Cleveland Paraquat Claims Lawyer

Tittle & Perlmuter is investigating claims for paraquat exposure. If you or a loved one believe you have developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of paraquat exposure, our attorneys may be able to help. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to see if your case criteria qualify for a paraquat lawsuit. We can help fight for the compensation you deserve after exposure to paraquat.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is one of the world’s most-used herbicides. What most people don’t know, is that it’s also one of the most dangerous. Also referred to as Gramoxone, paraquat is extremely toxic. More than 32 countries (U.S. not included) have banned this pesticide, including China where its manufacturer is headquartered. One single sip of this deadly herbicide can kill an adult, but what makes this herbicide so dangerous is the long term affect that repeated exposure can have, even in low doses. These affects may include the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Studies reveal that exposure to paraquat can increase the risk of Parkinson’s by up to 150%. Despite growing health concerns and legal challenges, unfortunately, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done little to restrict the use of paraquat. The main producer of paraquat, Syngenta, claims there is no definitive link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. As paraquat use increases in the United States, farmers and agricultural workers continually risk exposure. There have been many lawsuits already filed claiming that Syngenta failed to warn about this dangerous risk and that they have developed Parkinson’s disease because of exposure to paraquat.

FAQs:

Can Paraquat Exposure Cause Parkinson’s Disease?

According to scientific research, those who use paraquat are two times more likely to develop Parkinson’s in the future. Because winds can carry this herbicide, people who live in an area where paraquat is used are also at risk. The company that created this pesticide refuses to address the potential risks of paraquat, despite numerous studies, and has therefore exposed thousands of people to a dangerous chemical for over a decade.

What is the Scientific Correlation Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?

Scientific studies show strong correlation between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s. Over the past 20 years, the scientific community has increased its examination of the effects of paraquat exposure on humans, and specifically the risk of Parkinson’s disease. In 2009, the American Journal of Epidemiology published research that showed any exposure to paraquat within 1,600 feet of a home resulted in a 75% increased risk in Parkinson’s. In 2011, a study called the Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME) was conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH). This study explored claims that exposure to paraquat could be linked to a greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In 2011 the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences also published results from a study of Parkinson’s cases and pesticides. Paraquat became a significant concern as a result and the study concluded that “Parkinson’s disease was strongly associated with” paraquat.

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) states that one theory for the cause of Parkinson’s are environmental factors like significant exposure to pesticides. Parkinson’s is a complex motor disorder that can cause uncontrollable or unintentional movements. Parkinson’s typically occurs because of low levels of dopamine in brain, which is a chemical that helps support movement and coordination. Leading Dutch Neurologist, Bastiaan Bloem, MD, warns that paraquat will kill dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Inhaling paraquat gives it direct access to your brain while ingestion or skin exposure can give it indirect access. The CDC states that paraquat is distributed to all areas of the body once it enters your body. For this reason, farmers and agricultural workers are most at risk for exposure to this toxic pesticide.

Am I At Risk of Developing Parkinson’s Disease from Paraquat Exposure?

The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research shares that exposure to paraquat increases the risk of Parkinson’s by 320%. Those who work directly with and around paraquat, such as farmers and agricultural workers, are the most at risk for exposure to paraquat.

Ways to be Exposed:

Mixing or loading paraquat
Spraying paraquat
Maintaining tanks and equipment used to spray paraquat
Spending time in fields where paraquat was sprayed

However, these workers aren’t the only ones at risk. Because paraquat can drift from the application site to nearby communities, people who live in agricultural areas may also be at risk. Paraquat can also contaminate ground or well water and goods that are sold to the public like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains.

How is Paraquat Used?

Farmers use paraquat in the production of crops such as corn, soy, cotton, peanuts, citrus, wheat, almonds, artichokes, grapes, strawberries, pears, garlic, sweet potatoes, and more. Due to its effectiveness on “superweeds” that have developed resistance to glyphosate (Roundup), the use of paraquat has doubled over the past decade and is expected to increase. In the United States, farmers currently use 8 million pounds of paraquat each year. Paraquat can also be used to remove moisture from crops, such as cotton, prior to harvesting. The EPA classifies paraquat as a “restricted use pesticide” because of its toxicity, so only certified applicators who have EPA-approved training can use it. Paraquat cannot be applied in residential areas or around public places such as schools, parks, and playgrounds.

Is there a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat exposure, Tittle & Perlmuter can help get you the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, many people including those who live near agricultural areas where this herbicide is used, have developed Parkinson’s disease because of paraquat exposure.

