File A Paraquat Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit
You can file a paraquat Parkinson’s disease lawsuit if previously exposed to the weed killer that resulted in Parkinson’s. Here are some people who are eligible to file paraquat lawsuits:
- People working around commercial pesticides
- Residents in areas near farmlands where paraquat is in use on crops
- Agricultural workers, such as growers, farmers, landscapers, pickers, and licensed applicators
- Any individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s while working or visiting farmland that is sprayed with the herbicide
What Is Paraquat Used For
Also known as Gramoxone, paraquat dichloride is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. The toxic weed killer is used to control weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Paraquat is an industrial herbicide and is not approved for use in residential areas.
Syngenta, a Swiss herbicide manufacturer, is responsible for the majority of paraquat sales, and China produces more than 100,000 tons of the chemical each year. Paraquat has been used commercially in the United States since 1961, and global paraquat sales bring in approximately $640 million each year.
Neurotoxicity Of Pq Mptp And Other Dopamine Congeners
Several studies suggest that systemic administration of PQ can cause neuronal damage and a parkinsonian-like syndrome in experimental animals . The linking mechanism between PQ exposure and Parkinson’s disease is suggested by the alleged chemical similarity between this compound and others known to cause a parkinsonian syndrome, particularly MPTP. MPTP can reproduce most of the biochemical, neuropathological and clinical characteristics of human parkinsonism in both human and non-human primates, with the notable exception of Lewy body formation. MPTP toxicity has been studied in cell systems in mice and in non-human primates. In rats, dopaminergic neurodegeneration is observed at high doses, whereas mice have become the most commonly used species for MPTP studies as they develop a dopaminergic degeneration that may be related to human parkinsonism.
Figure 1
Mechanisms of PQ and MPTP toxicity. PQ can cause an oxidative stress either intracellularly by redox cycling or by activation at cell surfaces by the NADPH oxidase . Mitochondria can be affected indirectly or directly by PQ. In neurons the effects of PQ are believed to be primarily cytosolic. MPTP is converted to its toxic metabolite MPP+ and then sequestered through the dopamine transporter in dopaminergic neurons in which it primarily affects complex I, promoting oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage
It is apparent from this analysis that the initial targets and toxicity mechanisms of PQ and MPP+ differ .
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File A Paraquat Claim With The Help Of Atraxia Law
With over 35 years of experience in assessing personal injury and product liability claims nationwide, the team of experts at Atraxia Law will carefully evaluate your situation and let you know whether you are eligible for filing a paraquat claim.
The process is quite complex and it will require minimal involvement on your part and a family member can help you with the process. We are aware that people who struggle with Parkinson’s disease often have difficulty in clearly explaining their circumstances of paraquat exposure.
We will assess your circumstances of exposure, as well as other essential aspects that will determine whether you qualify for filing a paraquat claim, such as the severity of your brain disorder and the medical expenses incurred by it. Eventually, you will know with certainty whether you are eligible for filing a paraquat claim.
We will subsequently guide you to a lawyer whose main area of practice is toxic exposure so that you can obtain the financial compensation you are entitled to from the liable manufacturers. For additional information, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly answer your questions.
A Discussion Of How Environmental Factors Such As Pesticides May Affect Your Risk Of Parkinsons Disease
During my recent interview on Wisconsin Public Radio, many of the callers asked questions related to environmental risks of Parkinsons disease , specifically, exposures related to farming. Those calls prompted me to delve further into this complicated and murky topic.
Before we start discussing specific factors in the environment that may increase risk of PD, lets understand some basic ground rules that will help put this topic in perspective
With that background, let us begin.
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Information About Paraquat Lawsuits
Even though paraquat manufacturers deny the link between the toxic chemical and Parkinsons disease, agricultural workers and others exposed to the chemical have been developing Parkinsons at an alarming rate. In fact, at least three manufacturers have been sued in class action lawsuits in recent years.
If you or your loved one has developed Parkinsons due to exposure to paraquat, you could be eligible for compensation. You have the right to take legal action against the manufacturer and possibly others, depending on your circumstances. However, taking legal action might seem scary if you are uncertain about the process. Here is some preliminary information about paraquat lawsuits, so you have an understanding of whats to come if you choose to seek compensation.
Is Paraquat To Blame For The Rise In Parkinsons Disease
03/04/2021
What is Parkinsons disease?
Parkinsons disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder impacting approximately one million Americans. The nervous system disease affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain, disturbing movement. There is no single test or scan to detect PD. Although the disease exposes itself in five common stages, and with each stage that develops, the progression of the disease is more evident.
Stage One: The individual has mild symptoms that typically does not interfere with their day-to-day life. Tremor and other movement difficulties are present on one side of the body and may be accompanied with changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.
Stage Two: Symptoms begin to progress as tremor, rigidity and other movement struggles arise on both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may also be present.
Stage Three: Loss of balance, slowness of movements, and a higher fall-risk mark the mid-stage of PD progression. Although the affected person is fully independent, they may have difficulties with everyday activities like changing and eating.
