In today’s market, consumers use various products, especially when that product helps them do their jobs. For many workers in agriculture, these products often include weedkillers and pesticides. One weedkiller that is common in the industry is Paraquat. Farmers and other agriculturists have long used this herbicide across their lands.
In recent months, several reports have come out linking Paraquat with severe and long-term harm to people who use it. There’s been a link to Parkinson’s disease, and our team at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC is ready to take action. We believe it’s vital for you to recognize your rights. As such, we’ll provide you with information regarding Paraquat, what to do if you suffer harm, and more.
Have you ever used Paraquat? Learn more about your rights. Call us today at (800) 504-0281.
Paraquat: What It Is and Its Dangers
Several commercial farmers use Paraquat dichloride, and over the past decade, the use has increased over 200% since 2011. Like many products on the shelves, it kills weeds and plants that farmers don’t want to plague their land. Every year, millions of pounds are used as an herbicidal agent.
Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a warning that detailed Paraquat as a dangerous and lethally toxic chemical. It has already been banned from use in the European Union since 2007 and is banned in many countries outside of this, including China, Thailand, New Zealand, Kuwait, and many more. As of 2017, only certified individuals were permitted to apply Paraquat in the United States, but that doesn’t always mean that it keeps the applicators safe from severe harm. Even though it’s become extremely popular, it has a connection as a potential cause for Parkinson’s disease.
If you used Paraquat and fear you may suffer from Parkinson’s disease, it’s vital to recognize some of the potential symptoms:
Tremors or Shaking
One of the more common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease is shaking. If you have noticed that your hand or another limb shakes uncontrollably or tremors, it may be a sign of the early stages of Parkinson’s.
Difficulty with Composure
Parkinson’s can cause you to have difficulty standing or sitting up straight. In some cases, it can make you stiff when walking.
Lost Facial Expressions
If you notice that you’re losing the ability to make specific facial expressions, it could indicate a severe problem. It’s vital to see a doctor because this problem can associate with a stroke, Bell’s palsy, or Parkinson’s, and a doctor can diagnose it properly.
Is There a Cure For Parkinson’s Caused by Paraquat?
Parkinson’s is caused by dying or degenerating cells in the brain. It’s thought to have a strong genetic component but can have environmental triggers as well, such as Paraquat. At this time, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s, no matter what its cause. However, there are medications available to help control symptoms, and a lawsuit can potentially help you recover your medical costs.
Your Right to File a Lawsuit
Remember, Paraquat applicators must be trained and licensed. If you’re not and you use Paraquat, it can significantly impact your ability to file a claim. However, if you are a licensed Paraquat applicator and suffer ongoing effects following your use of the herbicide, you may have legal options to pursue compensation for your damages.
Before you move forward, know that countless farmers and agricultural workers just like you are taking action. However, it helps to have skilled legal counsel on your side to hold the responsible parties accountable for the long-term harm you endure.
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or believe you may be developing Parkinson’s? We can help certified or previously certified applicators who are or who previously have been:
- Farmers
- Pickers
- Growers
- Other agricultural workers
- Pesticide spray technicians
At Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, we have started to work to help clients across the nation as they seek the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re in Minnesota, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, or Texas, we’re prepared to work with you through your Paraquat lawsuit.
Our Minneapolis Paraquat lawyers are ready to explain your rights and options. Parkinson’s disease is a serious and lifelong condition. You deserve to have someone in your corner fighting for the justice you deserve. When you choose us to help you pursue compensation, you get more than 35 years of success in your corner so that you can feel confident every step of the way.
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