Paraquat Lawsuits for Parkinson’s Disease
Last Updated on March 29, 2024
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter. Check back for any potential updates. You can also sign up for our free newsletter for the latest in class action news and settlements.
If you still have questions about your rights, contact an attorney in your area as there is a time limit for filing all lawsuits. The information on this page was posted when the investigation began and is now for reference only.
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At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who was exposed to the pesticide paraquat dichloride at work or in their community and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
- What’s Going On?
- Several lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of paraquat alleging that they failed to properly warn the public about the neurological risks of the pesticide and were negligent in its manufacturing. Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are now evaluating legal claims on behalf of those who developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of the pesticide’s use.
- What Could I Get from a Lawsuit?
- A lawsuit could provide compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, medical bills and lost wages, among other damages.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to anyone who was exposed to the pesticide paraquat dichloride at work or in their community and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
They are investigating whether the manufacturers took proper care in creating and selling the herbicide – and suspect they failed to properly warn the public of its neurological risks.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease: What’s the Link?
Several studies have linked paraquat to neurological problems, with one finding that low-level exposure can cause cell mutations in the brain that mimic Parkinson’s disease.
A National Institutes of Health study similarly found that paraquat “produces subcellular changes associated with Parkinson’s” and that those who used the pesticide were 2.5 times more likely to develop the disease than non-users.
The NIH study was part of a larger Agricultural Health Study, which looks at the link between pesticides and certain health conditions, including cancer.
What’s Involved in Filing a Paraquat Lawsuit?
If an attorney decides you have a case and you elect to move forward, he or she will draft what’s known as a complaint and file it with the court.
The complaint is the document that starts your lawsuit and will outline facts specific to your situation, including:
- When and how you or your loved one was exposed to paraquat
- When and how the Parkinson’s diagnosis was made
- The way your life has been impacted as a result of the disease
- Expenses incurred as a result of the disease
The complaint will also present the allegations you’re making against the defendants – the makers of paraquat. Your lawsuit may state several claims against the manufacturers, including that they:
- Knew or should have known paraquat was highly toxic and that exposure to the chemical could cause neurotoxicity
- Failed to warn the public of paraquat’s dangers
- Negligently designed and marketed the product
- Failed to take reasonable steps to ensure paraquat users – including you or your loved one – were kept safe from harm
Is This a Class Action?
No. Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are handling these cases on an individual basis. This is because those who developed Parkinson’s disease due to paraquat will each have different damages – that is, losses stemming from the diagnosis.
For instance, some individuals may have more medical expenses than others or may have suffered more in lost wages. Further, married couples may have an additional claim for loss of companionship due to the disease.
To learn more about why cases like paraquat are typically not class action lawsuits, check out this page.
How Much Does an Attorney Cost?
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are handling paraquat cases on what’s known as a “contingency fee basis.” This means that if they don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay. If your lawsuit is successful, they will take a percentage of your award.
What Could I Get from Filing a Paraquat Lawsuit?
Your lawsuit will seek compensation from the manufacturer for damages you incurred as a result of the Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Depending on your situation, these damages may include:
- Medical bills, both past and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity or expected wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of life’s enjoyment
- Loss of consortium (love, affection, companionship, etc.)
- Funeral expenses, in the event of a loved one’s death
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