Stage Four: At this stage, the individual is limited by the severity of their symptoms such as inability to walk without assistance and necessary help with daily living.
Financial and Emotional Cost of Parkinsons Disease
How Does Paraquat Cause Parkinsons Disease?
Rise in Parkinsons Disease and Paraquat Use
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How Are Cognitive Changes In Pd Different Than Alzheimers Disease
Overall, dementia produces a greater impact on social and occupational functioning in PD than Alzheimers due to the combination of motor and cognitive impairments.
There is some overlap between symptoms and biological changes seen in Alzheimers and PD. However, it is less likely for both disorders to occur at the same time. Development of dementia in people with PD represents progression of the disease, usually after several years of motor impairment.
Dementia may or may not occur in people with PD. According to recent research, 30% of people with Parkinsons do not develop dementia as part of the disease progression.
Who Faces The Greatest Risk Of Paraquat Exposure
Fortunately, paraquat is not available to the everyday person in the U.S., and the blue dye protects from random consumers accidentally consuming it. However, those who work around the toxic chemical regularly face the risk of exposure and developing Parkinsons disease. Agricultural workers are particularly at risk of exposure to paraquat, such as farmers, pickers, inspection workers. Licensed paraquat applicators face the most risk for exposure.
For a free legal consultation, call
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Health Hazards Associated With Paraquat Dichloride
Paraquat dichloride is sold under brand names that include Gramoxone, Parazone, Firestorm, Quick-Quat, Para-Shot 3.0 and others. The product is a popular, inexpensive, highly toxic weed killer used in the agricultural industry.
Paraquat has been used since 1961 to kill weeds and defoliate crops before harvesting. Its powerful and effective, and it can also be used as a burn-down for soybean and similar crops before planting.
However, lawsuits claim that Paraquat can cause Parkinsons disease in humans.
Parkinsons disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It usually progresses gradually, often beginning with a tremor in one hand and becoming more symptomatic to include stiffness or slowed movement.
A person in the early stages of Parkinsons might not be able to show expression with their face, their arms might not swing when they walk, or their speech could become slurred. Theres no cure for Parkinsons, but there are medications and surgeries that could slow progression and improve your symptoms.
Various factors cause Parkinsons some people are genetically predisposed to the condition. Others could begin to see symptoms of Parkinsons as a result of exposure to toxins or environmental hazards like Paraquat.
Enjuris tip:
Your likelihood of developing Parkinsons from environmental factors depends on the amount and frequency of exposure.
Work Exposure To Paraquat Not Associated With Increased Risk Of Parkinson Disease Mortality
Occupational exposure to the herbicide paraquat was not found to be associated with a greater risk of Parkinson disease or increased risk of mortality related to other causes.
Amid ongoing legal proceedings examining paraquat exposure with risk of Parkinson disease , a recent study published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology indicates that the herbicide has no association with increased risk of PD or death from any cause.
With research over the past 35 years having evaluated environmental factors, including rural living, well-water consumption, farming, and pesticide exposure with risk of PD, researchers highlight that notable interest has focused on the quaternary ammonium herbicide PQ due to its structural similarity with a toxin, called 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine , that has been shown to cause permanent parkinsonism in humans.
Many experimental animal and in vitro studies of PQ have been performed looking for effects, such as deficits in dopaminergic neurons, but there remain many challenges in interpreting the relevance of these studies to humans, said the study authors.
Conducting an extended follow-up of 7.5 years, health data of 926 male and 42 female workers derived from the UK National Health Service digital database were included in the retrospective cohort analysis. Mortality rates for males were compared with national and local rates, including rates for PD as a mentioned cause of death.
Reference
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What Money Can I Get From A Paraquat Lawsuit
Personal injury attorneys for Paraquat victims are fighting to recover financial compensation for:
- All medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctors visits, medicines, rehabilitation, and home health care
- Lost wages from being too disabled to work
- Loss of future earnings from being unable to work and
- Pain and suffering
Paraquat victims may be able to sue for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Can Only Farmers Sue
No. It is not only farm workers that may develop Parkinsons disease from the use of Paraquat. Anyone in the general vicinity of farms may also experience Paraquat exposure and its health risks.
Whenever the herbicide is sprayed or crop-dusted, a significant amount drifts to surrounding areas as vapor. This is especially true when farmers overspray.
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The Relationship Between Stress Anxiety And Parkinsons Disease
This blog post explains that stress and anxiety can be difficult to discern from one another because they manifest in indistinguishable ways. PD symptoms worsen and can become less responsive to medication during periods of stress. Adding medications to control anxiety can be helpful, but lifestyle modifications including exercise, meditation, psychotherapy and other complementary therapies should be considered.
Not Everyone Is Equally At Risk Of Developing Parkinsons Following Paraquat Exposure
Any extended exposure to paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinsons disease over time. Of course, the extent of possible exposure to this herbicide varies dramatically from one person to the next. For that reason, farmers and other agricultural workers are more likely to be at risk of extended exposure to paraquat compared to everyone else.
