Paraquat is the most acutely toxic herbicide to be marketed over the last 60 years. Thirty-two countries have banned it, but Paraquat is still being deployed in the United States by commercially licensed users. And despite the danger, its usage has risen nearly 200 percent since 2009.
Exposure to Paraquat has had dire consequences for those that came into contact with it – leaving thousands suffering from the horrors of Parkinson’s disease.
If you have been exposed to Paraquat and diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, the Tennessee Paraquat Lawyers at Fob James Law Firm want to help you.
Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and the compensation that you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Fob James Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
Tennessee Paraquat Lawsuit FAQ
What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a toxic weed and grass killer used in commercial crop operations. It is an RUP (Restricted Use Pesticide), which can only be purchased or used by certified “license applicators”. Paraquat has been commonly used on crops in America since the 1960s.
Some of the specific uses of Paraquat include:
- DRYING OUT COTTON CROPS BEFORE HARVEST
- KILLING WEEDS AND GRASSES IN FRUIT ORCHARDS
- CONTROLLING GRASS COVERING CROPS
- DRYING OUT AND REMOVING LEAVES FROM HOPS BEFORE HARVEST
- DESTROYING POTATO STEMS
Paraquat was first manufactured in 1961 by Imperial Chemical Industries under the trade name Gramoxone. Gramoxone is sold by Syngenta today, but Paraquat is also sold under the following brand names:
- BLANCO
- BONFIRE HERBICIDE
- DEVOUR
- FIRESTORM
- GRAMAXONE
- HELMQUAT ,
- PARA SHOT
- PARAQUAT
- PARAZONE
- QUIK QUAT
How Do I Become Exposed To Paraquat?
Paraquat is extremely toxic and just one teaspoon can cause death. Poisoning may occur by inhaling or ingesting the chemical and absorption of the chemical through the skin.
Since Paraquat is commonly used by farms, individuals living within close proximity to farms could be exposed to the chemical. Exposure could increase their risk of developing Parkinson’s and other diseases.
Skin exposure is another way to be exposed to paraquat. Skin exposure is more likely to cause harm if the exposure is over a long period or the paraquat is a concentrated version of the product. Exposure to skin that has a rash, sores, or cuts could increase the risk of injury.
Inhaling paraquat can cause lung damage. According to the CDC, paraquat has been found in marijuana in the United States.
In October 2020, the EPA proposed new measures to reduce the risk of injury or harm from paraquat exposure. But, unfortunately, these measures are unlikely to prevent all paraquat injuries and accidents.
Who Is Being Sued In The Paraquat Lawsuit?
More than 800 plaintiffs have already filed lawsuits against Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. and Syngenta, alleging that their product causes extreme health concerns.
What Injuries Can Paraquat Cause?
- PARKINSON’S DISEASE
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your face may show little or no expression. Your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as your condition progresses over time.
Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medications might significantly improve your symptoms. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.
What Are Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s signs and symptoms may include:
- TREMOR. A TREMOR, OR SHAKING, USUALLY BEGINS IN A LIMB, OFTEN YOUR HAND OR FINGERS. YOU MAY RUB YOUR THUMB AND FOREFINGER BACK AND FORTH, KNOWN AS A PILL-ROLLING TREMOR. YOUR HAND MAY TREMBLE WHEN IT’S AT REST.
- SLOWED MOVEMENT (BRADYKINESIA). OVER TIME, PARKINSON’S DISEASE MAY SLOW YOUR MOVEMENT, MAKING SIMPLE TASKS DIFFICULT AND TIME-CONSUMING. YOUR STEPS MAY BECOME SHORTER WHEN YOU WALK. IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF A CHAIR. YOU MAY DRAG YOUR FEET AS YOU TRY TO WALK.
- RIGID MUSCLES. MUSCLE STIFFNESS MAY OCCUR IN ANY PART OF YOUR BODY. THE STIFF MUSCLES CAN BE PAINFUL AND LIMIT YOUR RANGE OF MOTION.
