Pittsburgh Paraquat Lawsuits

Injured by Paraquat? Call a Trial Lawyer at (844) 383-0565!

Numerous studies have linked the herbicide paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as simply “paraquat,” to Parkinson’s disease. Groundskeepers, gardeners, farmers, and other injured individuals have already filed suit against paraquat manufacturers. If you are among those injured, you may also qualify to take legal action against the manufacturer that injured you.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our trial attorneys are investigating claims in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia involving exposure to paraquat and the later development of Parkinson’s. We are also reviewing cases concerning other common paraquat injuries.

With more than 40 years of experience, we are prepared to take on your claim and determine the cost of your damages. Our track record of success will show the negligent manufacturer that you are to be taken seriously—no matter how big or influential that manufacturer is, we won’t back down.

Call a Pittsburgh attorney at (844) 383-0565 to find out whether you are eligible for a paraquat lawsuit. Your initial consultation is free!

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is the active ingredient in a number of fast-acting herbicides, the most common being Gramoxone® SL 2.0 by Syngenta. Other paraquat products available in the U.S. include but are not limited to the following:

• Gramoxone® SL 3.0, Inteon®, and SL
• Cyclone® Star and SL 2.0
• Purgatory™ 3 SL
• Parazone® 3SL
• Tigris™ Paraquat 3SL
• Para-Shot 3.0
• Helmquat 3SL
• Willowood
• Blanco®
• Devour™
• Firestorm®
• Quik-Quat™

Since there are so many paraquat products available to consumers, there are several manufacturers that may be held liable for toxic exposure. (Adama, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LLC, and Drexel Chemical Company are just a few examples.) The allegations against these companies and corporations include failing to ensure that paraquat was safe for use, failing to warn consumers of its potential dangers, and misrepresenting it as harmless time and again.

The Link Between Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease

Environmental Health Perspectives, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and JAMA Neurology have each published peer-reviewed findings that support the link between paraquat exposure and a heightened risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged this link in 2016. The herbicide has, however, remained on the market—and despite its own findings, the EPA recently reapproved paraquat for use.

While the EPA requires agricultural workers who use paraquat to first become “Certified Paraquat Applicators,” even those certified may be subject to toxic exposure. The fact that the herbicide is often used as a spray means miniscule droplets may be accidentally breathed in through the nose or mouth. It may also be absorbed into the body through cuts and abrasions. Unfortunately, even a small amount of paraquat in the system may cause oxidative stress: the phenomenon behind a multitude of health conditions.

Persons living near farms or other areas in which paraquat is used may also suffer toxic exposure. In 2009, the American Journal of Epidemiology published a study revealing that persons who live 550 yards away from where paraquat is sprayed have a much higher chance—specifically, 75% higher—of developing Parkinson’s than persons who live elsewhere.

Other Paraquat Injuries

Parkinson’s is not the only negative health effect associated with the herbicide. Dermal (skin) contact, inhalation, and ingestion of paraquat have all been linked to a variety of injuries.

Some of the most common paraquat injuries, besides Parkinson’s, include:

• Lung scarring
• Holes or burns in the esophagus
• Liver damage
• Liver failure
• Lung failure
• Kidney failure
• Inflammation and infection affecting vital organs
• Central nervous system damage
• Cancer
• Death

If you have suffered any of the above injuries, you likely have grounds for a paraquat lawsuit.

Our Paraquat Injury Attorneys Will Fight for You

Paraquat’s high toxicity level—a single sip has proven fatal—and the numerous peer-review journals supporting its link to Parkinson’s disease have compelled dozens of countries to ban its use. Yet, for some reason, it remains available to consumers in Pittsburgh and throughout the U.S. This is unacceptable.

Our Pittsburgh trial lawyers at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. are committed to fighting for consumer and public safety. Paraquat manufacturers should not be able to get away with harming you and your loved ones. Our effective representation has won our clients millions of dollars in recoveries and earned us acclaim from prestigious legal organizations, such as the American Association for Justice, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers®, and more.

Don’t wait any longer. Contact a Pittsburgh Paraquat injury lawyer online today.