Did You Develop Parkinson’s Disease After Paraquat Exposure?

 Posted on January 30, 2025 in Defective Products

What do farming and landscaping have in common? Undesirable grass and weed growth can choke out the plants you intend to grow and are also unsightly. Chemical herbicides are often used to kill weeds or suppress their growth. While some herbicides are available to consumers, others are designated as Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), meaning only licensed companies and individuals can use them. Paraquat dichloride is one of the most common RUPs used in the U.S. Unfortunately, recent research has linked Paraquat to serious health concerns, including Parkinson’s disease, lung damage, and kidney failure.

If you have been exposed to Paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or another eligible illness, you may qualify to join thousands of others in seeking compensation through a product liability action. A skilled Arlington Heights, IL personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation and explain the next steps on your path toward compensation.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is an incurable brain disorder that usually worsens over time. You may be familiar with it from when actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed in 1991. He has since established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

This disorder has multiple symptoms, including:

• Uncontrollable shaking

• Behavioral and mental changes, including Parkison’s dementia

• Speech and mobility issues

• Memory and sleep challenges

• Impaired balance

Although medications can treat Parkinson’s symptoms, patients usually experience a slow decline that profoundly impacts their quality of life. Along with medical treatment expenses, these patients may need ongoing caregivers to help with daily needs.

How Is Paraquat Linked to Parkinson’s Disease?

The National Library of Medicine released a report in 2022 outlining the effects of Paraquat exposure. The chemicals in Paraquat produce neuroinflammation in the brain and alter the body’s lipids. They also kill neurons that produce dopamine. Study results have supported a link between Paraquat exposure and the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease.

What Is the Basis for a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Manufacturers of Paraquat herbicides, including Syngenta and Chevron Chemical Company, have been named in multiple product liability lawsuits. The claims allege that manufacturers knew or should have known about the risks of Paraquat exposure and that they did not warn the public about those risks.

You do not have to be a landscaper or farmer to be eligible to file a claim. You can be exposed to Paraquat by touching something Paraquat is on, swallowing the chemicals or contaminated food or drink, or inhaling air contaminated with Paraquat.

If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat, you could receive payment for your disease-related expenses and the detrimental effects the disease has on your life. Your attorney can help you obtain the evidence you need and pursue maximum compensation.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Schaumburg, IL Paraquat Exposure Lawyer

If you hope to receive as much compensation as you are entitled to after Paraquat exposure, you need to work with a knowledgeable Rolling Meadows, IL defective products attorney from Newland & Newland, LLP. We will do all we can to produce optimal results. Contact us online or call 847-797-8000 to speak with our team today.