- IMPAIRED POSTURE AND BALANCE. YOUR POSTURE MAY BECOME STOOPED, OR YOU MAY HAVE BALANCE PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE.
- LOSS OF AUTOMATIC MOVEMENTS. YOU MAY HAVE A DECREASED ABILITY TO PERFORM UNCONSCIOUS MOVEMENTS, INCLUDING BLINKING, SMILING OR SWINGING YOUR ARMS WHEN YOU WALK.
- SPEECH CHANGES. YOU MAY SPEAK SOFTLY, QUICKLY, SLUR OR HESITATE BEFORE TALKING. YOUR SPEECH MAY BE MORE OF A MONOTONE RATHER THAN HAVE THE USUAL INFLECTIONS.
- WRITING CHANGES. IT MAY BECOME HARD TO WRITE, AND YOUR WRITING MAY APPEAR SMALL.
Who Is Eligible For A Paraquat Lawsuit?
If you have been exposed to Paraquat and were diagnosed with Parkinson’s you should consider taking legal action against the manufacturer(s) of Paraquat. If you meet these criteria, you may have a case and should contact the Tennessee paraquat lawyers at Fob James Law Firm.
Below are groups of individuals commonly exposed to Paraquat:
- Railroad workers
- Farmers and their employees
- Crop dusters
- Park rangers
- Golf course applicators
- Phone company utility workers
What Can I Recover From A Paraquat Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but people who successfully lawsuits can recover money for some of the following damages:
- PAST AND FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS (INCLUDING MEDICATION, HOSPITAL STAYS, AND IN-HOME CARE)
- PAIN AND SUFFERING INCLUDING MENTAL ANGUISH
- PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE
- LOST WAGES
- LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
- FUNERAL EXPENSES (IN THE VENT OF A LOVED ONE’S DEATH)
- THE LOSS OF ENJOYMENT OF LIFE
- BROADLY SPEAKING, A PLAINTIFF COULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR ANY PAST AND FUTURE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR PARKINSON’S DIAGNOSIS
How Long Do I Have To File A Paraquat Lawsuit?
Every state is different so make sure you consult with an attorney before assuming how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In Tennessee, generally speaking, you have one year from the date of discovery of your diagnosis to file a lawsuit.
However, there are exceptions that can increase the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Contact our Tennessee Paraquat lawyers to review your specific situation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Paraquat Attorney?
Fob James Law Firm operates on the contingency-fee-basis. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. Importantly, if we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
Many clients have told us that other firms are charging 40% to 45% contingency fees in the paraquat lawsuit.
Fob James Law Firm charges paraquat lawsuit clients a 35% contingency fee. This means our fee is 35% of the total amount recovered in your case.
To speak with one of our experienced paraquat lawyers in Nashville, Tennessee, call us today at 866-837-1010.
When Will The Paraquat Trials Begin?
The judge in the MDL initially scheduled the first trial to start on November 15, 2022. Subsequent trials were tentatively scheduled on March 13, 2023, June 12, 2023, and September 18, 2023. The trials are delayed.
The plaintiffs may nominate eight cases for “bellwether trials”, and Syngenta and Chevron may choose four cases for “bellwether” trials.
To qualify for a trial selection, you must have filed a lawsuit no later than December 3, 2021, and have sent a “Plaintiff Assessment Questionnaire” to the defendants’ lawyer no later than December 8, 2021.
The outcome of the bellwether trials provide guidance to the litigants and court as to the settlement value of cases and how the litigation should proceed.
The Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease Is Real
A study conducted by the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) found that exposure to certain pesticides like Paraquat increases the odds of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 2.5 times.
There have been multiple paraquat exposure studies administered on animals. A recent study by the University of Rochester reflects that paraquat exposure caused changes to the brain of mice and the loss of smell.
Contact A Paraquat Lawyer Near Me in Tennessee For Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you’ve suffered Parkinson’s disease as a result of Paraquat exposure, you should contact us immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
Our Nashville, Tennessee Paraquat attorneys are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you.
We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated. Contact us right now at 833-684-0503 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.