Paraquat Lawsuits

If you have worked or lived on a farm, you might have been exposed to the toxic herbicide paraquat. Farmers use paraquat to treat weeds that are resistant to glyphosate. Common trade names for paraquat products include Gramoxone, Parazone, Quik-Quat, Para-Shot, Firestorm, and Cyclone.

Paraquat is highly toxic and has been banned in many countries, including the entire European Union. However, it continues to be available in the United States as a restricted use pesticide. Over the years, paraquat use has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. There is now persuasive science indicating that paraquat exposure could cause Parkinson’s and other debilitating neurological conditions.

If you were exposed to paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you could be eligible to receive compensation. Founding Partner Jon Ostroff and the skilled attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers have spent over 30 years fighting for the rights of injured people. Allow our team or referral partners represent you in your fight against the manufacturers of paraquat spray.

Parkinson’s and Other Medical Conditions Related to Paraquat

Exposure to paraquat could cause a range of medical issues. Inhaling the chemical could cause severe damage to your lungs and respiratory tract and ingesting even a small amount could be fatal. If a concentrated form of the chemical makes contact with your skin, you could suffer severe burns.

Most farmers do not come into direct contact with the chemical. They usually wear protective gear to limit exposure while spraying it over the crops. Even so, repeated exposure to small amounts of paraquat over time causes neurological damage. One of the most serious neurological conditions linked to paraquat is Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder with no cure and few effective treatments. People with this disease generally develop tremors and may become stiff or jerky in their movements. Additionally, their speech could be soft, slurred, or monotone.

Parkinson’s patients are at higher risk of developing dementia, depression, and anxiety. In the latter stages of the disease, patients could experience problems swallowing, loss of bladder control, sleep disorders, and other challenging symptoms. If you or a loved one developed Parkinson’s from paraquat exposure, a Pennsylvania attorney familiar with recall lawsuits can file a claim on your behalf.

Manufacturer Liability for Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Paraquat manufacturers have known of the product’s dangers for years. When a manufacturer puts a potentially harmful product into the marketplace, it must warn potential users about the product’s hazards and provide instructions for safe use. Many of the paraquat lawsuits allege that the manufacturer’s warnings were inadequate to protect farmworkers and others who used it.

In a successful lawsuit, you can recover compensation for your economic and non-economic losses such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost income, including lost business and financial opportunities
  • Medical expenses
  • Inconvenience
  • Embarrassment
  • Loss of life’s pleasures
  • Costs of accessibility aids

With help from a law firm that regularly handles recall claims, you could even recover punitive damages in your paraquat lawsuit. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers is known for recovering significant punitive damages awards for clients.

Talk to an Experienced Paraquat Attorney About Your Lawsuit

Individuals who have developed Parkinson’s due to paraquat exposure have been filing lawsuits in many jurisdictions across the country. If you were exposed to this chemical, consider seeking restitution from the manufacturer. Filing a paraquat lawsuit can help you recover the compensation you need. Contact a lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to discuss your claim in a free consultation.