Does Weed Killer Cause Parkinsons
There are several weed killers commonly referred to as paraquat that have been strongly linked to Parkinsons disease. Paraquat is so toxic that it requires special training and licensing to use. It is only available for agricultural and other commercial use by workers and cant be purchased by the general public. While at least 32 countries have banned paraquat because of its dangers, including China, the United States has not.
The most popular brand of weed killer used in this country that contains paraquat is Gramoxone®, made by Syngenta. But there are dozens of other weed killer brands that also contain it. They are all potentially hazardous.
Hold Paraquat Manufacturers Accountable
The bad thing about paraquat exposure is that companies knew about its link with Parkinson’s. Still, they continued to make and sell the herbicide. Therefore, paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuits can hold these companies accountable for being negligent.
The herbicide manufacturers knew about Paraquat’s potential links to Parkinson’s. However, they did not warn farmers, landscapers, or other people who used the herbicide about its side effects.
Do You Have A Paraquat Cancer Claim
If you believe that exposure to either Paraquat or Roundup has caused a serious health problem such as Parkinsons disease , or non-Hodgkins lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia , you may be eligible for compensation.
For a FREE consultation with an experienced product liability lawyer handling paraquat and Roundup claims, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.
There are no upfront costs, and you wont pay any attorney fees unless we win your case, and you receive compensation.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 and lets discuss your claim.
Since 1985, Riddle & Brantleys attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for victims of negligence, and wed love to help you if we can .
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Justice Counts.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to recent developments and the unique circumstances surrounding these lawsuits, Riddle & Brantley is no longer accepting new Roundup cases. We continue to work on securing compensation for our existing clients and are confident that justice will be served. Please stay tuned to our website for any further updates and thank you for considering Riddle & Brantley for your legal needs.
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What Do We Know About Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a disabling neurodegenerative disorder with a human onset in mid to later years in life. Effects to the motor system include tremors in the arms and legs, impaired coordination and balance, slow movements, and rigidity of the body and limbs. Such effects are attributed to the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
In the realm of neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinsons disease is the second most common. The disease is chronic and progressive, with only partial relief of symptoms from todays medical therapies. As the world is experiencing an increasingly aging population, we have seen a greater prevalence of Parkinsons disease, particularly in relatively newer developed countries, like India and China.
Genetic factors play a causal role in a small percentage of Parkinsons disease cases, but the main cause of Parkinsons disease has remained a mystery for years. In relatively recent years, an increasing number of scientific studies have connected Parkinsons disease to environmental exposures, such as pesticides.
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Is There A Statute Of Limitations For Paraquat Lawsuits
Yes, there is a statute of limitation for lawsuits against Paraquat. However, this time limit is set at the individual state level, and in most cases, it will range between two and four years.
Its important to note that this limit isnt based on when you were exposed to paraquat. Unlike with a car crash where there is a specific time when the personal injury happened, with paraquat, there will be a delay in symptoms developing.
Its not uncommon for a final medical diagnosis to happen many years after the exposure, and that is when the time starts ticking.
Its vital that you dont delay contacting a law firm to ensure that the statute of limitations doesnt become a problem for a positive outcome of your case.
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How Do You Prove Paraquat Exposure
The best way to prove paraquat exposure that led to a Parkinsons disease diagnosis is through invoices and receipts from the stores where you bought it.
If you didnt keep such records, then it may still be possible to get them if the stores keep itemized customer records.
Also, if people who were exposed to it through employment, like agricultural workers, gardeners, landscapers, and greenkeepers, then work orders and documents relating to standard work practices can also form part of the evidence.
This is an aspect of the legal case that requires careful attention, so make sure that you review it carefully with a legal team.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Affected
If you or your loved one have been exposed to Roundup and later developed cancer or Parkinsons disease, you may be entitled to compensation.
You can learn more about your legal rights by speaking with a qualified attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
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What Causes Parkinsons Disease
Some of the risk-factors for Parkinsons disease include toxic chemical exposures, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metal, and head injuries. Genetics are a primary factor in only 10% of Parkinsons cases, which means that the other 90% of cases were probably caused by things that a person was exposed to in their environment during their lifetime.
Can Roundup Damage Nerves
Findings published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggest that glyphosate may be a neurotoxin when someone experiences acute exposure. Neurotoxins generally affect the nervous system, so yes, Roundup can damage your nerves.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that:
- Glyphosate exposure has been linked to the development of Parkinsons disease, which is a neurodegenerative disorder.
- Glyphosate exposure has been linked to the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children.
- Glyphosate should be examined further because of its potential to cause neurotoxicity in those who are exposed to it.
The Atlantic further discusses the general dangers of neurotoxins in humans.
It notes that:
- Americans have collectively lost approximately 41 million intelligent quotient points due to the effects of neurotoxins.
- Neurotoxins can be especially damaging to the brains of unborn children.
