If you were exposed to the herbicide Paraquat in Kentucky, and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, contact the attorneys at Meinhart & Manning, PLLC. You or your family member may not have been warned of the dangerous effects of Paraquat. Our attorneys can hold the manufacturer accountable for its failure to instruct or warn you of what could happen from Paraquat exposure.

Our personal injury attorneys have the experience, resources, and experience to help you file a Paraquat lawsuit and recover the financial compensation you deserve. Call today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a toxic chemical used to kill weeds, and it is banned in 32 countries around the world. Any exposure to Paraquat can be harmful, whether you are working with it, living near it, or absorbing it in another way.

What Is the Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?

Studies show that even low-level exposure to Paraquat can significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This is because Paraquat causes the loss of the cells that make the neurotransmitter dopamine. When less dopamine is produced, the coordination between our brain and muscle movement suffers. This can create issues in movement, including common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Generally, when a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he or she has lost 50 to 60 percent of dopamine neurons.

What Are Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

There are five stages of Parkinson’s disease, and symptoms will worsen with each stage. While symptoms will show up differently in each person, it helps to have a general idea of what to look for. For younger ages, non-motor symptoms such as loss of smell, constipation, and difficulty sleeping may show up first. Early signs of Parkinson’s disease include slower, stiffer, and more involuntary movements. This may show up in a resting tremor, or the slight shaking of one hand, issues balancing and maintaining an upright position, or changes in handwriting. Because Parkinson’s disease makes it difficult to control movements, handwriting may suddenly appear smaller or cramped. In the early stages of the disease, there may only be one or two symptoms present. If you notice more than one of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, consult a doctor.

Who is at Risk?

According to the EPA, more than 2.5 million kg of Paraquat has been used throughout the state of Kentucky since 1992. All 120 counties in Kentucky reported some level of use of the pesticide. Areas with the highest level of use include:

1. Christian County – 137,892 kg
2. Logan County – 108,695 kg
3. Union County – 105,812 kg
4. Daviess County – 101,938 kg
5. Graves County – 97,949 kg
6. Henderson County – 97,267 kg
7. Todd County – 81,808 kg
8. Warren County – 65,961 kg
9. Hickman County – 64,562 kg
10. Simpson County – 64,562 kg

Anyone exposed to Paraquat on a regular basis may be at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This can include farm and agricultural employees, residents that live near areas of heavy application, and other urban and rural settings.

What Is Strict Liability?

We believe manufacturers can be held strictly liable in Paraquat Parkinson’s disease cases. Strict liability is a concept that may apply in a personal injury lawsuit. In a strict liability case, a person can be held responsible (liable) for an action – regardless of whether he or she intended to cause harm or not. This means that if a manufacturer failed to warn you of the potential dangers of Paraquat, it can be held responsible for your damages. The reason behind the manufacturer’s failure to warn you doesn’t matter – just that you are hurt as a result. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit on your behalf and can explain the process in more depth.

Contact a Paraquat Attorney in Kentucky

If you or a loved one was exposed to Paraquat in Kentucky, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Meinhart & Manning, PLLC. We are passionate about helping those who were harmed by Paraquat by no fault of their own receive the compensation they are entitled to. Call us today to schedule a free case consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.