Many industrial and commercial farm properties rely on powerful herbicides to protect their crops from insects and other pests. One of the most popular herbicides, paraquat, is famous for its extreme strength, but recent evidence has shown that the product’s power is causing more harm than good. According to a scientific study, individuals who are exposed to paraquat are 150% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease at some point in their life, which isn’t listed as a side effect on the warning label of the product. However, this study doesn’t provide groundbreaking evidence, as scientists have already known of the herbicide’s danger since a study conducted in 2011 showed that farmers who use paraquat were twice as likely to develop adverse health concerns. Despite the concerns, the manufacturer of paraquat, Syngenta, has yet to acknowledge the risks associated with their product, causing innocent farmers and their families to unknowingly jeopardize their health.

Morgan & Morgan stands with the Pennsylvania farmers who were impacted by Paraquat. Defective and dangerous products enter the market every day and cause harm to the consumers that use them, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept the consequences. Farmers have already begun to file lawsuits against Syngenta for their negligent behavior, and if you developed Parkinson’s disease or any other health concerns after using paraquat, you can, too. Although compensation can’t reverse the damage, it can help you support your condition in the future and, most importantly, hold the negligent manufacturer accountable for their injustice.

Complete a free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started.

Who Is at Risk of Paraquat Exposure?

Paraquat is designated as a “restricted use pesticide,” meaning that only farmers and agricultural workers who hold special licenses can use the product legally. However, paraquat is heavily used in the agricultural industry, and many farmers across the country have used it for pest control on their farms. Exposure is most likely to occur in the following ways:

• Mixing or loading paraquat
• Spraying paraquat
• Maintaining tanks and equipment used to spray paraquat
• Spending time in fields where paraquat was sprayed

Paraquat is an aerosol, and if there are high winds in the areas where it’s used, it can drift into neighboring communities and contaminate the air. This has caused innocent families and children to unknowingly inhale chemicals that will seriously jeopardize their health and wellbeing, which is especially unacceptable when they don’t use the toxic product themselves.

How Do I Know if I’m at Risk of Developing Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease can take years to develop after your initial exposure to paraquat, which can make it difficult to know when you should seek medical treatment. However, there are early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease that are shown through your motor skills, so you should visit a doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Hand tremors
• Prolonged or extreme stiffness
• Difficulty with body movements
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty walking (slow gait, shuffling)
• Difficulty or soft speaking
• Reduced facial expression, blank stare
• Drooling
• Suddenly small handwriting
• Trembling
• Whole-body fatigue and dizziness
• Amnesia/confusion in evening hours
• Disturbances in sleep
• Anxiety or apathy

Although Parkinson’s is a lifelong condition, it doesn’t mean your life is over. There are many different therapies and treatments available that can help improve your quality of life in the future. If you believe that additional rehabilitation services will help you in your situation, speak with your attorney about how to pursue compensation for future treatment through your lawsuit. 

Contact a Morgan & Morgan Pennsylvania Paraquat Lawyer Today

Farmers and agricultural workers have an undoubtedly important role in our society. Their work directly impacts American families from coast to coast, so the least we can do is protect these hardworking individuals from a dangerous product that’s negatively impacting their health. At Morgan & Morgan, one of our biggest assets is our size, and we use our resources to fight For the People who have been taken advantage of by large organizations. Until Syngenta acknowledges the risk of their product and makes it safer for farmers, you can count on Morgan & Morgan to help you advocate for your rights and hold this negligent manufacturer accountable for their actions.

Our paraquat lawyers are here for the farmers, agricultural workers, and others who have developed Parkinson’s after using Syngenta’s dangerous product. If you were harmed by their actions, complete a free, no-risk case evaluation today to take the first steps toward justice.