If you believe you were exposed to paraquat and have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or neurological damage, contact a San Antonio paraquat lawsuit attorney at the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo for a free legal consultation. We have years of experience going up against major manufacturing corporations in product liability and class action lawsuits. We can help you recognize and protect your rights as a consumer or worker.
What Is Paraquat Herbicide and Who Could Have Been Exposed To It?
Paraquat is a popular chemical weedkiller (herbicide) that has been used widely throughout the United States since the 1960s. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies paraquat as highly toxic, with the potential to cause fatal organ damage if even a small amount is ingested. Exposure to paraquat over time may also cause neurological conditions; specifically, Parkinson’s disease.
Those who are at the highest risk of paraquat herbicide exposure are:
- Licensed applicators of paraquat
- Farmers
- Ranchers
- Laborers
- Agricultural workers
- Gardeners
- Landscapers
- Parks and recreation employees
Although there are laws in the U.S. that restrict the use of paraquat only to licensed applicators, it can easily get mixed in with food or beverages. Any amount of inhalation, ingestion or absorption of paraquat could have adverse health effects. Unfortunately, the use of paraquat has been on the rise in recent years due to the growing problem of glyphosate-resistant weeds, paraquat works against most plant species. Contact our San Antonio paraquat lawsuit lawyers if you believe exposure to paraquat lead to your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
What Is the Link Between the Use of Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?
Studies have found evidence suggesting that pesticides, including paraquat and rotenone, can cause Parkinson’s disease through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Paraquat is specifically linked to oxidative stress as its mechanism of action. Oxidative stress means an imbalance between the production and accumulation of oxygen in cells.
One study found that participants with diagnosed cases of Parkinson’s disease were 2.5 times more likely to have come into contact with paraquat or rotenone than control participants who did not have this disease. Additional scientific studies have also found evidence of a link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects a specific area of the brain. It can come with serious symptoms and related health complications that can be fatal, in some cases. Some of the most common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease are:
- Uncontrollable muscle movements (spasms)
- Tremors in the hands, fingers or legs
- Stiff or rigid muscles
- Slow movement, including slower walking
- Trouble with balance
- Speech impairment
- Cognitive impairment
- Vision problems
- Difficulty with unconscious movements, such as smiling
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression and anxiety
By the time a patient experiences the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, he or she has already suffered a significant loss or impairment of neurons in the brain. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder with no known cure. However, it is possible to manage the symptoms through treatments such as medications and therapies.
Who Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit?
The highly toxic nature of paraquat is a known fact that is not disputed. What the lawsuits assert is that the manufacturing companies of dangerous paraquat herbicides knew of the potential health and safety hazards but did not adequately warn consumers of known risks. This includes the potential risk of developing Parkinson’s disease from exposure to paraquat.
All manufacturing companies of chemical herbicides have a legal responsibility to prevent defects and provide adequate health warnings. The failure to do so, resulting in consumer injuries, illnesses or deaths, could make the manufacturing company liable (financially responsible). If you or a loved one has organ damage, a neurological disease or Parkinson’s disease from potential exposure to paraquat, you may have the right to file a lawsuit, our paraquat claim lawyers can help.
Speak to a Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney Today
Contact the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo today to learn more about your legal options during a free consultation. Our product liability lawyers in San Antonio can help you bring a lawsuit against a manufacturing company or another party in pursuit of financial damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.