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Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease Claims

If you or a loved one worked with the toxic herbicide paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may be eligible to pursue a product liability claim. At Mass Torts & Environmental Law Firm, LLC, LLC, we help agricultural workers, applicators, and their families file compensation claims against paraquat manufacturers who failed to warn of the herbicide’s dangerous long-term health effects.

For a free consultation, call (803) 247-3388 today.

What Is Paraquat and Why Is It Dangerous?

Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide used primarily for weed and grass control on large-scale commercial crops such as soybeans, cotton, potatoes, and vegetables. Due to its extreme toxicity, paraquat is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide, meaning only certified applicators can handle or purchase it.

While paraquat poisoning can cause immediate illness or death when ingested in small amounts, paraquat exposure happens over time and has been scientifically linked to Parkinson’s disease—a progressive brain disorder that impacts movement and cognition.

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How Paraquat Causes Parkinson’s Disease

Once paraquat enters the body, it travels through the lungs or stomach and eventually reaches the substantia nigra pars compacta, a part of the brain responsible for producing dopamine. This critical neurotransmitter controls movement and emotional response.

When paraquat damages the neurons that produce dopamine, it triggers a neurodegenerative process that leads to Parkinson’s disease. This exposure may occur over years of occupational use or even from living near treated farmland.

Common early signs of Parkinson’s include:

  • Tremors in hands, fingers, or chin
  • Slowed movement or stiffness
  • Loss of smell
  • Small handwriting
  • Difficulty walking or balancing
  • Sleep disruption
  • Low or muffled speech
  • Masked facial expression
  • Dizziness or fainting

If you or a family member worked with paraquat and show symptoms like these, seek medical attention and legal support immediately.

Who Is at Risk for Paraquat Exposure?

People most likely to develop Parkinson’s due to paraquat exposure include:

  • Licensed paraquat applicators
  • Agricultural workers (crop dusters, mixers, tank fillers)
  • Farm laborers who worked near treated fields
  • Individuals who lived near agricultural zones using paraquat
  • Family members of workers who were exposed secondarily

Paraquat Brands and Manufacturers

Syngenta is one of the most widely recognized manufacturers of paraquat in the United States. However, several other companies and product labels contain paraquat, including:

  • Gramoxone
  • Firestorm
  • Devour
  • Parazone
  • Para-Shot 3.0
  • Helmquat 3SL
  • Cyclone SL 2.0
  • Blanco
  • Bonedry
  • Paraquat 43.2% SL

If you were exposed to any of these products and now suffer from Parkinson’s disease, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

Legal Basis for Filing a Paraquat Claim

Manufacturers of paraquat are facing growing litigation for failing to:

  • Warn applicators and the public of the product’s neurological risks
  • Provide adequate protective gear recommendations
  • Clearly label and differentiate containers
  • Conduct proper long-term safety studies
  • Remove or replace paraquat with safer alternatives

The legal process for paraquat claims targets manufacturers who negligently disregarded known health hazards in favor of continued profit.

What Compensation Can Cover

If your claim is successful, compensation may help cover:

  • Medical expenses (treatment, medication, hospital stays)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Ongoing care and support services
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death damages (for families of deceased victims)

At Mass Torts & Environmental Law Firm, LLC, we are prepared to handle all aspects of your case so that you can focus on your health and recovery.

Current and Future Litigation Outlook

Due to the growing resistance of weeds to other herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup), paraquat use is expected to increase. This also means more cases of Parkinson’s disease may be diagnosed in the years to come, especially among rural agricultural communities.

Medical studies, including one published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that even indirect paraquat exposure increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 75%. As a result, lawsuits are being filed across the country—many of which name multiple manufacturers as defendants.

Let Us Help You Pursue Justice

At Mass Torts & Environmental Law Firm, LLC, LLC, we’ve built a strong reputation for helping victims of toxic chemical exposure, including paraquat. Our legal team works with environmental experts and medical professionals to establish the link between your exposure and your diagnosis. We file your claim with all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to paraquat, contact us today. We offer compassionate representation and aggressive pursuit of justice.

Call (803) 247-3388 or complete our contact form to begin your paraquat claim.