Paraquat is a non-selective, fast-acting weed killer that’s been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Much like Roundup, which is an herbicide that has been tied to cancer, paraquat has given rise to a number of lawsuits.
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s and you think exposure to paraquat was to blame, your family may be thinking about joining one of these actions. Suits have already been filed against at least three of the weed killer’s manufacturers: Chevron U.S.A, Inc., Growmark, and Syngenta.
Should you choose to proceed, you’ll undoubtedly want to know what to expect. For the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject, read on:
1. How Long Do I Have to Take Action Against a Paraquat Manufacturer?
When it comes to suing a paraquat manufacturer, there are a few different deadlines that could apply. If you plan on joining an existing action, for example, you’ll have to do so before it closes. If, on the other hand, you end up filing an individual case, you’ll have to do so before the statute of limitations has passed.
In South Carolina, the typical filing deadline for personal injury suits is three years. That means plaintiffs usually have three years from when the cause of action was discovered—or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence—to file suit.
2. How Do I Know If I’m Eligible to Join a Paraquat Lawsuit?
A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your situation to determine if you might be entitled to compensation for your diagnosis. They will start by confirming your condition and the extent of your exposure to paraquat. Then, they will attempt to rule out any other factors that could have contributed to the disease.
For example, even if you have Parkinson’s and you’ve worked with paraquat all your life, you may run into a dispute if:
- Parkinson’s disease appears to run in your family;
- You have any other progressive brain conditions that could be linked to the disease;
- You have cerebrovascular disease; or
- You have taken medication that’s known to cause drug-induced Parkinson’s.
3. What Kind of Evidence Will I Need to Present to Recover Compensation?
In order to secure a payout from a paraquat manufacturer, you’ll have to prove four essential elements: that you were exposed to paraquat, that you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, that the condition cannot be attributed to anything else, and that you have incurred damages as a result.
Two valuable pieces of evidence will include employment documents and medical records. A resourceful personal injury attorney can help you obtain both.
Call 864-585-3873 to Discuss Your Case with a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer
At Hodge & Langley Law Firm, we understand the kinds of challenges that Parkinson’s disease can pose for the whole family. If you or someone you love is living with the condition and you think paraquat exposure was responsible, we will help you gather the evidence needed to prove as much. To schedule a free case review with a personal injury attorney in South Carolina, complete our Contact Form or call 864-585-3873.