PARAQUAT

Paraquat, a herbicide that has been used for years to control weeds and pests, is facing mass tort claims. A scientific experiment run in the 1980s revealed that MPTP, a heroine contaminant, destroyed dopamine neurons. Dopamine neurons are the same neurons affected in Parkinson’s disease patients. After a thorough investigation, Paraquat was found to have the same chemical structure as MPTP.

People exposed to Paraquat during the mixing, loading, application, and post-application process may have an increased risk of getting Parkinson’s disease. Although Paraquat is not registered for residential use, people who live near farms using the herbicide face possible exposure to this chemical. In a 2009 research journal, it was revealed that exposure to Paraquat within 1,600 feet heightened the risk of getting Parkinson’s disease by 75%. In a 2014 study, it was revealed that pesticide applicators using Paraquat suffered double the risk of Parkinson’s disease compared to the general population.

In 2021, EPA released its decision for registration review to put in place mitigation measures to reduce the risk associated with Paraquat in order to protect people exposed to Paraquat. If you or a loved one have been exposed to Paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may be entitled to compensation.

According to the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, the economic costs for a person with Parkinson’s are as follows:

  1. Individual care for a person with Parkinson’s disease – $26,000
  2. Annual economic burdens in the US – $19.8 to $26.4 billion
  3. Other costs associated with reliance programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Paraquat poses unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. Evidence shows that using this herbicide not only increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease but also presents a range of chronic concerns, such as cancer, damage to the reproductive system, and damage to the liver and the kidney. Despite uproar from various organizations and the public, Paraquat is still in distribution.

Who is liable in a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Manufacturers of the herbicide are held responsible for any injuries or illnesses caused by Paraquat. These chemical manufacturers include:

  • Adama Group
  • Chevron Chemical Company
  • Helm Agro
  • Sinon USA, Inc.
  • United Phosphorous
  • Syngenta
  • Altitude Crop Innovations, LLC
  • Drexel Chemical Company
  • Innvictis Crop Care, LLC

What will KapLaw do for you?

Paraquat is one of the most dangerous substances available to man. Acute toxicity causes harm to people who handle it and people unaware of any chemical exposure. KapLaw understands that chronic illnesses can be financially, emotionally, and physically draining. As such, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for consultation and the best representation for your Paraquat mass tort claim.