According to paraquat lawsuits, research has demonstrated that chronic exposure to the common herbicide paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease plaintiffs allege that manufacturers neglected to warn about the risk. In lawsuits seeking compensation, attorneys are defending farmers, agricultural laborers, and other parties.
There is no known cure for paraquat, which may only be consumed directly. Because paraquat poisoning has caused one to two deaths yearly, special training is required to handle it.
Some critics contend that the public is still in danger even when paraquat is used as instructed. They specifically highlight research that may link paraquat used to Parkinson’s disease, as well as the fact that paraquat has been prohibited in the European Union since 2007.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed, even though licensed users can still use paraquat in the US.
Is Paraquat Related to Parkinson’s Disease Scientifically?
These ongoing litigation involving Paraquat lawsuits center on the possibility of a connection between Parkinson’s disease and paraquat consumption. The outcomes of numerous investigations have varied.
According to a 2011 analysis of data from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), paraquat use is positively connected with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which increased the risk of Parkinson’s disease among the population examined.
The Paraquat Defendants: Who Are They?
Syngenta and Chevron, Inc. are the two primary defendants in the ongoing paraquat litigation. Multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Gramoxone, a brand of paraquat developed by Syngenta and sold by Chevron in the U.S., is one of the largest lawsuits. According to the plaintiffs in this MDL, persons who made or used the drug Gramoxone were exposed to it and later developed Parkinson’s disease.
MDLs resemble the more well-known class-action lawsuits in many ways. Both provide the simultaneous trial of numerous cases before a single judge and/or jury. There are, however, some definite distinctions between the two as well.
Do I Have a Case Against Paraquat?
It is possible to sue paraquat’s producers and distributors in the US if you have ever been exposed to it and have experienced health issues. You may want to speak with a lawyer to have your case assessed if you have Parkinson’s disease and were directly exposed to paraquat or lived or used to live in an agricultural area where it may have been utilized.
Reimbursement for injuries
Parkinson’s disease has no known cure; therefore, those with it will need therapy for the rest of their lives. The effects of Parkinson’s disease can be severe.
A lawsuit may be filed to help get compensation for high medical costs, lost wages, and other costs associated with past and future care. Along with the lost quality of life, you may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering that is both physical and emotional.
How long do I have to file a Parkinson’s lawsuit involving paraquat?
The statute of limitations refers to the period you have after being injured to file a claim. The statute of limitations might range from one year to six years, depending on the state where you reside. The statute of limitations may begin in certain places on the day of the initial exposure, while in other states, it may begin on the day you “reasonably” should have been aware of the risk.
What is My Paraquat Case Worth?
You can only make educated guesses about the settlement amounts for paraquat claims until the trials have begun. However, we can predict an estimated amount from cases that are similar to the paraquat cases already in trial.
However, it’s critical to remember that even a well-informed guess is still just that—a guess. Given the rarity of Parkinson’s cases, it is helpful to compare those with a related disorder called tardive dyskinesia. These instances have resulted in settlements ranging from the hundreds of thousands to the millions. However, none of these have involved many plaintiffs; they have all been single plaintiff instances.
Accountability for Businesses
According to those who filed claims, the makers of paraquat allegedly knew for years that the weed killer was dangerous and could lead to Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, they kept selling it and didn’t tell the plaintiffs or anybody else about it.
Companies that engage in careless behavior may be held accountable by a lawsuit. When businesses knowingly put the public in danger, juries can impose civil penalties.
Raise Awareness
Since the 1960s, paraquat has been utilized in American agricultural and commercial farming. More people use it every year. While some live close to farms that use the deadly weed killer, others utilize it at work.
A lawsuit could help anyone who might be at risk and raise awareness of the dangers of paraquat.
