Paraquat Poisoning – New Hampshire

Paraquat is a popular weed killer used commercially, in the United States. Research suggests repeated exposure to paraquat leads to increased rates of developing Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other severe medical conditions.

If you or a loved one is a Parkinson’s Disease victim because of paraquat exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for this injury. A skilled attorney can assess your case for bringing a successful paraquat Parkinson’s lawsuit.

If you’ve developed other serious conditions or are the loved one of someone who has died from paraquat exposure, you may be eligible to file a paraquat lawsuit claim.

What Is Paraquat Weed Killer?

Paraquat is a powerful herbicide, banned in 32 countries around the world, including the European Union and China. In the U.S., it is a highly controlled substance applied as a weed killer by commercially licensed users. Direct or indirect exposure to the chemical has been linked with serious health conditions, including Parkinson’s Disease.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, paraquat is routinely used in PD research to induce the disease in animals. There is no cure for PD. People affected with the disease must go through lifelong treatment just to maintain a diminished quality of life.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has signed two letters, addressed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for a ban of the chemical. The letters cite scientific research, suggesting a link between the chemical and PD. So far, their requests have been ignored.

Paraquat Exposure

In the United States, the people most at risk of paraquat poisoning are the agricultural workers exposed through their work. People who live in areas where paraquat is used may also experience adverse effects from food grown in the area or from chemical runoff into waterways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), most paraquat poisoning occurs through the ingestion of the toxic chemical but can also occur through inhalation or skin contact. The CDC also states, when swallowed, “paraquat causes direct damage” to the mouth, stomach, or intestines. Once inside the body, chemical reactions occur, primarily affecting the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Signs And Side Effects Of Paraquat Exposure

The symptoms of paraquat exposure are vast and vary depending on the level and method of exposure. Some symptoms and side effects of paraquat poisoning include:

• Severe Gastrointestinal Symptoms
• Low Blood Pressure
• Heart Failure
• Kidney Failure
• Liver Failure
• Scarring of the Lungs
• Muscle Weakness
• Fluid in the Lungs
• Respiratory Failure
• Seizures
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Death

If you suspect you’ve ingested the chemical, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you have come into physical contact with paraquat you should react quickly. Use large amounts of soap and water to wash the chemical from the affected part of the body, carefully dispose of clothing, and contact a physician to be checked out.

Filing A Paraquat Poisoning Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have been affected by paraquat poisoning, you should contact a qualified paraquat lawsuit attorney to discuss your options for filing a paraquat settlement lawsuit.

People who may qualify to file a lawsuit include:

• Licensed paraquat applicators.
• Other agricultural workers having had contact with an application site.
• Residents living near farmland where paraquat is used.
• Others working near commercial weed killers.

A successful lawsuit may award damages for your injuries, including:

• Medical Bills
• Medication
• Assistive Medical Equipment
• Loss of Income
• Cost of Ongoing Care
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Quality of Life
• Funeral and Burial Expenses (in cases of death)
• Punitive Damages (when appropriate)

Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney, Nashua, NH

Bartis Law Offices in Nashua, New Hampshire, is a personal injury law firm dedicated to defending the rights of victims who have suffered unnecessarily due to someone else’s negligence. If you have been affected by paraquat poisoning, contact Attorney Robert Bartis today to schedule your personalized case evaluation.