PARAQUAT LAWSUIT ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TX

Is the Paraquat Lawsuit Real?

Yes. Paraquat lawsuits claim that studies have shown long-term exposure to Paraquat, an internationally used herbicide, is linked to Parkinson’s disease. Many of the Paraquat lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of Paraquat failed to warn users of its dangers and health risks.

Similar injuries and similar fact patterns in these cases have led to Paraquat multidistrict litigation. The number of agricultural workers and other exposed individuals who are filing lawsuits has grown substantially since mid-2021. In fact, as a result of these serious allegations of Paraquat toxicity, 32 countries have banned the product. All of the European Union has banned the product’s use. The United States, however, has not banned Paraquat.

The herbicide Paraquat is the most popular herbicide used in the nation, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It is currently involved in a Paraquat class action involving nearly 5,200 cases.

Paraquat Claims for Parkinson’s Disease

According to a study conducted by the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, Paraquat is strongly linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. The data and evidence suggest that prolonged exposure to Paraquat can increase the risk of Parkinson’s by 200-600%.

If you or someone you love has suffered Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat, you may qualify for a lawsuit. We strongly recommend speaking with a Paraquat lawsuit lawyer about your case. We will evaluate your

Paraquat Lawsuit Update December 2023

To properly keep up with the timeline of events, we strongly recommend speaking with an experienced Paraquat lawsuit attorney. We are keeping up with the latest updates related to the Paraquat lawsuits. Below, we outline the most recent updates from these cases.

• November 1, 2023: Dr. Douglas Weed seeks to dismiss a subpoena related to his article on the paraquat-Parkinson’s disease link. His article, titled “Does paraquat cause Parkinson’s disease? A review of reviews,” published in September 2021 in the NeuroToxicology journal, suggests there’s no strong scientific evidence supporting paraquat’s role in causing Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Weed argues that he’s not directly involved in the ongoing case and deems the extensive document requests as excessive and beyond the geographic scope allowed by Rule 45.
• October 17, 2023: Just 30 new cases were added to the Paraquat class action lawsuit over the past month. This large drop in the number of new cases is a likely indicator that the MDL will soon move into a new phase.
• October 2, 2023: The first bellwether trial was scheduled to occur this month. However, Judge Rosenstengel has stalled the trial as he deliberates on how to respond to the Daubert challenges.

What Is the Status of Paraquat Lawsuits?

We don’t expect to see a global settlement for the Paraquat lawsuit until 2024, at the earliest. Those who believe they may have been exposed to Paraquat should call an experienced Paraquat lawyer as soon as possible. We maintain Paraquat lawsuit updates on a regular basis.

Those who develop Parkinson’s disease as a result of repeated exposure have a right to know the current status of the Paraquat litigation. Litigation is currently ongoing, and the Paraquat lawyers at Reich & Binstock are still accepting cases at the national level.

There is currently a Paraquat Multidistrict Litigation case into which more and more cases are being consolidated. Also, 16 bellwether trials were chosen for November 2022. Eight trials were chosen by plaintiffs, and eight trials were chosen by defendants.

Paraquat Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Without first evaluating your case, we cannot know how much compensation you may be entitled to in a Paraquat lawsuit. However, by working with our skilled Paraquat lawyers, you can gain a better understanding of your case’s worth. Paraquat settlement amounts will be determined largely by the severity of a plaintiff’s injuries, as well as the strength of their evidence.

That being said, many legal experts believe that some serious claims could be worth $100,000 to $150,000.

What Is the Average Settlement for Paraquat?

The exact settlement amount for a specific Paraquat lawsuit will depend on the facts surrounding each case. However, similar settlements for these types of cases range from $100,000 on up. Keep in mind that there is no way to know for sure what a Paraquat settlement will look like.

Compensation for Paraquat Injuries

A seasoned Paraquat lawyer will fight for you to receive the maximum compensation possible for both economic and non-economic damages.

