Have you developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to the herbicide Paraquat? A Paraquat tort claim may allow you to receive compensation for your injuries. The mass tort lawyers at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, P.A. can represent you.
According to the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, Paraquat dichloride increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The online journal The Conversation reports that more than 50 countries have banned the use of the chemical because of its poisonous effects. Victims who have suffered health problems after exposure are bringing claims for financial compensation.
Lawyers for Paraquat Mass Torts
If you have been exposed to Paraquat or a similar herbicide, you may deserve financial compensation. You must take legal action to receive a payment. Our lawyers can help. Contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, P.A. today to talk about your case.
Can I bring a Paraquat tort lawsuit?
If you have been exposed to the chemical herbicide Paraquat and you have suffered health problems as a result, you may be qualified to file a lawsuit. Time limits apply, so don’t wait to contact us about your claim. We are experienced lawyers for Paraquat lawsuits, and we can represent you through every step of the case.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
Paraquat Lawsuit Claims
What is a Paraquat lawsuit?
A Paraquat lawsuit is a claim for financial compensation for a person who has suffered physical harm because of exposure to the herbicide Paraquat. It is a civil claim for personal injury damages because of the dangers of Paraquat. The victim may receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of quality of life, suffering, diminished life expectancy, and other losses.
Is Paraquat a mass tort?
Yes, Paraquat is a mass tort. With the wide use of the chemical since the 1950s and exposure to thousands of people, there are many potential victims who may have valid legal claims. The Center for Biological Diversity reports 27 known deaths and at least 200 incidents of harmful exposure in the United States alone. These victims may allege similar claims and legal theories. The claims may involve multidistrict litigation to consolidate proceedings and increase efficiency.
What compensation is available for a Paraquat mass tort claim?
A victim may claim the following compensation in a Paraquat mass tort claim:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Travel for medical care
- Cost for dependent family care
- Physical suffering
- Mental injuries and emotional anguish
- Compensation for decreased life expectancy
Victims may claim an exhaustive list of economic damages as well as pain and suffering compensation. Because of the extreme harm caused by the herbicide, compensation amounts may be high to fairly reflect the harm resulting to the victim.
How do I get compensated for Paraquat exposure?
To receive compensation for Paraquat exposure, the following circumstances must be present:
- There has been exposure to Paraquat. The exposure may be recent or in the past.
- You suffer illness or death because of the exposure.
- Damages resulted, including economic losses; you may also claim pain and suffering.
- You initiate a lawsuit to claim financial compensation.
You may have representation from an attorney throughout the litigation process.
What is a Paraquat settlement?
When the parties agree to resolve a claim, they agree to a Paraquat settlement. A Paraquat settlement is an agreement where the defense voluntarily agrees to make a payment to resolve the claim without going to trial. Both parties must agree and sign the agreement.
What is the average settlement for Paraquat?
Litigation proceedings will determine the average settlement for Paraquat. Each victim may receive a settlement based on actual losses and damages. Because of the serious, and varying, injuries that may result from Paraquat exposure, it is hard to place an exact dollar amount on settlements. To learn more about your potential settlement value please speak with a Paraquat lawyer. It is important to note that the exact settlement value is not known until the cases are finalized. Exact amounts may not be known if settlements are confidential.
About Herbicide Paraquat and Paraquat Exposure
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a toxic herbicide. It is used in farming. As a non-selective herbicide, it kills all plants, weeds, and grasses that it contacts. Farmers commonly use Paraquat in between rows of crops to kill undesirable plants.
What type of chemical is Paraquat?
Paraquat is an herbicide. It is a weed killer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricts the use of the chemical because it is poisonous to humans.
Is Paraquat regulated?
Yes, Paraquat is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Product labeling states that it is for the control of weeds and grasses and for use as a harvest aid. The warning label features a skull and crossbones, indicating that it is poisonous and can cause death. Instructions warn not to use or store the product in the home.
What is the Paraquat common name?
Syngenta is the manufacturer. Paraquat is commonly called Gramoxone. Other names are Paraquat dichloride, N,N’-dimethyl-4,4’-bipyridinium dichloride, and methyl viologen.
How do I know if I was exposed to Paraquat?
To know if you have been exposed to Paraquat, consider whether you used herbicides or handled unknown substances. In addition, you may have been exposed if you worked in the farming industry, or if your family members worked in the farming industry. If you handled chemical substances in any context, consider if they were tinted blue, had an unpleasant smell, or had danger warnings on the container label. Exposure can also occur indirectly because of your proximity to a farm.
Individuals who may have been exposed to Paraquat include:
- Agricultural and farm workers
- Individuals who apply herbicides
- Those who live near and around farms
- People working or attending school near farms
- Those handling or transporting dangerous chemicals
Of course, the harm from toxic exposure usually doesn’t show right away. Years later, you may wonder if Parkinson’s disease is related to Paraquat. Think back to times that you may have used or handled chemicals. Also, think about the actions of those around you and whether that may have caused exposure.
What are the medical signs of exposure to Paraquat?
Signs of Paraquat exposure may include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Difficulty breathing
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Lung scars
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Burning of the esophagus
- Infection
- Kidney failure
- Death
Without prompt treatment, Paraquat exposure can be immediately fatal. In addition, serious health problems can occur in the long run, including Parkinson’s disease and premature death.
What is the status of the Paraquat lawsuit?
Paraquat lawsuits have been consolidated for multi-district litigation. Incoming Plaintiffs should complete a Plaintiff’s Assessment Questionnaire providing basic information and details about chemical exposure. There is a July 27, 2022 deadline for Plaintiff’s Leadership to Submit Applications for Reappointment.
Individual victims may still take steps to join mass tort proceedings. Bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2022. (See MDL No. 3004 3:21-MD-3004-NJR).
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
Attorneys for Paraquat Mass Tort Litigation
At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, P.A., we represent personal injury victims, including those in mass tort claims. If you have suffered because of Paraquat exposure, we can help you claim the financial compensation that you deserve.
Our attorneys for mass tort litigation put our many years of experience to work to serve you. Since 1980, the Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, P.A. has focused our mission on personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. Since that time, our growing legal practice has continued to build our resources and eagerly serve members of our community.
Let the carefully chosen team of personal injury attorneys evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights. We can help you bring your claim, streamline the legal process and claim the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation about your case.
