Does Paraquat Induced Parkinson’s Disease Qualify One For Disability Benefits?

Paraquat is a chemical that is used as an herbicide for weed and grass control. It is highly toxic and may have immediate and long-term health effects for those exposed to it. Because of the toxicity of paraquat and associated health-related issues, it is banned in 32 countries including the European Union and China. In contrast, paraquat is permitted to be used by commercially licensed applicators as an herbicide in the United States.

In 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the results of their investigation of paraquat related health problems, specifically the link between the extremely toxic herbicide and Parkinson’s Disease. The Agricultural Health Study (AHS) review information reported significant associations between paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease suggesting paraquat Parkinson’s dangers.

What Are The Dangers Of Paraquat?

Paraquat can be deadly if ingested. It is also possible for someone to be poisoned by absorption through the skin after exposure to the chemical.

The American Parkinson Disease Association found that studies have linked an increase in the occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease to people living in a rural environment. The list of those possibly endangered by paraquat in rural areas includes people who were:

• Exposed to farm animals.
• Living on farms.
• Working with or exposed to pesticides.
• Drinking well water.

Farmers and farm workers may be exposed to paraquat when mixing or spraying the herbicide on crops, weeds, and grasses. Other people at risk of exposure to paraquat are growers, pickers, agricultural workers, and licensed paraquat applicators.

The studies suggest that the common factor in the instances of Parkinson’s Disease occurring in rural areas are linked to their exposure to pesticides in the environment.

What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological condition that involves the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. It can lead to severe physical disability and sometimes causes mental impairment.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease may include the following:

• Tremors or shaking in the hands, fingers, or chin.
• Slowed movement making simple tasks more difficult.
• Rigid muscles in any part of their body that causes pain and limits range of motion.
• Stooping or hunching over.
• Loss of automatic movements such as blinking or swinging the arms when walking.
• Changes in speech patterns.
• Smaller handwriting.

While the exact causes of Parkinson’s Disease are not fully understood, some studies have discovered a causal link to long-term exposure to paraquat and the subsequent development of Parkinson’s Disease.

Does My Disability Due To Parkinson’s Disease Make Me Eligible For Compensation?

The first paraquat lawsuits were filed in October 2017 on behalf of farmers and agricultural workers exposed to the herbicide. Other paraquat/Parkinson’s Disease lawsuits continue to be filed in Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania. In fact, enough Paraquat lawsuits have been filed in the Southern District of Illinois to establish multidistrict litigation that will promote the convenience of the parties and witnesses and facilitate efficiency in the ongoing litigation. And lawsuits continue to be filed across the country by people who were exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s Disease. Both the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and verifiable exposure to paraquat are important factors in being eligible for compensation.

What Are The Benefits Of Filing A Paraquat/Parkinson’s Claim?

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and were exposed to paraquat, you may be able to file a paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit for compensation. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in paraquat Parkinson’s Disease lawsuits can help you recover damages for past and future:

• Medical expenses,
• Pain and suffering,
• Wage loss,
• Earning capacity, and
• Loss of quality and enjoyment of life.

If you are considering filing a paraquat lawsuit, you may be eligible for compensation for the damages you have suffered due to Parkinson’s Disease. You could be compensated for medical expenses for testing and treatment, lost wages (current and future), pain and suffering, and the decrease in your quality of life.

There are important deadlines associated with filing a toxic exposure lawsuit. A Parkinson’s Disease attorney must conduct extensive investigations into your claim to make the connection between your symptoms and diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and your exposure to the paraquat herbicide. It is important that you contact a lawyer in Gonzales, Louisiana who can review your case and make sure that measures are taken to meet the deadlines.

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