Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that’s been widely used in the U.S. for decades. While more than 50 countries, including the entire European Union and China, have banned it due to health risks, it’s still being used across American farms.
Studies have linked long-term paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease, and lawsuits are now being filed by those who have developed Parkinson’s after being exposed.
If you think paraquat played a role in your diagnosis, it might be time to talk to a Paraquat lawsuit attorney to see what your options are.
Steps to Take If You Get Parkinson’s After Paraquat Exposure
Here’s what you can do if you suffer from Parkinson’s due to exposure to Paraquat:
Confirm Your Diagnosis and Document Everything
If you’ve been around paraquat, you might be wondering if that had something to do with it. The first thing you need to do is make sure your diagnosis is correct. Doctors can make mistakes, so getting a second opinion isn’t a bad idea.
You also want to have everything documented, starting from your symptoms, your test results, and anything else related to your health. This isn’t just for your own records; it could be important later if you need treatment, support, or even legal help.
Get Medical Help
There’s no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and make life easier. Medications can help with movement problems, and some people try physical therapy to stay active.
In some cases, doctors might even suggest advanced treatments like deep brain stimulation. The key is to talk to your doctor, learn about your options, and find what works best for you.
Look Into Financial Assistance
Getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s is already stressful, and worrying about money just makes it harder. Treatments, medications, and doctor visits all cost a lot. However, there might be financial help available. You could qualify for disability benefits, insurance coverage, or even programs that help with medical costs.
If you were exposed to paraquat at work or lived near farms where it was sprayed, you might also have legal options that could help cover expenses. You should get yourself a lawyer to help you look into your available financial options so you can get better without having to stress over bills.
Get a Lawyer
If you were exposed to paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s, you might have legal options. Lawsuits against paraquat manufacturers claim that companies knew about the dangers but failed to warn users.
People who worked with paraquat, including farmers, agricultural workers, and pesticide applicators, are filing claims to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Here’s what you should do if you think paraquat exposure caused your Parkinson’s:
- Write down where and when you were exposed to paraquat. This includes jobs where you handled it directly or places you lived near farms where it was used.
- An attorney can review your case, determine if you qualify for a lawsuit, and help you understand your legal rights.
- There are time limits (the statute of limitations) for filing a lawsuit, which vary by state. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing compensation.