Paraquat Side Effects | What You Need To Know About Paraquat Exposure

Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky is helping victims of Paraquat exposure and their families seek compensation for their losses, pain, and suffering.

Paraquat is a commercial herbicide that is banned in many countries but has been widely used in the U.S. since 1964. It is highly toxic and has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. SMB attorneys are representing victims of Paraquat exposure in litigation against the manufacturers of Paraquat in an effort to obtain compensation and achieve justice.

WHAT IS PARAQUAT?

Paraquat, or paraquat dichloride, is a powerful and highly toxic herbicide used primarily in agriculture to control weeds and grasses. It is an active ingredient in multiple brand-name products, including Gramoxone, Parazone, Firestorm, Crisquat, Dexuron, Quick-Quat, Para-Shot, Helmquat, Cyclone, Bonedry and Blanco. Classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) as a Restricted Use Pesticide (R.U.P.), it can only be used by people who are trained and certified in its application, and is only approved for commercial use. Despite research connecting Paraquat exposure to serious injuries, Paraquat is still authorized for use, and is still widely used, in the U.S. today.

WHAT ILLNESSES ARE LINKED TO PARAQUAT EXPOSURE?

Paraquat has been linked to a number of serious health issues, however, the science most strongly supports a connection between Parkinson’s disease and Paraquat exposure.

Paraquat is so toxic that a blue dye, sharp smelling odor, and vomiting agents must be added to it before it is sold in the U.S. to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion and poisoning. However, exposure to paraquat can also happen through inadvertent inhalation and skin absorption, and there is increasing evidence that this can cause serious and permanent damage particularly to someone who has had long-term or heavy exposure. Farm workers, commercial applicators, residents of rural areas, and many others are at risk.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO PARAQUAT?

If you have been exposed to Paraquat, you may have been harmed by the herbicide. You should see your healthcare provider if you are suffering symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, hand tremors, difficulty walking or speaking, loss of balance, respiratory difficulties, or other concerns. If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, it may be linked to your Paraquat exposure, and you should speak to an experienced attorney to protect your legal right to compensation.

Compensation for harm caused by Paraquat exposure may include money to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An attorney with experience in toxic torts can help you to understand your legal rights and options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

At SMB, our Toxic Tort attorneys will advise you on your right to compensation if you have been harmed by exposure to Paraquat. Our team of experienced litigators, led by partner Larry Cohan, has obtained compensation for victims of asbestos exposure, lead poisoning, benzene exposure, and other major environmental and toxic tort claims for over 40 years.

If you or a family member has become ill as a result of paraquat exposure, SMB is committed to obtaining all the results you need and deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.