No one wants to imagine themselves or someone they love developing a serious medical condition as a result of unintentional chemical exposure, but it’s an unfortunate reality for many people in the United States. Paraquat, a commonly used herbicide, has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease for years, and yet it is still in use today in many communities all over the world. Anyone who has been exposed to Paraquat, especially over a longer period of time, may be wondering if they’re eligible to file a lawsuit to cover damages that were caused by that exposure. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for a paraquat lawsuit.

How do you know if you’re a good candidate for a paraquat lawsuit?

You may or may not have heard about the recent litigation connected to paraquat, but it’s important to educate yourself if you or someone you love may have been exposed to this dangerous chemical. If you’re considering filing a paraquat lawsuit, there are plenty of resources available that can help you ascertain whether or not you’re a good candidate. You should contact a lawyer if you or a loved one experienced paraquat exposure and received a subsequent diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease, especially if this exposure occurred at your job or due to proximity to agricultural areas.

Multiple studies have connected paraquat to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, which can be elevated further if you have certain preexisting medical conditions or are exposed on a long-term basis. The EPA has banned the use of paraquat in residential areas, but it is still allowed to be used in agricultural and rural areas, though 30 countries have banned paraquat completely.

Don’t let fear of the cost stop you from seeking justice if you’ve been exposed to paraquat and are eligible to file a claim. Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, where their fee is taken as a percentage of your final judgment or settlement. That means you won’t be responsible for any of the costs associated with your claim until after your case has been resolved.

What is Parkinson’s disease, and is there a cure?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and movement. Symptom onset is usually gradual, and early-stage symptoms are often mild enough that patients don’t notice them at first. Tremors are a common symptom, though you may also notice general stiffness and slowed movement. You may find that your face also shows little to no expression, which is also a hallmark of early-stage Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is associated with a wide range of symptoms, including impaired posture, loss of automatic movement, speech changes, and writing changes.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, though there are medications and treatments that can slow symptom progression and improve quality of life. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to regulate specific parts of the brain and alleviate symptoms. As the causes of Parkinson’s are still poorly understood, it’s hard to say what steps people should take to reduce their risk. That’s why avoiding toxic chemicals like paraquat is a smart idea for anyone who wants to protect their health.

It’s clear that there are dangers associated with exposure to paraquat, but until the government or another regulating body intercedes, the herbicide will still be used in many places all over the world. Anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat should look into their legal options as soon as possible. You may be eligible for compensation to cover costs like lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. The best way to ensure these harmful products are used less often is to hold manufacturers accountable through the justice system.

Tom Gardner