If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to the commercial-strength weed killer Paraquat, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit to recovery monetary damages.
Complete the short form below to see if you qualify. We also invite you to click here to read frequently asked questions related to Paraquat and claims that the product causes Parkinson’s disease.
FAQ: Paraquat Lawsuit for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects the movement of individuals diagnosed with the disease. Parkinson’s leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Research indicates that individuals with exposure to Paraquat are 2.5 times more likely to receive a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
Sonn Law compiled a short guide to answer questions regarding the Paraquat lawsuit.
What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide used to kill weeds, grass, and other vegetation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Paraquat as a “restricted use” chemical, meaning it can be purchased and used only by commercially licensed users. Despite the restriction, Paraquat is the most commonly used type of restricted-use herbicide in the United States. Outside the U.S., over 50 countries have banned the use of Paraquat entirely due to the health risks associated with the chemical. Weed killing products containing Paraquat include:
- Paraquat concentrate,
- Gramoxone,
- Blanco,
- Cyclone SL 2.0,
- Firestorm,
- Helmquat 3SL,
- Bonedry, and
- Parashot 3.0.
Beginning in 2009, the American Journal of Epidemiology published studies showing a link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. The study found that individuals who lived within 1600 feet of an area where Paraquat was sprayed had a “heightened risk” of Parkinson’s disease. Another study conducted two years later found that there was a “strong association” between Paraquat and Parkinson’s. Both studies received criticism over study techniques and reliability of the results because the studies were not “controlled.”
In 2014, the results of five separate case-controlled studies confirmed that exposure to Paraquat leads to a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease. The results prompted the EPA to conduct its own safety review of Paraquat in 2016.
According to the Paraquat lawsuits, manufacturers of Paraquat knew for decades about the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease but failed to warn the public of the risks associated with the chemical or to remove the chemical from the market.
Who Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Individuals who may have a Paraquat-related claim include:
- Farmers who used paraquat and were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s or developed symptoms of the disease;
- Farm workers who mixed or sprayed Paraquat and were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s or developed symptoms of the disease; and
- Family members of individuals with Parkinson’s disease caused by exposure to Paraquat.
If you or a loved one developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the Sonn Law Group today to find out if you qualify to file a Paraquat lawsuit.
Where Can I File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
The first Paraquat lawsuit occurred in 2017 in Missouri against Sygenta and Growmark, two companies that make the chemical. Since then, several lawsuits have popped up throughout the United States. On June 7, the judicial body responsible for overseeing multidistrict litigation (MDL) ordered that the Paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits centralize in the Southern District of Illinois. The Paraquat MDL currently consists of 29 cases, but the figure is expected to grow dramatically.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of this dangerous chemical. Contact Sonn Law Group as soon as possible to discuss your potential lawsuit.