In 2011, the National Institutes of Health discovered a link involving two chemicals and Parkinson’s disease. One of those chemicals? Paraquat. Over the years, countless farmers and others in the agriculture industry have relied on Paraquat as a weedkiller. However, in 2017, a mandate made it so only licensed applicators can do so because of the dangers associated with the chemical.
According to the report, Paraquat increases specific oxygen derivatives that result in harm to a person’s cellular structure when exposed to the chemicals within the herbicide. Some signs show that increased use of Paraquat correlates with a heightened chance of developing Parkinson’s disease when exposed.
How Does Paraquat Cause Parkinson’s?
When someone mixes, loads, or applies Paraquat, this exposure allows the chemical to damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. The result is symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, these symptoms may not arise immediately, creating some obstacles when pursuing compensation. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Body stiffness while walking
- Trouble standing straight
- Loss of smell and facial expressions
- Tremors or shaking in one area
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to speak with a lawyer about your rights and options.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Before you attempt to move forward with a Paraquat lawsuit, you should know what qualifies you to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, not everyone who suffers effects associated with Paraquat may qualify. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before moving forward?
- Have you used Paraquat?
- Are you licensed to apply Paraquat? If not, was your use of the herbicide before or after 2017?
- Are you experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
It helps to speak with an attorney about your options. At Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, our Minneapolis Paraquat attorneys are representing clients across the nation. We encourage you to speak with a member at our firm about your moving forward so that you can have confidence every step of the way.