Written by Keith V. Trantolo
The Paraquat lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo are taking cases for Connecticut residents who were exposed to the herbicide Paraquat and were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease as a result. If you were exposed to Paraquat and are now suffering from Parkinson’s disease, you may be eligible to receive a settlement to compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call us today at (844) 999-9999 or fill out our easy online contact form for a free case evaluation.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that kills neurons in the area of the brain that controls body movements. These neurons are the brain’s messengers; they use electrical impulses and chemicals to transmit information throughout the brain. When neurons die, the brain can not transmit information properly, which can result in loss of motor skills and difficulty moving.
What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually subtle to begin with and progressively worsen over time. There are four main symptoms:
- Shakiness or trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Stiffness
- Slowed movements
- Loss of balance or coordination
Other symptoms may include things like:
- Emotional issues, such as depression
- Cognitive impairment
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat dichloride is a chemical herbicide used to kill weeds and control grass growth. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Paraquat as a restricted use pesticide. Restricted use pesticides are highly toxic and not available to the general public; only a certified and licensed applicator can purchase and apply them.
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Why are There Paraquat Lawsuits?
Roundup was the most popular herbicide used by American agricultural workers until a 2015 study linked Roundup’s active ingredient to cancer. In response, a growing number of states and municipalities have either heavily restricted Roundup’s use or even banned it altogether. For example, Connecticut prohibited using herbicides at daycares and on school grounds, and many Connecticut municipalities have their own additional herbicide ordinances that ban Roundup specifically. As a result of the health concerns and legal barriers surrounding Roundup, Paraquat has become a popular substitute. According to the U.S. Geological Center, Paraquat use increased by nearly 200% from 2009 to 2019.
Today, dozens of countries have banned Paraquat due to research linking the herbicide to Parkinson’s disease. For example: in 2009, the American Journal of Epidemiology released a study showing that individuals who lived within 1,600 feet of an area treated with Paraquat were 75% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than the general public. Additionally, in 2014, the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology published research showing that licensed applicators who had applied Paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than the general public. Despite all this, Paraquat manufacturers do not warn consumers about the risk of Parkinson’s disease linked to the chemical. Additionally, the EPA has not placed Paraquat on its list of banned substances, and commercial farmers continue to use Paraquat to treat over 100 different types of crops.
Manufacturers of chemicals and herbicides must provide adequate warnings if there is any risk associated with their product’s use. If a manufacturer fails to warn the consumer of a danger and the consumer suffers an injury, the manufacturer can be liable. In October 2017, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of agricultural workers and farmers who were exposed to Paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease as a result. The plaintiffs argue that they were exposed to the herbicide before they were aware of the health risks associated with it.
Do I Qualify for the Paraquat Lawsuit?
If you were a licensed applicator, exposed to Paraquat, and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you might be eligible to participate in the Paraquat lawsuit. Contact an experienced Connecticut Paraquat lawyer today for a free consultation to see if you qualify.
Why Hire Us?
If you were exposed to Paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease as a result, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our law firm works with experienced CT Paraquat lawyers who can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for your claim. Call us any time at (844) 999-9999 or click here to fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.