Paraquat Parkinson's Disease Attorney in Spartanburg, SC

If you were diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease after exposure to Paraquat Weed Killer, contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation. Trade names for Paraquat include Gramoxone, Parazone, Ortho-Paraquat, Quick-Quat, Para-SHOT, Firestorm and Helmquat.

Agricultural workers and farmers are filing lawsuits in courts across the country alleging that the weedkiller’s manufacturer, Syngenta Group, failed to caution them on the potential dangers of toxic exposure to Paraquat. Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating disorder that almost always results in a lifetime of medical expenses. For families in South Carolina and throughout the U.S., the personal and financial burden of this disease can be crushing.

At Hodge & Langley Law Firm, we understand the toll that this disease can take on your emotional, financial, and physical wellbeing. We can review your situation in a free consultation and discuss how to best proceed with your claim. Call us today at 864-585-3873 to find out more.

What Is Paraquat Weed Killer?

Paraquat is a commercial herbicide that is widely used in the country’s agricultural industries. Often sold under the name “Gramoxone,” this formula is used to control weeds in a variety of crops such as potatoes, peanuts, soybeans, cotton, vegetables, and sugarcane. The weed killer is highly toxic; if ingested, just a trace amount can be fatal to humans. As such, only trained certified applicators can purchase and use the product.

However, recent research has shown that merely being exposed to the weed killer could lead to health complications, including Parkinson’s disease. While these studies have not yet demonstrated a causal link between exposure to Paraquat and the development of the neurogenerative disorder, they have shown that farm workers exposed to the formula were 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than the general population. These studies have also suggested that exposure to the weed killer could be associated with damage to the immune system, impaired lung function, kidney damage, and skin irritation.

This laundry list of dangerous side effects has led to numerous countries banning or committing to phasing out the use of the popular herbicide. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still claims that the weed killer isn’t dangerous if used properly.

Despite concerns, use of Paraquat in the agricultural industry is said to be increasing. As weeds become resistant to previously preferred products, more and more American agricultural workers and farmers are opting to use the herbicide.

What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting the patient’s movement and speech. Symptoms often start gradually, with some patients experiencing a barely noticeable tremor in their hands. However, the disorder can also lead to the slowing of movement and/or muscle stiffness.

Even in the early stages of the disease, your speech can become slurred, you may be unable to perform basic tasks, and your face may be unable to show expressions. In many cases, these symptoms may worsen over time as your condition progresses.

Unfortunately, there are no cures for Parkinson’s disease. It’s a life sentence that more than 60,000 Americans receive each year. Globally, there are more than 10 million people living with the disorder. Fortunately, it’s likely you will receive some treatments for your condition.

Let’s examine some of the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

• Slowed Movement: Parkinson’s can be a debilitating disease that will slowly begin to impair your movement, slowing your actions and making once trivial tasks almost impossible to complete. For example, some patients find it difficult to sit down in a chair, climb stairs, or might even drag their feet when they walk.

• Impaired Posture and Balance: Parkinson’s can cause the patient to develop a stopped posture. In some cases, the disease may affect the patient’s balance.

• Rigid Muscles: The disease can cause muscles throughout the body to stiffen, leading to excruciating pain and limiting the patient’s range of motion.

• Tremors: Patients will often develop tremors in different parts of their body. Typically, these tremors will begin in a limb, often affecting the patient’s hands or fingers.

• Loss of Automatic Movements: Many of our movements are unconscious, with your body stepping in to help your body function. For instance, blinking, swinging our arms when we walk, and smiling are automatic actions that don’t require a conscious effort to perform. Patients with Parkinson’s disease will often experience a decreased ability to initiate these movements.

• Speech Issues: The disease can cause you to speak too quickly, too slowly, or slur your words.

Who Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you believe you were previously exposed to Paraquat and subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease, or you are experiencing the early signs of this progressive nervous system disorder, you may be able to participate in one of the many ongoing Paraquat lawsuits.

The Paraquat weed killer Parkinson’s disease attorneys at Hodge & Langley Law Firm can assess your situation as part of a free initial consultation. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of experience representing personal injury victims. Our lawyers will engage with you personally, so you will get to speak to your attorney directly to get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your future.

What Damages Might Be Available If I File a Lawsuit?

Parkinson’s disease can impair your movement, affect your ability to communicate, and make it almost impossible to live independently. It’s a devastating diagnosis that will almost always degrade your quality of life as your condition progresses. To make matters worse, patients often incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses, a financial burden you will likely carry for the rest of your life.

Let’s explore some of the damages that might be available in your case:

• Lost Wages: Even if your job does not involve manual labor, Parkinson’s disease could prevent you from working and earning a living. Many patients are unable to write, type, or perform some of the other tasks that are mandatory in their professions. As such, you may be able to seek compensation for lost earnings. This can include income you’ve lost thus far, and the wages and benefits you are likely to lose in the future due to the disease.

• Medical Bills: While there is no cure for the disorder, it’s likely you will have to undergo several procedures to improve certain symptoms and restore movement. However, unlike most injuries and conditions, you will have to live with these health complications for the rest of your life. As such, patients will often incur thousands of dollars in ongoing medical expenses, an immense burden regardless of your financial situation. Fortunately, your claim can account for both your past and future medical bills.

• Pain and Suffering: Parkinson’s disease often leads to chronic aches and pains that can make it difficult for victims to live a normal life. Patients may experience sustained or repetitive muscle cramps, spasms, and twists. Alternatively, the condition can also cause parts of the body to send pain signals even if there is no injury. As such, if you developed Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat, you may be able to seek compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured due to the disorder.

Speak to a Paraquat Weed Killer Parkinson’s Disease Attorney Today

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of your life, whether it’s earning a living, enjoying your hobbies, or taking care of your children. It’s possible that you may have developed the disorder after exposure to Paraquat. Our attorneys are here to help. Call 864-585-3873 or head over to our Contact Page to set up a free case review with one of our lawyers.