully considered.

If you believe you have been exposed to paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, we encourage you to contact us for a detailed case evaluation. There are no upfront costs. Call today to find out how we may be able to assist you in seeking justice and compensation.

Call to learn more. Our lawyers are here to help: (800) 518-0508.

Potential Compensation for Paraquat Victims

Paraquat victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, each tailored to the specific circumstances of their case. This can include:

• Reimbursement for medical expenses related to the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and other health issues caused by paraquat exposure. It typically costs tens of thousands of dollars per year to treat this disease.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are also considered, especially if the illness has impacted the victim’s ability to work.
• Compensation for pain and suffering is another critical aspect, addressing the mental and physical distress caused by the illness.
• In tragic cases where paraquat exposure leads to death, families may pursue wrongful death claims to cover loss of support, funeral expenses and medical costs incurred before passing.
• Additionally, punitive damages may be sought if the manufacturer’s extreme negligence or intentional harm is proven.

Each case is unique, and the compensation amount depends on factors like illness severity, exposure length and long-term prognosis. The aim is to alleviate the financial burden of treatment and provide support to those affected by this devastating disease. Our attorneys are committed to securing the maximum possible compensation and holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence.

Controversy Around the Use of Paraquat

The controversy surrounding paraquat centers on its global use and the contrasting approaches to its regulation. While about 100 countries have approved its use, over 50, including China, have banned it. Interestingly, China, one of the manufacturers of paraquat, produces it solely for export.

U.S. Regulations

In the United States, the herbicide is not banned, but it is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Classified as “restricted use,” only commercially licensed applicators are permitted to use paraquat. The EPA has regulations to help prevent exposure to paraquat, such as including additives like dyes and vomit-inducing chemicals.

Increasing Use

Despite acknowledged risks, paraquat usage in the U.S. has increased, especially as weeds and pests develop resistance to other herbicides like Monsanto’s Roundup, which itself has been the subject of lawsuits.

In 2016 alone, approximately seven million pounds of paraquat were applied across nearly 15 million acres in the U.S. The EPA reapproved its use as recently as October 2020, highlighting the ongoing debate over its safety and the role of regulatory bodies in balancing agricultural needs with public health concerns.

These are some of the crops that get sprayed with paraquat:

• Potatoes
• Pears
• Coffee
• Oranges
• Wheat
• Cotton
• Grapes
• Garlic
• Almonds
• Artichokes

Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

The connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s Disease has been a focus of scientific research for decades.

Initial Research

The initial link was suspected in the 1980s following a cluster of advanced Parkinson’s cases in California, which were traced back to a substance that is similar in structure to paraquat. This led to further studies in agricultural areas, often showing abnormally high numbers of Parkinson’s cases.

NIH Study

Numerous studies, including significant research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have strengthened the argument for a link between paraquat and Parkinson’s. For one study, the NIH evaluated research on tens of thousands of agricultural workers and spouses. One study author concluded that there was persuasive data linking Parkinson’s to paraquat exposure.

Another notable study in 2012 highlighted the heightened risk for individuals with specific genetic variations who are exposed to paraquat.

Research findings indicate that exposure to paraquat, especially during the teenage or young adult years, can significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.

Calls for Banning Paraquat

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, along with other leading Parkinson’s research entities, have raised concerns to the EPA about paraquat’s continued use. The United Parkinson’s Advocacy Council asked the EPA to ban the chemical in 2017.

Paraquat Lawsuits You Should Know About

Most of the paraquat lawsuits being filed are included in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Southern District of Illinois, which was created in June 2021. As of January 2, 2024, there were more than 5,000 cases in this legal action.

MDLs are utilized to streamline pretrial proceedings for cases with similar facts, aiming to reduce costs and prevent inconsistent rulings across different districts. In paraquat cases, victims allege Syngenta and Chevron USA knew about the dangers of exposure and failed to provide adequate warning. There are also allegations about concealing the danger from victims and others.

One of the benefits of an MDL is reducing cost and delays that come with pretrial proceedings.

Some of the legal actions in the MDL are selected as bellwether cases. These cases are tried first to give both sides a better idea of how judges and juries are likely to rule on the cases. This could lead to a settlement agreement for a large percentage of the cases in the MDL.

The first bellwether trial was supposed to happen in October 2023 but was delayed until 2024.

There were numerous lawsuits before the MDL was created:

• Farmers and agricultural workers sued Syngenta and Growmark in 2017 over their Parkinson’s diagnoses. Eventually, Chevron Chemical was added to the case.
• In December 2020, a crop duster claimed manufacturers did not provide proper warning about the risks of paraquat exposure.
• There was also a lawsuit filed in March 2021 because a farmworker was diagnosed in 2015. The suit claims the manufacturer was aware of the increased risk of Parkinson’s Disease.

Call Lynch Law Firm, PC To Discuss Legal Options

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease after exposure to paraquat, it is crucial to explore your legal options.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, we are committed to investigating paraquat claims and holding manufacturers accountable for the risks associated with this herbicide. Our team, backed by a history of securing significant compensation for our clients, offers a free, no-risk consultation.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you receive compensation. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss the potential for a lawsuit and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Call Lynch Law Firm, PC today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards seeking justice.

Schedule a free consultation. Call us at (800) 518-0508.