Exposure is common at every point that the herbicide is handled by someone. Mixing or loading paraquat into farm equipment frequently results in exposure as particles are released into the air.
Spraying paraquat on crops typically results in the majority of exposure to this dangerous substance. In addition to anyone nearby when the crops are being sprayed, dangerous levels of exposure are also possible simply by working in the fields after paraquat was sprayed. Exposure can also occur to anyone involved in cleaning the equipment used to spray or store paraquat.
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Paraquat Exposure Alert: Paraquat Linked To Parkinsons Diseaseagricultural Workers Could Be Entitled To Compensation
Agricultural workers who were exposed to the herbicide paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease may have a claim for financial compensation.
With lawsuits against paraquat manufacturers already filed in multiple states, attorneys are now investigating paraquat lawsuit cases at no charge.
A paraquat toxic exposure lawsuit may be your only chance to receive the compensation you need to cover the costs of treating Parkinsons disease.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
While Parkinsons disease is not fatal, its complications can be serious this is why it is important to recognize its early signs. The symptoms of Parkinsons disease are listed below.
- Tremor: Slight shaking or tremor typically begins in a limb, such as the hand or fingers and occurs when your muscles are at rest, as opposed to essential tremors where shaking happens when you are in motion.
- Slowed movements: Also known in medical terms as bradykinesia, this condition refers to slow and small movements that can make simple tasks more difficult and time-consuming to accomplish.
- Muscle rigidity or stiffness: One of the main symptoms of PD, rigidity is experienced as tightness in the arms or legs that decreases ones range of motion. It can occur in the arms, legs, trunk, and even facial muscles.
- Postural instability: is the inability to maintain balance due to impaired or lost reflexes. This symptom increases the risk of falling and also tends to worsen as the disease progresses.
- Difficulties with handwriting: Due to muscle control problems that result from changes in the brain, it may become hard for individuals with Parkinsons disease to write, and their writing may appear cramped or smaller than usual.
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Does Anxiety Cause Freezing Of Gait
Although baseline levels of anxiety were not different between groups, anxiety induced during the walking paradigm was significantly amplified in Freezers beyond the level of Non-freezers. This would suggest that in Freezers, goal-oriented movement has the potential to induce greater anxiety, leading to a cautious and potentially maladaptive movement response such as freezing of gait. Thus, in other circumstances such as walking in darkness, or approaching doorways and narrow spaces, the anxiety-driven need for cautious movement might explain the occurrence of freezing in these situations. One might question whether freezing precedes anxiety or if anxiety does in fact lead to a freeze episode. Panic attacks and heart rate increases have been identified prior to and during a freezing episode. However, inferring a causal relationship would be difficult since there was no manipulation of anxiety-inducing conditions. Rather, associations make it ambiguous as to whether panic attacks and autonomic responses provoke freezing of gait or are a reactive response. The current findings support and extend this research, demonstrating that anxiety is in fact a cause of freezing of gait rather than simply a response, since manipulations of anxiety directly influenced the amount of freezing of gait participants experienced. Spatiotemporal gait changes , which have been previously linked with freezing behaviour, were also increased when anxiety was heightened.
Genetic And Environmental Interactions
Although several genetic mutations have been identified to be associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease most people do not have these genetic variations.
On the other hand, even though pesticides and head traumas are associated with PD, most people do not have any obvious exposure to these environmental factors.
Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of genes, environmental and lifestyle influences. The interaction of all three components determines if someone will develop Parkinson’s. Parkinsons-specific research is critical to better understanding how these components interact to cause PD and how to prevent it.
Page reviewed by Dr. Lauren Fanty, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.
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How To Tell If Youve Been Affected By Paraquat Exposure
If youve been exposed to paraquat, its extremely important to meet with your physician as soon as possible. Even ingesting small amounts of paraquat can lead to fatal poisoning, and it only takes weeks and sometimes even days, before an afflicted person may experience lung scarring, respiratory failure, and/or organ failure.
Because Paraquat poisoning is a quick process, some symptoms can develop immediately, including swelling and pain in the mouth and throat. Other symptoms that may follow soon after within several hours to several days include:
How Will The Manufacturers Fight The Lawsuit
The Paraquat makers are expected to argue that the plaintiffs Parkinsons disease was instead caused by:
- MPTP, a street drug contaminant that causes PD
- Rotenone, an insecticide that may cause PD and/or
- Anxiety, which may increase the risk of PD
But all of these arguments can potentially be disproved through the evidence.
The defendants will also argue that Paraquat cannot possibly affect the brain because of the blood-brain barrier. While it is true that brain tissue is largely insulated from the bloodstream, certain critical parts of the brain are vulnerable. These include the postrema, the pineal gland, and parts of the hypothalamus. And there is scientific evidence showing Paraquat in the brain.3
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