- Neurotoxins found in pesticides may be among those that contribute to or cause ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
While there remains disagreement about the precise dangers posed by Roundup, there is enough information available to doubt its safety. The potential neurotoxicity of glyphosate is among the reasons to be wary of Roundup.
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Study: Potential Link Between Parkinsons Disease And A Widely
One of the countrys most widely-used herbicides could be linked to an increase in early deaths from Parkinsons disease for people who live near farmlands, according to new research in Washington.
Parkinsons is a neurodegenerative disease that causes muscles to stop functioning properly. There are no known cures.
New research conducted in some of Washingtons most productive agricultural regions suggests glyphosate, the active ingredient in the popular herbicide Roundup, could be linked to more people dying from Parkinsons disease before they turn 75.
I remember sitting in the office, and I think we were all looking at each other and thinking, Wow, thats serious, said Mariah Caballero, the studys lead author.
The research team studied land-use maps from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that showed agricultural chemical applications and death data from the Washington Department of Health. In some cases, the researchers found that people living within 1 kilometer of an area that had sprayed glyphosate were nearly one-third more likely to die from Parkinsons disease before reaching the age of 75.
Caballero, a senior at Vassar College, conducted the research at Washington State Universitys Community Health and Spatial Epidemiology Lab. The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
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What Is The Roundup Lawsuit Payout
Payouts for Roundup lawsuit settlements vary based on each cases circumstances. Factors that can influence the amount of the payout include:
- The illness the plaintiff was diagnosed with and the extent of that illness. This also includes their prognosis and likelihood of a full recovery.
- The monetary amount of recoverable damages incurred.
Punitive damages can be awarded to victims who were not warned about Roundups harmful effects. Bayer was aware of the potential harm its products could do to consumers. For many years, it failed to add warnings to its products labels. Therefore, it should be held legally accountable for these actions.
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Consulting With A Lawyer Has Its Benefits
An attorney can seek to maximize your compensation so that you have what you need to ensure you have what you need to manage and recover from your illness. They can investigate your claims and collect supporting evidence as they build your case. They also can negotiate a settlement agreement with the manufacturers of Roundup and represent you at trial if one cannot be reached.
A lawyer or law firm working on Roundup litigation can also offer the following:
- Communication: The cornerstone of an attorney and client relationship is communication. Your attorney should keep you updated on any new developments or changes that are happening with your case. They also should take time to explain all laws that apply to your lawsuit and answer your questions and concerns.
- No attorneys fees unless a favorable outcome is achieved: Many personal injury attorneys do not charge any fees unless and until you receive your money in a settlement agreement or a court-ordered award.
- Free consultation: All potential clients are offered a free one-on-one case review. During this meeting, a RoundUp lawsuit lawyer or law firms team can review your circumstances and determine if you have a case. They can walk you through the details and answer any questions you have during this time.
Is There Paraquat In Roundup
The truth is that Roundup doesnt contain paraquat, and paraquat doesnt contain Roundup. However, both herbicides are quite similar in popularity among farmers and farm workers.
Glyphosate is the primary active ingredient in Roundup. This is the chemical compound responsible for killing weeds. The herbicides label states that the active chemical ingredient is glyphosate, N- glycine.
Glyphosate is a substituted amino acid that stops amino acid production by inhibiting the enzyme EPSPS . This chemical reaction is essential to the synthesis of three aromatic amino acids: tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. All of them are used in protein synthesis.
Paraquat, on the other hand, is a quaternary ammonium salt. This type of herbicide works by causing respiratory failure in plants. It does this by inhibiting the production of mitochondrial enzymes needed for respiration.
Paraquat is just as dangerous to humans as it is to plants. The EPA has classified paraquat as a Restricted Use Pesticide, meaning it can only be used by certified applicators.
Paraquat has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinsons disease, and the EPA is currently investigating this potential health hazard.
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What Compensation Could I Be Awarded
A number of lawsuits have already been filed against Paraquat manufacturers alleging that the companies failed to adequately warn about the neurological risks of the herbicide and the potential for Paraquat exposure to cause Parkinsons disease.
Since numerous plaintiffs have alleged that Paraquat caused Parkinsons disease, these cases will likely be treated as a class action or mass tort. When a lawsuit with numerous plaintiffs settles, the total amount of compensation each plaintiff receives often depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The final amount of the total Paraquat settlement
- The severity of each plaintiffs damages
- Proof of individual damages
- Other legal factors
Although the exact compensation can never be predicted before a case settles, and there are never any guarantees, individuals in similar cases involving toxic chemicals have recovered substantial amounts for their damages.
Who Is At Risk For Paraquat Exposure
Since paraquat is highly restricted, most people at risk for exposure are those who apply, mix, or load the weed killer, including:
- Farmers and farmworkers
- Chemical mixers
In 1997, the EPA confirmed that the primary route of exposure to paraquat occurred during the weed killers preparation, application, and post-application. To minimize exposure risk, regulations require those who work with the highly toxic chemical to use chemical-resistant gloves made of barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride , or Viton. All must be equal to or greater than 14 mils. Applicators also must use respiratory protection and safety glasses that include splash guards. Mixers and loaders must add a full-face shield and a chemical-resistant apron.
