If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness due to paraquat exposure, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a lawsuit. Because hundreds of similar claims have previously been combined into a multidistrict class action, you must act quickly to protect your rights.
At Wool Trial Law, we have extensive experience prosecuting mass torts related to exposure to hazardous chemicals like paraquat all over the country. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or another ailment after being exposed, we can help. Let our paraquat lawsuit attorneys assess your case and consider all your legal options.
We have an impressive track record, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients through toxic tort litigation. We are comfortable in arbitration and court proceedings and will protect your rights in any forum. Contact our office in Denver, Colorado today to set up a consultation.
What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a weed-killing herbicide restricted to commercial use only due to its high toxicity. Farmers and agricultural laborers are most at risk of exposure, but those who live near industrial farms may also be at risk. Substance exposure can result in various health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
Nonetheless, this toxic herbicide is one of the most widely used weedkillers in the nation, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Paraquat is used in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings to control weeds.
If you or a loved one was exposed to this pesticide and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease or another illness, our firm can help. By pursuing a paraquat lawsuit, you can recover the financial compensation that considers all your present and future medical and financial needs.
What Are the Uses of Paraquat?
The EPA classified paraquat as a “restricted-use pesticide,” meaning that only commercially licensed applicators can use the herbicide. There are no permitted recreational uses for paraquat. The weed killer prevents weeds and grass from growing near crops on:
- Large and small commercial farms
- Estates
- Plantations
- Orchards
Paraquat is an alternative for weeds resistant to glyphosate, the main ingredient in Bayer/Monsanto’s Roundup.
The Known Dangers of Paraquat Exposure
Because paraquat is highly toxic, poisoning can occur even after brief exposure, while prolonged exposure can result in severe and fatal injuries. Poisoning can occur when someone:
- Inhales or ingests
- Comes into contact with sprayed plants
- Gets the chemical on their skin
- Mixes, loads, or applies the substance
Paraquat causes direct damage when it comes into contact with the mouth, stomach, or intestines. Once this substance enters the body, it is distributed to the organs, primarily the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Immediate symptoms of paraquat exposure include:
- Difficulty breathing, potentially resulting in respiratory failure and death
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Dehydration
- Elevated heart rate
- Gastrointestinal distress (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)
- Muscle fatigue or weakness
- Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Seizures
- Coma
Paraquat poisoning can also result in serious long-term health effects, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
Despite the known dangers, paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S. Popular brand names include:
- Blanco
- Bonfire Herbicide
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Gramoxone
- Helmquat 3SL
- Para-Shot 3.0
- Parazone 3SL
- Quik-Quat
- Bonedry
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- PP148
Several companies in the U.S. manufacture this chemical, including:
- Syngenta
- Adama Group
- Altitude Crop Innovations, LLC
- Drexel Chemical Company
- United Phosphorous
- Helm Agro
- Sinon USA, Inc.
If you have suffered an injury or illness due to paraquat exposure by working with or being around it, trust Wool Trial Law to protect your rights. No matter where you are in the country, contact Wool Trial Law to help you by holding the right parties accountable by pursuing a paraquat lawsuit.
How Our Firm Can Help With a Paraquat Lawsuit
The risks of paraquat exposure have been known for decades; however, companies in the U.S. continue to manufacture, distribute, and use it. If you worked with the herbicide or lived near a farm where it was used and have developed Parkinson’s or another illness, we will determine whether you have a viable claim. Our toxic tort lawyers will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Collaborate with medical and scientific experts to prove your illness was due to paraquat exposure
- Identify the responsible parties (e.g., manufacturer, distributor)
- Explore all your legal options
Because hundreds or even thousands of people have suffered from paraquat exposure, we may pursue your claim as a mass tort paraquat lawsuit. Joining a collective legal action can add legitimacy to your claim and encourage the defendant to negotiate a settlement. In any event, you can depend on us to choose the best course of action and help you recover damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one has died due to a paraquat-related illness, we can help your family recover damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. No matter your circumstances, we have the skills, resources, and determination to hold manufacturers accountable through a paraquat lawsuit.
Contact Our Paraquat Exposure Toxic Tort Lawyer
Paraquat does more than kill weeds. Exposure to this toxic herbicide can result in life-threatening injuries and illnesses, so it is important to seek an experienced lawyer to help you with your unique case as soon as possible. Contact our office today so we can start working on your claim.