Georgia Paraquat Poisoning Attorneys
First used in the 1960s, paraquat dichloride (more commonly known as paraquat) is a highly toxic herbicide used commercially to prevent weed and grass growth near farms and crops. In fact, paraquat is so toxic that a single sip can be lethal — and there’s no known antidote.
Despite the known dangers of this toxic chemical, paraquat is still one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat exposure, you may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit that can provide financial compensation. A paraquat settlement can help cover any medical expenses and lost wages.
Paraquat is a weed-killing herbicide that’s restricted to commercial use only due to its high toxicity. Farmers and agricultural laborers are most at risk for exposure, but those who live near industrial farms may also be at risk of paraquat exposure. This toxic herbicide has been linked to many side effects, including Parkinson’s disease.
Paraquat Poisoning Can Occur If An Individual:
- Inhales or Ingests Paraquat
- Comes into contact with sprayed plants
- Gets paraquat on their skin
- Mixes, loads, or applies paraquat
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified paraquat as a “restricted-use pesticide,” which means paraquat is not allowed to be used recreationally. Paraquat can only be used commercially by licensed applicators.
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide, and paraquat poisoning can occur after even brief exposure, though prolonged exposure often results in more severe injuries and even death. Exposure or ingestion of paraquat can lead to many health risks, including an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Immediate Side Effects Of Paraquat Exposure Include:
- Breathing difficulties or failure, potentially resulting in death
- Coma
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Elevated heart rate
- Gastrointestinal distress (like nausea, diarrhea or bloody stool, and vomiting)
- Muscle fatigue or weakness
- Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Seizures
Paraquat Poisoning Can Also Result In More Serious Long-Term Health Effects, Like:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive Supranuclear palsy
Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often in the form of tremors, stiffness, or loss of balance. Although certain medications can control the symptoms of Parkinson’s, there is no cure.
Caused by a loss of neurons and the dopamine neurotransmitters they produce, Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that worsens over time, causing a variety of both motor and non-motor symptoms to gradually appear.
Parkinson’s Disease As Characterized By Some Of The Following Motor Symptoms:
- Bradykinesia (slowness in voluntary movement and reflexes)
- Impaired balance or postural instability
- Limb rigidity or stiffness (resistance to passive movement)
- Resting tremors (shaking movement when the muscles are relaxed)
- Over time, people with Parkinson’s may experience difficulty walking and talking.
Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
For those with Parkinson’s disease, the non-motor symptoms of their disorder can often be more disruptive to their day-to-day than their motor symptoms.
Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Include:
- Apathy
- Cognitive impairment
- Constipation
- Depression
- Insomnia or other sleep behavior disorders
If you are a farmer, landscaper, groundskeeper, or gardener, you have probably come into contact with paraquat.
If you worked with paraquat or lived near a farm and have developed paraquat Parkinson’s disease, you may be entitled to compensation in the form of lawsuit settlements.
Paraquat has already been banned in many countries, including China, Brazil, and the EU. Despite this, on October 23, 2020, the EPA refused to ban it in the U.S.
Lawsuits are being filed alleging that Syngenta, Chevron, and others involved in the process of manufacturing, marketing, and distributing paraquat are liable for causing or contributing to the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Participating In The Lawsuit Will Potentially Enable You To:
- Secure compensation to cover medical bills and other expenses
- Hold the companies that exposed you to paraquat responsible
- Spread awareness of the dangers associated with paraquat, which helps others at risk
At Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C., our legal team works on what’s known as a contingency basis. That means that you don’t have to pay any fees upfront or hourly rates. Your lawyer will receive a percentage of your paraquat settlement or verdict results only if your case is successful. There is absolutely no risk to get the help of one of our great lawyers right now. Fill out our free case evaluation form or give us a call at 770-820-0711 to get started. One Call, That’s All!