The factors that go into determining Paraquat settlements include:

• The severity of the damages and injuries
• Level of exposure
• How many total claims are consolidated in the MDL
• How strong the evidence is from plaintiffs
• The results of the first 16 bellwether trials

Many settlements of mass tort and MDL cases involve different settlement tiers. Someone who qualifies for a Tier 1 settlement will receive much more than someone with a Tier 3 settlement.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is an extremely toxic chemical that is commonly and widely used as an herbicide or plant killer. Most users use the product for weed and grass control. The United States sees Paraquat’s availability primarily in a liquid form, varying in strength.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Paraquat is a “restricted use” substance. Essentially, users of this product must be licensed applicators of the Paraquat product. This is largely due to its highly poisonous and toxic nature. Within U.S.-marketed forms of Paraquat, the liquid has a very distinct blue dye. It also has an extremely sharp and noticeable smell, along with an added vomiting agent.

All of these safeguards are in place to prevent users or individuals around the chemical from confusing it with a regular beverage. However, outside of the United States, Paraquat is not as highly regulated and therefore does not have these added safeguards.

Who Makes the Herbicide, Paraquat?

Paraquat was first introduced for commercial use in 1961, and it is still one of the most popular herbicides (weed killer) products to this day. Part of Paraquat’s popularity comes from its ability to kill weeds and grasses that are resistant to glyphosate, which is another name for Roundup.

Paraquat Manufacturers

The following companies manufacture Paraquat.

• Syngenta
• Adama Group
• Altitude Crop Innovations, LLC
• Drexel Chemical Company
• United Phosphorous
• Helm Agro
• Sinon USA, Inc.
• Innvictis Crop Care LLC

Paraquat Brand Names

If you’re considering filing a Paraquat claim, you may wonder what products contain Paraquat. It’s important to know that there are many brand names under which Paraquat is sold. These brand names include the following.

• Blanco
• Bonfire Herbicide
• Devour
• Firestorm
• Gramoxone
• Helmquat 3SL
• Para-Shot 3.0
• Parazone 3SL
• Quik-Quat
• Bonedry
• Cyclone SL 2.0
• PP148

What Is Paraquat Poisoning?

Paraquat poisoning is extremely unpleasant and can even lead to severe illness or death. This poisoning usually occurs after ingestion of the chemical, but it is also possible after exposure to the skin or after inhalation.

In terms of the extent of the damage, it depends largely on the amount of product consumed, the manner of consumption or contact, the duration of exposure, and the health of the individual. Once the substance comes into direct contact with the mouth, stomach, or intestines, it causes direct damage. From here, the body’s cells distribute Paraquat throughout, and the chemical reactions begin in other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

This toxic herbicide requires many safety measures to prevent poisoning, but many people don’t understand exactly how toxic it is. As little as one teaspoon of the substance is enough to result in death. It also congregates in the lungs, where it causes scarring, internal bleeding, and difficulty breathing.

As the poisoning progresses to the entire body, some victims may experience cardiogenic shock, which occurs when the heart can no longer supply enough blood to the rest of the body. It can even result in the failure of multiple organs.

What Does Paraquat Do to Humans?

Paraquat is extremely toxic and dangerous. Immediately after ingestion, victims usually experience pain and/or swelling of their mouth and throat. Then, paraquat victims experience gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Severe instances of these symptoms may result in low blood pressure or dehydration.

Ingesting a small to medium amount of Paraquat often leads to the development of the following issues within several days to several weeks:

• Scarring of the lungs
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Heart failure

Ingesting large amounts of Paraquat often leads to even more severe problems within a few hours to a few days. Bear in mind that these symptoms do not automatically mean that someone experienced exposure to Paraquat.

Paraquat Symptoms

These are the symptoms associated with severe Paraquat exposure and ingestion:

• Comatose state
• Acute kidney failure
• Confusion
• Elevated heart rate
• Heart injury
• Liver failure
• Scarring of the lungs
• Muscle weakness
• Fluid in the lungs
• Respiratory failure
• Seizures
• Pain and swelling in the throat and mouth
• Tongue sores
• Bleeding in the throat and mouth
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains and cramps
• Bloody diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellowish skin

What Are the Treatments for Paraquat Poisoning?

Most cases of Paraquat poisoning in the agricultural industry involve ingestion of the restricted-use herbicide. Once Paraquat enters the body, it is crucial that victims receive treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious adverse health effects. Remember, even just a teaspoon is considered a lethal dose of Paraquat. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hospitals treat Paraquat exposure in the following ways.

• The first priority is decontamination of the body and prevention of further absorption by the body. Usually, this is achieved by using Fuller’s earth or activated charcoal.
• Another method of decontamination is nasogastric suction. This involves inserting a tube through the nose and into the stomach, then suctioning out the contents.
• In order to support the patient and manage the side effects of Paraquat, patients will likely be given intravenous fluids and medications. They may also be placed on a ventilator to support their breathing and potentially dialysis in case of kidney failure.
• Currently, there is no antidote or cure for Paraquat poisoning.

Paraquat Side Effects

Aside from the side effects we listed above, there are other telltale signs of Paraquat exposure to take note of. These signs are as follows.

• Ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue
• Blood clots
• Cell death
• Tissue death
• Fluid-filled lung cysts
• Collapsed lungs
• Dehydration
• Imbalance of mineral salts
• Kidney disease

Is Paraquat the Same as Agent Orange?

No. Agent Orange is its own blend of herbicides used in the Vietnam War from 1962-1971 in order to remove tropical foliage. This foliage acted as cover for enemies and thus was eliminated through the use of the powerful concoction.

The deadly byproduct of Agent Orange, dioxin, caused serious health issues for both the Vietnamese people and returning U.S. soldiers and their families. These health issues include cancer, birth defects, rashes, and other neurological or psychological problems.

What Is Paraquat Used For?

Paraquat is used as a commercial and agricultural herbicide. As one of the most widely-used herbicides in the United States, it is very prevalent, especially in rural areas. Many individuals also refer to it as Gramoxone. The chemical is extremely important for weed control and the desiccation (moisture removal) of plants like cotton before harvest.

Currently, homeowner and residential area use is not permitted. Paraquat is classified as “restricted use,” meaning that only trained and certified applicators may use it. Not all agricultural workers are permitted to use Paraquat. Only an authorized herbicide and pesticide applicator may use Paraquat products.

What Products Contain Paraquat?

Paraquat Dichloride is actually a chemical found in many different end products. It is the active ingredient in many products, such as Gramoxone, Firestorm, Helmquat, and Parazone. It is toxic to both humans and animals, as well as corrosive to aluminum. In general, the herbicide is safe and effective for certified applicators to use if they use the product as directed. Along with the products we listed above, the following products also contain Paraquat.

• Crisquat
• Dexuron
• Para-col
• Esgram
• Ortho Paraquat CL
• Tota-col
• Garmixel
• Pillarxone
• AH 501
• Bai Cao Ku

Is Paraquat in Roundup?

No. Roundup does not contain Paraquat, but it does contain glyphosate. However, glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If you were exposed to Roundup and suffered serious side effects, you need a Round Up Lawyer at your side. Contact the Roundup lawyers at Reich & Binstock to see if you have a case.

What Herbicides Contain Paraquat?

Notably, Paraquat is often found in products that also contain other herbicides. Examples of these herbicides include diquat, linuron, simazine, urea, and metolachlor. We recommend reading the ingredient labels on products that you suspect may contain Paraquat.

What Crops Is Paraquat Used On?

While most commercial farms and smaller farms primarily use Paraquat for killing grass and weeds, it also has many other uses. Even though the EPA has imposed new safety measures that are notably stricter, farmers still use well over 8 million pounds of the product each year. Below, we list other crops that Paraquat is widely used for.

• Soybeans
• Corn
• Cotton
• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Garlic
• Pears
• Wheat
• Citrus
• Grapes
• Artichokes
• Sweet potatoes
• Strawberries

How Do I Prove I Was Exposed to Paraquat?

One of the ways individuals prove their exposure to Paraquat is by examining the short-term and long-term effects of the exposure. Surviving the initial effects of exposure is an important victory, but long-term effects still exist for this dangerous chemical. Those who did not directly ingest Paraquat may wonder how they can show that they were exposed.

While ingestion produces nearly immediate effects, exposure through mists or droplets on the skin or open wounds may not produce immediate effects. Prolonged exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. But how can Parkinson’s disease patients prove that their disease resulted from Paraquat?

If you have developed Parkinson’s disease, it’s important that you think back on your line of work or your place of residence. Did you ever use Paraquat during the course of your job? Have you ever witnessed Paraquat spraying? Do you live near agricultural areas that regularly use Paraquat? If you said “yes” to any of these questions and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you likely have a reason to believe the two are connected.

In later sections, we’ll outline who is most at risk of being exposed to Paraquat.

Long-Term Effects of Paraquat Exposure

A few of the long-term effects associated with Paraquat exposure include:

• Kidney failure
• Heart failure
• Scarring of the esophagus, which makes it difficult to swallow

Those Who Develop Parkinson’s Disease May Have a Valid Paraquat Exposure Claim

Keep in mind that your Paraquat lawyer will work with you to determine the best way to prove your exposure to this toxic chemical prior to your Paraquat lawsuit. It may be that viewing your work, or medical history is essential to finding the proof your case needs. However, it’s also important to examine your symptoms. Those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease generally experience the following symptoms.

• Motor symptoms, such as a tremor in the hands or fingers
• Bradykinesia, or slowed movement
• Muscle stiffness
• Stooped posture or balance problems
• Decreased ability to perform automatic functions, such as blinking or smiling
• Changes in speaking ability, such as slurred speech
• Difficulty writing

Who Is at Risk of Paraquat Exposure?

Because there is no consumer-approved version of Paraquat in the United States, only certified workers will find themselves exposed to this chemical. In general, those who work with it in commercial or agricultural settings are at risk.

A few jobs that may use Paraquat include but aren’t limited to:

• Farmers
• Agricultural workers
• Paraquat applicators
• Growers
• Pickers

Agricultural workers who apply the herbicide are at the greatest risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Examples of employees at the greatest risk include pest control company employees, farmers, landscapers, and even aircraft employees who apply pesticides to farms.

However, residents and workers who live or work near agricultural areas also face a risk of exposure. Specifically, those who live or work near cotton, corn, and soybean fields are at risk of exposure by inhalation. The risk increases when weather conditions are windy, as the particles can drift even farther from the application site. If you live near a farm that uses Paraquat and you were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you might have a case. Call Reich & Binstock to speak with a qualified Paraquat attorney today.

Paraquat Lawsuit Attorneys

At Reich & Binstock, we take pride in assisting those who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to Paraquat and plan to move forward with a Paraquat lawsuit in the near future. Achieving a Paraquat lawsuit settlement can be the difference between crushing medical debt and being able to cover your lost wages and other related losses.

We have more than 30 years of experience handling product liability and personal injury cases. Throughout all of our cases and litigation experience, we have believed that every client deserves to have their story heard. Paraquat lawsuit settlements have not yet been reached, but we intend to fight tooth and nail for the compensation you deserve.

Let us work tirelessly for you and your family to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, call our Houston office at 713-622-7271 today. Our Houston personal injury lawyers are here to fight for a Paraquat settlement on your behalf.

Experienced Paraquat Lawyer

As a skilled and experienced Paraquat lawyer firm, Reich & Binstock of Houston is here to help those who developed Parkinson’s disease or other symptoms as a result of Paraquat exposure. Our Paraquat attorneys have unique dual experience in both toxic tort cases and product liability cases. An experienced attorney with our firm is well-equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to fight for Paraquat settlements for our clients.

Our aggressive and knowledgeable attorneys have won several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or damages from exposure to Paraquat, we encourage you to contact our office right away to get started on your Paraquat lawsuit.

To schedule your free consultation, please call our Paraquat lawyers at 713-622-7271 today. Our Houston law firm is accepting Paraquat Parkinson’s disease cases at the national level.