Paraquat
Paraquat, an herbicide similar to Roundup which is used for weed and grass control, has recently been linked to Parkinson’s Disease. Due to its toxicity, the US Environmental Protection Agency has classified paraquat as for “restricted use” only, which means that it can only be used by people who are considered licensed applicators.
Farmworkers, farmers, herbicide applicators, and tank fillers who have been repeatedly exposed to paraquat in the course of doing their job are at a much higher chance of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease, a brain disorder that affects approximately 200,000 Americans each year, causes shaking (tremors), stiffness, loss of coordination and balance, and difficulty walking.
Initial symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease may be mild, and are often noticed first by close family members. According to the National Institutes of Health, four main symptoms characterize Parkinson’s Disease: (1) trembling hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head; (2) stiff limbs and body; (3) slow movement; and (4) difficulty with balance and coordination, which can sometimes lead to falls.
Not every person with Parkinson’s Disease will experience all of these symptoms, and symptoms may initially be so mild that they are difficult to notice. Other symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include emotional changes such as depression; difficulty sleeping or sleep disruptions; urinary problems and/or constipation; skin problems; and issues with swallowing, chewing, or speaking.
People who have been harmed by using paraquat, even if they have not been formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, may be entitled to compensation. If you have been prescribed medication to treat symptoms such as tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture, difficulty with balance, changes in speech, changes in writing, or loss of automatic movements and have worked with paraquat, you should contact an attorney to determine whether you qualify for compensation.
Medications commonly prescribed to treat these conditions include Levodopa, Mirapex (pramipexole), Opicapone, Neupro (rotigotine), Benserazide, Apokyn (apomorphine), Ongentys, Carbidopa, Safinamide (Xadago), Requip (ropinirole), Rasagiline (Azilect), and Seleginline (Eldepryl, Carbex, Zelapar).
If you used or were exposed to paraquat and have experienced symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease or have a confirmed diagnosis, contact Pearson & Pearson for a free consultation today.