Houston Paraquat Lawyer
Every year, millions of pounds of paraquat dichloride, paraquat for short, are used to kill weeds present on ranches, farms, and other agricultural areas. It is not only one of the herbicides that is most commonly used, but it is also one of the most dangerous. In fact, the product is so poisonous that it is not available to the general public and anyone that uses it must have a special license to do so.
Paraquat has been found to cause serious health problems, including Parkinson’s disease. Many people have been poisoned or killed after accidentally consuming or inhaling the product. Often, this occurs while people are on the job. If you have been diagnosed with a health condition after using the substance, it is important to speak to a Houston paraquat lawyer that can advise on your case.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is an herbicide used to kill grasses and weeds. It has been sold throughout the United States since the 1960s, even though many developed countries have banned the use of the product. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the substance as a restricted-use pesticide, meaning it is only available for commercial and agricultural use.
Despite the fact that over 32 countries have banned paraquat, it is still used widely throughout the U.S. today. In fact, ten years ago, only five million pounds of the substance were used throughout the country. Today, it is more than ten million pounds. This is good news for the manufacturers of paraquat, but it is devastating for the agricultural workers and others that are regularly exposed to it.
The Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Paraquat
There have been several studies that have shown a link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system and progressively becomes worse. According to the Agricultural Health Study, individuals exposed to paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s, mainly because paraquat damages cells in the body. The symptoms of Parkinson’s are as follows:
- Shaking or tremors, which usually start in the hands, fingers, or limbs
- Slow movement, including dragging feet while walking
- Stiff or rigid muscles
- Impaired posture and balance
- Writing and speech changes
- A decreased ability to smile, blink, and perform other unconscious movements
If you have experienced any of these symptoms after using paraquat, it is essential that you speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe and when they pose a risk, they must warn consumers of it. When they do not meet this obligation, injured or sick individuals can file a claim for damages.
Contact Our Paraquat Lawyers in Houston for a Free Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or any other health condition after using paraquat, our Houston paraquat lawyers want to help. At Gilde Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can advise you of your legal options and help you obtain the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 800-973-3106 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