What is the Case Criteria for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Case Criteria:

Must have used, mixed, or applied a herbicide containing Paraquat or have been exposed to a herbicide containing paraquat (Gramoxone)
Must have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to paraquat
If not used, mixed, or applied herbicide containing paraquat, then:
- Must have lived or worked in an EPA High Paraquat utilization zip code, been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age 64 or younger, and had no direct biological family history of Parkinson’s disease (OR)
- Must have lived or worked on a farm or within a mile of a farm, been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age 64 or younger, and had no direct biological family history of Parkinson’s disease (OR)
- Must have lived or worked in an EPA High Paraquat utilization zip code and been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49 or younger (OR)
- Must have lived or worked on a farm or within a mile of a farm and diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49 or younger
Must not be currently represented by another attorney

Qualifying Injury:

Parkinson’s disease

Do I Qualify for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you suffer from Parkinson’s disease and believe you were exposed to paraquat as a farmer or licensed applicator, you may be able to file a lawsuit. People across the United States have filed lawsuits claiming they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and holding Syngenta accountable. A successful paraquat lawsuit can help provide compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses or hardships.’

Tittle & Perlmuter can represent you in your paraquat lawsuit and will fight on your behalf. We fight for Truth. For Justice. For You. Contact us or give us a call at 216-285-9991 for a free consultation and to learn more about how Tittle & Perlmuter can help you.

Why Should I File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you’re suffering from paraquat exposure, Tittle & Perlmuter wants to help. Our attorneys can help you secure compensation to cover your medical bills and any additional expenses. A paraquat lawsuit can also help hold the companies that were involved in your exposure accountable. Lastly, you can help spread awareness of the dangers associated with paraquat and help prevent others from future risk and suffering.

What is the Paraquat Settlement?

Thousands of agricultural workers and their families have been exposed and put at risk because of Syngenta’s failure to disclose warning information regarding their product to the public. A paraquat settlement is reached when the plaintiff and defendant determine a fair financial figure for the damages within your case. If both parties are unable to reach a settlement, your case will be tried before a jury in court who will determine the verdict. Parkinson’s treatment is a significant expense to incur because consistent treatment is necessary to increase quality of life. Tittle & Perlmuter can help you recover the medical expenses, lost wages, and any additional damages per your case criteria as well as hold Syngenta accountable for their negligence.

What Is The Economic Cost to a Person Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease?

A new study from a partnership of Parkinson’s organizations and industry partners reveals that the economic burden of Parkinson’s disease is $52 billion. Here’s the breakdown:

Direct Medical Costs: $25.4 billion for hospitalizations and medication
Non-Medical Costs: $26.5 billion for missed work, lost wages, early forced retirement, and family caregiver time
PD: $23 billion through Medicare and $2 billion through social security

Does Roundup Contain Paraquat?

No. Because crops have developed resistance to Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, the use of paraquat has increased within the agricultural industry. Some products that contain paraquat are:

A 501
Bai Cao Ku
Blanco
Bonedry
Bonfire
Crisquat
Cyclone SL 2.0
Devour
Dexuron
Esgram
Firestorm
Gramixel
Gramoxone
Gramuron
Helmquat 3SL
Ortho Paraquat CL
Para-col
Para-Shot 3.0
Parazone
Pillarxone
PP148
Quick-Quat
Tota-col
Toxer Total

What are Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

The Parkinson’s Foundation lists 10 early signs of Parkinson’s:

Tremor
Small Handwriting
Loss of Smell
Trouble Sleeping
Trouble Moving or Walking
Constipation
A Soft or Low Voice
Masked Face
Dizziness or Fainting
Stooping or Hunching Over

What Can You Do If You Develop Parkinson’s?

Some recommends include:

Working with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy
Get a referral to a neurologist
Receive care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech therapist
Meet with a medical social worker to discuss the effects of Parkinson’s on your daily life
Start a regular exercise program
Talk with supportive family and friends

What are Signs and Symptoms of Paraquat Exposure?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are likely symptoms of paraquat exposure:

Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and (bloody) diarrhea
Dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and low blood pressure
Heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, and lung scarring
Confusion
Coma
Fast heart rate
Injury to the heart
Muscle weakness
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
Respiratory failure
seizures

What Should I do if I’m Exposed to Paraquat?

Avoid any further exposure or ingestion and seek medical attention immediately.
Remove any clothing that has paraquat on it. Cut off the body instead of removing over your head.
Wash any liquid paraquat from your skin with generous amounts of soap and water.
If vision is blurred, rinse eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contacts, remove them and put with the contaminated clothing. If you wear glasses, wash them with soap and water.
Wearing rubber gloves, place your clothing and any other contaminated items inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and then place it inside another plastic bag.
Give the plastic bag to your local or state health department or emergency personnel that arrive and they will handle disposal.

What is Paraquat Poisoning?

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide used to commercially prevent weed and grass growth near crops. This herbicide is so toxic that one single sip can result in death and there’s currently no known antidote.

Ways Paraquat Poisoning Can Occur: