Paraquat exposure is known to cause serious injuries and also death if too much gets into a person’s system. While the companies that sell this herbicide have to put warnings on the product and the only people who can use this chemical need to be licensed, exposure and resulting health complications can still occur. One of the major issues it can cause is Parkinson’s disease. If the use of Paraquat has caused you or a loved one to develop Parkinson’s disease, our lawyers can help you get justice.
When dangerous chemicals are in use, those in charge of manufacturing and using those chemicals need to make sure they’re doing so safely. Others who may be exposed should know that chemical is in use so they can take proper safety measures so no accidental contact or ingestion occurs.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, and innocent people come into contact with Paraquat, which can manifest in a number of painful or deadly symptoms. When a disease like Parkinson’s begins, it can be devastating to the individual and their family. Our law firm is here to help. Before learning more about how we can fight for you, let’s examine the connection between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.
Does Paraquat Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
While Paraquat is commonly used in the U.S., it’s banned in 32 other countries. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the toxic chemical is legal in the U.S. for at least the next 15 years. If this chemical causes serious health conditions, it’s important to understand how and who can help you.
Parkinson’s has a link to Paraquat exposure, but it’s important to understand the myriad factors that can affect whether or not a person develops the disease. Studies show that gene alterations can lead to Parkinson’s. Research is still looking into the role of chemicals in the environment to facilitate that alteration.
Direct, acute exposure to specific chemicals can cause Parkinson’s. Paraquat’s chemical compound is 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. There is still further research to look into environmental exposure and other ways besides direct exposure to show a definitive link to Parkinson’s, but the risks of Paraquat exposure are known to be dangerous.
While there are still unanswered questions when it comes to how Paraquat and Parkinson’s are linked, there is a general consensus that it’s a variety of factors that will influence if someone exposed to Paraquat will get the disease. It has to do with the person’s genetics and how the environment influences their health.
Fighting for your rights after wrongful exposure to a toxic chemical can be difficult to do on your own. The lawyers from Frost Law Firm, PC will look into the connections between your Paraquat exposure and when you developed Parkinson’s.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease affects the part of the brain that controls movement, known as the basal ganglia. The nerve cells located in that part of the brain are either impaired or they die. It can cause the following symptoms:
- Stiffness
- Shaking
- Issues with Balance
As this disease continues, the symptoms will get more intense. Over time, those with Parkinson’s may experience walking and communication problems. Additional symptoms include fatigue and cognitive issues.
While genetics can play a role, Parkinson’s isn’t necessarily a hereditary disease. Sometimes, it can appear without a family history of Parkinson’s. This also leads some to believe that Parkinson’s can develop when there are certain genetics in play and there are environmental factors that exacerbate the issues—like Paraquat exposure.
Sometimes, the early stages of Parkinson’s can be missed because the symptoms are similar to those simply getting older. Because the symptoms start and progress in a gradual manner, this disease is difficult to detect. If this isn’t caused by genetics, then blood tests or other laboratory tests will not be able to show a diagnosis. All these factors can result in the individual having Parkinson’s for some time without officially knowing it, and could have a progressed form of the disease before reaching a diagnosis.
This disease doesn’t have a cure, but there are treatments available to handle symptoms and improve quality of life. Those with Parkinson’s can take medications to help balance brain chemicals and control other symptoms. For those who don’t respond well to the medications, there are also other forms of therapy. These help with walking, speech, and with keeping muscles strong.
While there are ways to maintain quality of life and manage the difficulties that Parkinson’s causes, it can be overwhelming to learn that this could have been prevented if negligence hadn’t occurred. That’s where our lawyers can help.
How Can a Paraquat Lawyer Help You?
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it may be because of Paraquat exposure. When you need help with a legal matter, you’ll want an experienced lawyer on your side. Our attorneys are familiar with the ways that dangerous substances can cause life-threatening diseases, and can cause a lot of pain for the individual and their loved ones. We believe in getting justice for those whose lives have been turned upside down because of a negligent party. Our lawyers can help you get justice with a Paraquat lawsuit.
We’re prepared to stand up to manufacturers and companies that didn’t prioritize safety. Our lawyers will make your voice heard. When we’re investigating your case, we’ll look into how you could have been exposed to Paraquat, and when your Parkinson’s diagnosis occurred. Then, we’ll examine your losses because of the diagnosis.
Losses can refer to what the disease has cost you in medical bills and lost wages if you’ve missed work or aren’t able to do complete the tasks for your job anymore. It can also refer to what it has cost emotionally. Living with the symptoms, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are a few examples of nonfinancial damages that your lawyer will fight for you to recover.
You can reach out to Frost Law Firm, PC today for a free case evaluation so we can review what happened to you and help you find the best way to move forward. Your lawyer will explain your options and start the fight to getting you the compensation you deserve.
