Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that has been used for a variety of farming and agricultural applications in the United States since 1964. The product is registered for use on row crops to vegetables and trees, and on non-farm areas, including airports, industrial sites and commercial buildings.
The EPA has stated, “Paraquat is highly toxic.” A single sip of Paraquat can kill a person. If it is accidentally inhaled or spills on a person’s skin during application it may cause seizures, heart failure and lung scarring.
Research has shown that Paraquat may be linked to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that can lead to uncontrollable shakiness, stiffness and the general deterioration of motor-function abilities. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Paraquat has been banned in more than 60 countries worldwide but there has been no such ban in the United States.
Law firms have begun filing lawsuits against the makers and distributors of Paraquat and are accepting cases where the person has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and:
- Was a pesticide applicator or has a restricted use license;
- Worked for a pesticide applicator or company/person that had a restricted use license;
- Was a Herbicide mixer;
- Transferred Paraquat into application equipment;
- Worked at a plant or company that manufactured or distributed Paraquat, or
- Worked as a farmer, farmhand, or another type of worker in areas where Paraquat was used.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to the chemical herbicide Paraquat and have subsequently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, please call the experts at Inserra Kelley Sewell to see whether you might be entitled to compensation.