Paraquat isnt available for household use, but the EPA also said that individuals who live near farms using paraquat risk exposure to the weed killer. In 2009, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology backed up this finding, revealing that people who lived within 500 meters of paraquat use had a 75% increased risk of developing Parkinsons disease.
Coincidentally, the American Parkinson Disease Association reported that individuals who met any of the following criteria were more likely to develop Parkinsons:
- Farming as an occupation
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Paraquat Exposure And Poisoning Symptoms
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide, and paraquat poisoning can occur after even brief exposure, though prolonged exposure often results in more severe injuries and even death. Exposure or ingestion of paraquat can lead to many health risks, including an increased risk of Parkinsons disease.
Immediate side effects of paraquat exposure include:
- Breathing difficulties or failure, potentially resulting in death
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Muscle fatigue or weakness
- Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
Paraquat poisoning can also result in more serious long-term health effects, like:
- Parkinsons disease
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
If you were diagnosed with Parkinsons after being exposed to the herbicide paraquat, you may be entitled to compensation. Get a free legal consultation today to see if you may have a case.
How Much Is My Paraquat Case Worth
Until the bellwether trials are further along, its impossible to do anything except guess at what the payouts will be for paraquat cases. That being said, we can look at cases that are similar to the paraquat cases and make an educated prediction.
Its important to realize, though, that even an educated guess is still just a guess. These numbers might wind up being way off the mark, but we wont know that until more time has passed.
One way of predicting the amount is to compare these cases to the recent Roundup cases. These cases are similar because they both deal with exposure to herbicides they differ because the main disease involved in the Roundup case is cancer, and the main disease involved in the paraquat case is Parkinsons.
In 2020, Bayer paid an average of $160,000 to plaintiffs who claimed Roundup caused them harm. Its important to keep in mind that this is only an average some plaintiffs received less, and some received substantially more.
Another way of predicting the amount is by looking at other cases concerning similar diseases. There have been very few cases involving Parkinsons, so its useful to also look at cases involving tardive dyskinesia, a similar illness. Settlements for these cases have ranged from the hundreds of thousands to the millions. These have all been individual cases, though, not cases involving multiple plaintiffs.
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What Is Paraquat Used For
Also known by an end-use name, Gramoxone, paraquat is a popular herbicide in the US. Due to paraquat toxicity levels after ingestion of even a small amount of the chemical, death may result it is for sale only to commercial agriculture and is meant to only be used by trained applicators of paraquat.
Use in agriculture is expansive and paraquat is a common herbicide for dozens of crop types, including corn, soy, cotton, peanuts, potatoes, sugarcane and vegetables, and hundreds of acres are doused in paraquat chemicals annually.
The Link Between Paraquat And Parkinsons Disease
Science shows paraquat is extremely dangerous. Research indicates that exposure to paraquat significantly increases the risk of Parkinsons disease.
Parkinsons disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination. Parkinsons symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time.
Low-level exposure to paraquat disrupts cells in a way that mimics the effects of mutations known to cause Parkinsons disease.
Are you or a loved one suffering from Parkinsons disease after being exposed to Paraquat? You may be entitled to compensation. Call 1-800-355-6446 or for a free case review.
Timeline of Paraquats connection to Parkinsons Disease:
Research linking Paraquat to Parkinsons disease dates back to 2009.
People exposed to these chemicals are at about a 250 percent higher risk of developing Parkinsons disease than the rest of the population. Professor Scott Ryan, 2018
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Paraquat And Parkinsons Disease Lawsuits
Lawsuits are being filed throughout the country due to the connection between paraquat and Parkinsons disease. If youve been diagnosed with Parkinsons after exposure to paraquat, the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant can advise you of your legal options for possible compensation.
Even if you havent been diagnosed but are showing symptoms of Parkinsons, such as tremors or shaking, stiffened or rigid muscles, impaired movement or balance, or other common signs, we want to hear from you. Call our law firm today at 973-8888 to toll-free 1 444-5000 to arrange a free consultation and find out whether you might have a Paraquat exposure lawsuit.
Why File A Paraquat Lawsuit
Were you or a close relative diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to Paraquat? Are you suspecting the deadly herbicide may have caused your illness?
The only option to ascertain if you qualify is to request a free case evaluation and file for compensation for your punitive damages.
Some epidemiological studies identified the correlation between paraquat use and Parkinson’s disease. Also, data reveals a five-fold risk of Parkinson’s among those holding occupational positions where workers regularly encounter chemical toxins, including the farming industry.
Unfortunately, many crop workers and farmers were unaware of the severe health risks of using, handling or breathing the restricted-use herbicide. As a result, many individuals seek justice and financial compensation through paraquat claims.
Here are some reasons to file a paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit:
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