Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit

Pope McGlamry is currently investigating claims of injuries related to the use of Paraquat. Farmers, agricultural workers and groundskeepers who developed Parkinson’s Disease after using an herbicide containing Paraquat might be eligible for compensation. Pope McGlamry has decades of experience litigating product liability cases such as this and against large corporations like Syngenta, Chevron, and Imperial Chemical Industries, some of the manufacturers of Paraquat.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a chemical that is used heavily in commercial farming to control weeds. Paraquat is a highly toxic substance used in herbicides, or weed killers, that kills any vegetation it is applied to. Paraquat’s effectiveness has made it a popular chemical agent to agriculturists and commercial farmers. It is also used in the drying of crops like cotton and tobacco. In 2016, Paraquat was used on over 15 million acres of land in the United States.

In the United States, Paraquat is registered as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) which means it may only be used by a trained and certified individual. Since it is restricted, most people that come across the use of the agent work in agriculture. You cannot buy Paraquat-containing products for residential use. In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency set a limit on the number of people it would license to mix and apply the herbicide. If you work or worked as a farmer, herbicide applicator, tank filler, or live near a farming community, you may have been exposed to Paraquat.

Below are some of the common herbicide brand names containing Paraquat:

Gramoxone
Para-SHOT
Parazone
VECOL

The European Union banned Paraquat in 2007. It was banned in China in 2016 as well. This is because, as the EU stated, Paraquat is too dangerous for farmers to use even with protective equipment.

Complications from Paraquat Use

Paraquat exposure is extremely dangerous to humans and can be fatal after ingestion or inhalation. Studies have found that Paraquat increases the chances for developing Parkinson’s Disease anywhere between 200% to 600% in those who have been exposed as young adults or teenagers [1]. Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that is caused by nerve damage and has symptoms like tremors and coordination problems. Paraquat can cause neuron damage which can cause Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.[2]

Some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can include:

Tremors or shaking in specific areas, like arms or hands
Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
Difficulty standing up straight
Loss of facial expressions
Changes in speech and writing

Exposed to Paraquat and Have Parkinson's Disease?

If you or a loved one applied or mixed Paraquat or have been exposed to Paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, call us at 404-523-7706 for a free case review.

Contact our Paraquat Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with one of the conditions above and have used Paraquat, you may have a legal claim for compensation. Contact our experienced attorneys to discuss your potential case.

Meet Your Legal Team

Courtney L. Mohammadi

(404) 523-7706

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Caroline G. McGlamry

(404) 523-7706

Email Caroline McGlamry