What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical that has been widely used as an herbicide in the U.S. and throughout the world for over 80 years. Currently, it is only available to commercially licensed users. While that limitation reduces the number of victims exposed to the chemical, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of exposure entirely.
People who work with the chemical are most at risk of long-term paraquat exposure. Even with proper safety equipment, small amounts of exposure can add up over time, leading to serious health issues.
Additionally, those who live near areas where paraquat is regularly sprayed can also suffer from exposure. A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that individuals who lived within 500 meters of regular paraquat use had a 75 percent increase in Parkinson’s disease diagnoses.
Types of Defective Product Cases
Defective product cases can be filed based on any of three theories. These are defects in design, manufacturing, or warnings.
These defects are inherent to the product’s design and make its regular or expected use dangerous for consumers. For example, a car without crumple zones could have a defective design because it won’t protect passengers in a crash, which is a reasonably expected event.
These defects are introduced during manufacturing and aren’t inherent to the product’s design. For example, a metal rod may be rated for 500 pounds, but due to exposure to air during manufacturing, it can only withstand 300 pounds before breaking.
These defects have to do with product labels and how manufacturers market their products. Manufacturers should make sure consumers are aware of the dangers of using the product and provide instructions for its safe use.
Most paraquat exposure cases make claims of warning defects, as individuals who use the chemical and the general public weren’t made aware of the long-term effects of exposure. If they knew that using paraquat could significantly increase their risk of Parkinson’s disease, they may not have used the chemical.
What Are the Risks of Long-Term Paraquat Exposure?
Long-term paraquat exposure can lead to multiple serious medical issues. Some of the most common, dangerous, and life-changing are:
Most paraquat exposure lawsuits involve victims who developed Parkinson’s disease after years of exposure to the chemical.
Inhaling the toxic chemical can damage the lungs and cause scarring, which makes it harder to breathe and may lead to other lung conditions.
Kidney issues may arise in some victims as their kidneys work to expel the chemicals from their bodies.
In severe cases, heart failure can occur due to the introduction of paraquat to the body.
Breathing in paraquat can damage the esophagus by causing scarring, which makes swallowing hard or painful.
If you suffered from any of these health conditions after long-term exposure to paraquat, you may be able to recover compensation through a legal claim. Fill out our questionnaire to learn more about your eligibility and how Ron Bell Law can help.
Evidence Used in Paraquat Lawsuits
For a successful Paraquat lawsuit, you’ll need specific evidence connecting your health condition to paraquat exposure. An experienced attorney can gather the following for your lawsuit:
- Documented Paraquat Exposure – You and your lawyer must show that you experienced long-term exposure to paraquat either due to working with the chemical or living near where it was used.
- Diagnosed Health Conditions – You must show that you have a diagnosis for one of the conditions caused by long-term paraquat exposure. Your medical records should contain your diagnosis.
- Medical Treatment Records – You must show that you underwent medical treatment for your condition. Your medical records should contain a detailed account of your treatment plan and how your condition has progressed over time.
- Financial Records – You must show that you suffered financial loss due to your diagnosis. This could be in the form of medical expenses or lost wages.
Compensation Available to Paraquat Victims in Albuquerque
The compensation available to paraquat victims through an injury lawsuit includes:
- Medical Expenses – Compensation for medical treatments, prescription medications, surgeries, hospital stays, medical devices, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for the wages you lost while you were out of work receiving medical treatment.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – Compensation for the impact your diagnosis will have on your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced due to your condition. A serious diagnosis, such as Parkinson’s disease, can be traumatic.
- Permanent Disability – Compensation to accommodate any permanent disability you suffer due to your condition. For example, you may need to hire in-home help as your condition deteriorates.
When you work with an experienced personal injury attorney from Ron Bell Law, we’ll calculate the full extent of your losses so you can seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact an Albuquerque Paraquat Exposure Lawyer
If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after long-term exposure to paraquat, you may be able to recover compensation through a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Complete our questionnaire to learn more about your eligibility and how the attorneys at Ron Bell Law can help you seek the compensation you deserve. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you have.